POCHA KOREAN RESTAURANT

I’m Nick Hamman from Hammy Eats and I’m looking for the best Korean food in South Africa, and today I’m out in Parkhurst, Johannesburg, to try out Pocha on 4th Avenue. Owned by Lee, the same man who has Sarusang next door, this joint features chicken as the star of the show.

Short for Pojangmacha, the restaurant is a tribute to the casual tent-style eateries of Korea, and as Korean friends of mine have confirmed, this food is about as authentic as it gets.

As this South African can confirm, everything is as mouth-wateringly delicious as it looks. Koreans eat communally, and every meal is a celebration where friends and family come together, often enjoying different sides or Banchan. Think kimchi, pickled radish, seasoned bean sprouts, and more.

Together with world-famous Korean fried chicken, chicken feet, and cold noodles, the star of the show was Dak Galbi. a blunt force culinary win: gochujang-marinated chicken chunks stir-fried with cabbage, vegetables, and sweet potatoes.

Born in the 1960s in Chuncheon as a cheap, spicy fix for soldiers and students, it earned its name (“chicken ribs”) by standing in for pork galbi in both price and punch. At places like Pocha in Parkhurst, you’ll find it served sizzling on a table-hot griddle.

Just as you think the dish is nearly complete, the option to have sticky rice added to create an entirely new flavour sensation is offered,and in our case, gladly accepted.

I can’t sing its praises enough and would highly recommend trying out Pocha for yourself. I’ve left the details on hammyeats.co.za, but if this is not the best Korean food in South Africa, you need to let me know in the comments where I’m going next.

4th Avenue, Parkhurst, Johannesburg
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