On Prince Naif Street, among the narrow roads of north Alkhobar, there is a restaurant with a flamboyant entrance that promises a tantalizing array of “authentic” Korean, Japanese, and Chinese cuisines.
A colorful staple of the area since 1984, the family-friendly eatery feels and looks like a time capsule. The interiors are adorned with vintage decor that offers nostalgic vibes.
With 1980s-style wood furniture, East Asia-inspired design touches, several large tanks full of turtles, and another with small fish, the restaurant has a lot to look at while you wait for your meal to arrive.
Jin Go Gai restaurant in North Khobar. (Photo/Jasmine Bager)
There is even a quirky wall with “Jin Go Gai: The Taste of Korea” printed on it that has become a favorite backdrop for taking selfies.
There are tables for small and large parties of diners, and the staff are attentive but laughably blunt.
If you’re seen as being overzealous while ordering, the waiters will openly tell you that they think you’ve chosen too many dishes and ask you to reevaluate.
Dishes are affordable, especially for the quality and quantity you get. Since many portions are small to medium-sized, it is tempting to over-order. It’s not unusual for parties to pack up a plate or even a few in takeaway boxes to enjoy later.
The dishes are perfectly seasoned, and the curry spice level is just right. The kimchi pancake is layered and has the right amount of crunch. The dessert, which consists of single donuts with a clear lid, is selected by walking up to the area and taking a plate from a conveyor belt in the back.
In a gesture that seems to have stopped a decade or so ago, there is a dish full of twisted hard candy sitting by the restaurant exit.
The Alkhobar branch is open most days from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
It has an Eastern Province location in Jubail and two international branches in neighboring Bahrain and Abu Dhabi.
