A taste of Korean food in Strathcona Park

 

Yvonne Van Alphen

Sandy Hillers can now enjoy a bowl of authentic Korean food in Strathcona Park. As part of a City initiative to assist food trucks through the COVID-19 pandemic, food trucks are now serving food at 28 City of Ottawa parks until the end of October.

Hana Jung, owner of BAP by Raon Kitchen, said she selected Strathcona Park because it has “a lovely atmosphere.” She explained that her business started eight years ago at a local farmers’ market where she sold kimchi (fermented vegetables, such as Napa cabbage) and house made sauces (that have a red chilli pepper base). Customers loved these products but were requesting more real Korean food.

This is when she applied for mobile spots and started serving BibimBAP in a bowl, a famous Korean dish. BibimBap is a base of black and white rice, covered by a layer of vegetables (carrots, green cabbage, spinach, mushroom, sliced omelette), and a protein of your choice. Proteins include beef (the most popular), chicken, pork (the spiciest) and organic tofu (a vegan option). This comes with one of five house made sauces. All servings are around 400 calories. The cost is $12 including tax. You can pay using debit, credit, or cash.

During the pandemic, BAP by Raon Kitchen has been able to keep going by selling their products on-line: website www.raonkitchen.com. Although it has been hard for them, they are now ready to welcome Sandy Hillers to their food truck. Hana says they are seeing a lot of repeat business which is a sign that Sandy Hillers are liking the food.

Having a food truck close by is certainly a bonus for those who want to spend evenings in the park. To try some Korean food, look for the small grey stainless steel truck located in the parking lot just before Adàwe Crossing. They are open from 4:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday. You can download the Buzzyn app to take advantage of food rewards such as $5 off after the seventh visit.

BAP by Raon Kitchen also serves at other locations like Laurier/Elgin, Mon-Fri 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m., and Ottawa Farmers’ Market, Lansdowne Park, Sundays 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.