Have you ever wondered where Koreans go for late night food and drinks? There are several options around Gwinnett Place, but one of the original late night spots for great food is Sun and Moon Cafe, which is conveniently located in the same complex as Jeju Spa and Sauna.
Tucked away in the back corner of the building, Sun and Moon Cafe has been a staple for late night dining and hanging out in the Korean community for over a decade. If you ever have a chance to venture out and try it, the restaurant provides one of the more authentic Korean atmospheres and experiences anywhere in the southeast.
As soon as you approach the entrance, you are greeted with a very traditional architectural style known as hanok. The interior is even more authentic with traditional wooden structures that you will find in rural South Korea. These days, you are only able to come across this style in Seoul in certain traditional areas designed for tourists.
If the weather is pleasant, I encourage you and your party to sit outdoors on the patio. It is also set up traditionally, and when accompanied by certain dishes and drinks, it is sure to make any Korean long for their youth back in Asia.
The menu is diverse ranging from popular dishes such as bossam and budaejjigae to more traditional fare. One highly recommended item is their smoked duck. The generous portion comes served on a bed of leeks and is accompanied by a spicy mustard dipping sauce.
Another very popular dish is modeum jeon, a variety of fried meat, fish, and vegetables dipped in an egg batter. This dish is served at almost every major occasion in Korea be it weddings, birthdays or traditional family holidays. The food goes well with a refreshing glass of soju - perfect in any type of whether, but especially enjoyable on a cool winter night.
Sun and Moon Cafe also surprised us with an assortment of banchan (side dishes) that was really delicious. These days banchan is almost an afterthought, but the side dishes here really stand out.
Although Sun and Moon is a special place at night, they are also open for lunch with a menu for someone seeking a quick bite to eat. The food is always prepared with care and really reminds me of some of my favorites from my childhood. I hope that you will have a chance to visit them soon and maybe pop into Jeju Sauna while you are there.
