Winnipeg Blizzard Soul Food, Kiwa Korean Cuisine

In medicine you are fortunate to meet a number of fantastic people. Physicians, residents, students and patients each offer a glimpse into their life, some for fleeting moments, some for a lifetime. For me, the joy in meeting new people partially lies in their food and culinary experiences. One of my first questions revolves around one's favourite restaurant. Thankfully, everybody in Winnipeg has an opinion.

A medical student I was working with suggested Kiwa as authentic Korean cuisine. Located in the south of Winnipeg on Pembina Highway, you are greeted by a large beautiful signage beckoning you to Korean goodness.

The restaurant is neat, clean and modern. Hardwood floors are topped with plain tables and comfortable chairs. Having to attend an event that night, I arrived right at opening with the hopes of a quick in and out meal.

Veterans of the blog can already guess I ordered the Gamjatang (Pork Bone Soup). I would rate Kiwa's close to the top in the city. The delicate broth looks fiery hot but is actually subtle and filled with fatty porky flavour. The three neck pieces of pork had good amounts of tender meat. The best part of the dish were the two pieces of potato. I recommend eating these last as all the flavours and spices of the soup will permeate the taters. Delectable!

Stir Fried Spicy Pork & Squid came piping hot on a large stone plate. I have to commend Kiwa on their serving sizes as this was on par with the most value I have had in the city. Wonderfully tender pieces of pork and vegetables are fried with Korean spicy bean paste. The squid here was disappointingly bland and tough. Recommend just ordering the Pork (or Chicken) variant.

The Banchans today consisted of homemade Kimchi, Potatoes and Marinated Eggplant. Special mention needs to go to the homemade Kimchi with a hint of sourness to accentuate the sweet and spicy flavours.

Perhaps the best marker of the a Korean restaurant, I could not help but notice the litany of ethnically Korean customers at the end of the night. Overall, Kiwa serves excellent Korean at great prices. There are numerous large two person dishes I am already salivating to go try someday. Highly recommended.