Acclaimed South Korean dining institution Um Yong Baek (嚴湧帛) has officially expanded its footprint to Hong Kong, launching its first outpost in the bustling heart of Central. Located on Stanley Street, this debut marks a significant milestone for the brand, which has garnered a reputation as a “national-level” dining destination in Korea, often associated with long queues and high expectations. The restaurant aims to bring authentic regional flavors to the local market, specifically focusing on the art of traditional pork soup rice, or Gukbap.
A Masterclass in Broth Preparation
The cornerstone of Um Yong Baek’s menu is its dedication to time-honored preparation methods. The kitchen commits to a rigorous cooking process, simmering pork bones for over eight hours to extract deep flavors. Diners are presented with two distinct regional variations that offer a study in contrast.
The Miryang-style Pork Soup is characterized by its opaque, milky-white broth. Often compared to Japanese Tonkotsu ramen for its richness, this variety delivers a robust, creamy mouthfeel that remains surprisingly clean and non-greasy on the palate. It is traditionally served with thick-cut, skin-on pork belly that boasts a tender texture without the overpowering pork odor often associated with lesser preparations.
For those preferring a lighter profile, the Busan-style Pork Soup features a clearer broth, allowing the natural savory notes of the ingredients to take center stage. Both bowls are accompanied by the essential accompaniments of finely chopped chives and house-made shrimp paste, allowing guests to adjust the saltiness and depth of flavor to their liking. An array of fermented side dishes and fresh kimchi rounds out the meal, adding necessary acidity and crunch.
Beyond the Signature Bowl
While the soup rice is the main attraction, the menu extends to other staples of Korean comfort food. Highlights include the spicy flower crab ramen, poached pork neck paired with perilla oil noodles, and traditional boiled pork belly. These options ensure that the restaurant offers variety for repeat visits, catering to both solitary diners seeking a quick, hearty lunch and groups looking to share family-style plates.
Celebrity-Endorsed Culinary Status
The restaurant’s reputation extends beyond culinary circles into popular culture, bolstering its appeal among younger demographics and international visitors. Um Yong Baek was notably featured on the Netflix series The Hungry and the Hairy (transliterated locally as Eating Our Way Through Life), hosted by K-pop superstar Rain and entertainer Lu Hyun-kyu. Additionally, the brand has gained traction as a hotspot for K-pop fans, as Mingyu of the boy band SEVENTEEN has been documented dining at the establishment. This celebrity endorsement has transformed the location into a pilgrimage site for fans of the genre.
Visiting the Venue
Situated in a prime location, the Hong Kong branch is expected to draw significant lunch and dinner crowds. The restaurant operates daily with two service windows to manage the anticipated demand.
Practical Information:
- Location: G/F, 22 Stanley Street, Central.
- Contact: 2688 6600.
- Operating Hours: 11:30 AM – 3:30 PM and 5:30 PM – 10:30 PM (Daily).
As the local dining scene continues to embrace regional Korean specialties, Um Yong Baek stands poised to set a new benchmark for authentic Gukbap in the city. Food enthusiasts are advised to visit during off-peak hours to fully savor the nuances of these meticulously crafted broths.