KMK: Zelen

When I think of Bulgaria the image of fearsome shivering winters and harsh mountainous ranges with families in claptrap houses huddled around big steaming bowls of borscht come to mind. I thought Bulgarian food would be bland, watery, and boring. Zelen in Itaewon shattered that image to pieces.

I should have know to expect the unexpected when I first entered the restaurant. Swathed in greenery with strategically placed statuary the place resembles some far flung villa. The open kitchen with the chefs buzzing about and the wait staff fluttering about attending to tables infuses the Zen like garden atompsher with a crackling energy.

After being seated and glancing over the menu I realized I didn’t have an inkling about Bulgarian food. Grilled mushrooms and eggplant, spinach stuffed chicken, stuffed mushrooms and roasted peppers, red bean salad, yogurt soup,  roasted lamb, lentil soup, and a dozen more. The dishes on hand covered chicken, pork, beef, and fish as well as a sizable vegetarian friendly section. I had no idea there were so many varied Bulgarian dishes, but I was eager to taste them all.

The Good:

The spinach stuffed chicken was heaven as well as the stuffed mushrooms.

The Bad:

It’s a good idea to make reservations on a weekend night. It can get crowded and you may have a long wait otherwise.

The Weird:
It’s the garden of eden come alive with an overabundance of vegetation.

Delivery:

Not yet, but you can order other tasty treats via Shuttle (셔틀). The prep time is 15 to 35 minutes.

Directions

Itaewon subway station  exit 1. Turn right into the alley next to the KFC. Walk straight and make the first left. Walk straight and at the dead end make a right, climbing the stairs to Zelen on your right.

Phone:

02-749-0600 (Itaewon location)

02-749-2900 (Hannam-Dong location)

Zelen Website

Zelen on Facebook