It all started eleven years ago when Bini Lee and José Morillo opened the charming restaurant Kochu Karu on Eberswalder Straße. Within a short time, Kochu Karu had become a well-known and popular address for innovative cuisine in Berlin. The two incorporate much from their respective homelands into their cooking: Bini comes from South Korea and used to perform on stage as an opera singer, and Kochu Karu’s eye-catching interior was also inspired by her past. Her friends from the theater collaborated on the design and interior décor and the striking mural was created by Berlin-based illustrator Ulrich Scheel. Hailing from Andalusia, José was the chef during Bini’s internship that got her started in the restaurant business. Their roots are very important to both of them. They feel strongly that their cuisine is neither Korean nor Spanish, but a fusion of memories, family recipes and traditional methods of production.
As restaurant owners, Bini and José had to figure things out during the pandemic, and after their successful “Nimm Mahl! – To Go Service,” the two discovered that many of Kochu Karu’s delicious products could also be packaged very well by the jar. So when a small storefront directly across from their restaurant became available last year, the two didn’t hesitate for long: the Kochu Karu Deli was born! Here, gourmets can find homemade kimchi, apple-wasabi dressing or their own soy sauce, a lovingly curated selection of natural wines, Spanish cheese and ham, as well as rotating hot dishes such as hearty Tempel Bibimbap and what are surely the most delicious roast beef sandwiches in Prenzlauer Berg. All dishes can be enjoyed on the spot or packed to go. And since Bini and José can never sit still, they are now sharing their knowledge and appreciation for good food with interested participants as part of their new Tasty Sunday series. For example: What is kimchi, what makes it so good, and what else can I do with it? Here you can broaden your culinary horizons in a relaxed atmosphere, talk shop, philosophize, feast – and toast to a delicious evening.
Text & Photos: Natascha Hamel
Kochu Karu Deli, Eberswalder Str.16, 10437 Berlin–Prenzlauer Berg; map
Wed–Sat 12–19h & Sun 12–16h
Kochu Karu Restaurant, Eberswalder Str.35, 10437 Berlin–Prenzlauer Berg; map
Wed–Sat 18–23h30
@kochukaruberlin
