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Calong
“Matches your preference for quiet, immersive environments. This venue's atmosphere aligns with your saved favorites.”
L'ambiance
Calong is where East London’s anti-establishment vibe meets serious culinary ambition. Chef Joo Young Won (ex-Galvin at Windows) is pulling off something genuinely clever here: a Korean-European mashup that never feels gimmicky. Think kimchi fritters with a crispy bite, pork terrine with Korean ssamjang, and hwangtae croquettes that are equal parts nostalgic and inventive. It’s a small, warm room where the menu changes with the seasons and the wine list stays tight and ethical.
Known For
- •kimchi fritters
- •hwangtae croquettes
- •Korean-European fusion
- •seasonal British ingredients
Best For
Location & Hours
We-Th 18:00-22:30; Fr-Sa 12:00-14:30, 18:00-22:30; Su 12:00-15:30
Avis (1)
A Korean-European fusion gem in Stoke Newington
Calong is the kind of place you tell your food-obsessed friends about with a conspiratorial grin. Chef Joo Young Won has created something that’s equal parts French technique and Korean soul without ever feeling like a gimmick. The kimchi fritters are a masterclass in texture—crisp, funky, and served with a chili mayo that hits just right. Pair that with the hwangtae (dried pollock) croquettes, which somehow manage to be both comforting and exciting, and you’ve got a meal that lingers in your memory long after you leave. The space itself is unpretentious but thoughtfully curated, with exposed brick and wall-mounted coat hooks that nod to the neighborhood’s character. It’s not a big menu, but every dish feels intentional.
Lire en français
Calong, c'est le genre d'endroit qu'on recommande à voix basse aux amateurs de bonne cuisine, comme un secret bien gardé. Le chef Joo Young Won y joue un jeu subtil entre techniques françaises et saveurs coréennes, sans jamais tomber dans le piège du mélange forcé. Les beignets de kimchi sont un délice : croustillants, piquants, servis avec une mayonnaise au chili qui surprend. À côté, les croquettes de morue séchée (hwangtae) offrent un équilibre parfait entre réconfort et audace. L'espace, sobre et chaleureux, avec ses briques apparentes et ses cintres muraux, reflète bien l'âme du quartier. La carte est courte, mais chaque assiette est pensée avec soin. C'est le genre de restaurant qu'on garde pour soi… ou presque.