A Culinary Time Machine: Genesis House Restaurant Takes a Leap into Korea's Goryeo Dynasty
RESTAURANT SPOTLIGHT
In a dazzling showcase of historical reverence, Genesis House Restaurant by Onjium is embarking on a Culinary journey like no other.
5 MINS READ TIME
WORDS BY IGEE OKAFOR
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF GENESIS HOUSE
On the evening of September 12th, 2023, a calm excitement filled the air as the restaurant unveiled its newly refreshed fall menu, an ode to the Goryeo Dynasty that once ruled over the Korean Peninsula. Breaking away from the traditional Joseon Dynasty fare that has graced its tables since its inception, Genesis House Restaurant offers guests a tantalizing taste of centuries-old tradition.
This transition marks a remarkable departure for the restaurant, one that promises to transport dinners through time and tantalize their taste buds with the essence of Korea's storied past. At the core of this transformation lies the Goryeo Dynasty, a period that served as the crucible for what we now know as Korean cuisine. During these golden years, Korean cuisine underwent a remarkable evolution, birthing essential culinary techniques, introducing exotic ingredients, and crafting flavors that continue to be the bedrock of Korean culinary culture.
This fall, Genesis House Restaurant invites its patrons to savor modern interpretations of age-old Goryeo recipes, each dish a culinary time machine back to a bygone era:
Mil-Cheosin:
A tribute to Yudu cheonsin, the annual ceremony dedicated to appeasing ancestor gods and the God of Farming for a bountiful harvest. Wheat crepes cradle chicken mixed with the vibrant flavors of doraji-namul, evoking the spirit of the Goryeo Dynasty's agricultural roots.
Eoyuk-Kimchi-Naengchae:
Inspired by Gaeseong's famed bo-kimchi, this dish is a harmonious medley of octopus, abalone, boiled beef, and Korean citron, all lovingly embraced by ripened white kimchi. It's a modern twist on a Goryeo classic, a testament to the culinary inventiveness of the time.
Saengseon-Kkot-JJim:
Filled with a delicate mixture of fish and tofu, it's adorned with autumn lance asiabell and bellflower, transforming the plate into a canvas of blooming flowers, a visual and gastronomic masterpiece.
Gaeseong-Mu-Jjim:
A nod to Gaeseong's legacy, this dish is a symphony of beef, chicken, pork, radish, and mushroom simmered together perfectly. In the late Goryeo Dynasty, influenced by Mongolian culture, this artful blend of meats emerged as a characteristic of Gaeseong cuisine.
As you dine at Genesis House Restaurant, you're not just indulging in a meal; you're embarking on a culinary pilgrimage through the annals of Korean history. Each bite is a step closer to understanding the vibrant range of flavors that define modern Korean cuisine, all rooted in the timeless traditions of the Goryeo Dynasty.
So, step through the restaurant's doors and let your taste buds guide this unforgettable journey to a time when every dish was a piece of living history and every meal a celebration of culture, art, and the enduring legacy of the Goryeo Dynasty.
Genesis House Restaurant invites you to savor the past, one exquisite bite at a time.
