When the New York Times rolls out its list of top restaurants in the country, eyes scramble to scan which culinary stars have been anointed. This year, Noori Pocha in Clawson, Michigan, a retro Korean gastropub, not only caught the NYT's eye but also became Michigan's sole representative on the coveted list. Since its opening in August 2023, its K-pop-infused atmosphere and eclectic Korean menu seem to quickly win accolades.
But what exactly has led Noori Pocha to rightfully earn this spot? According to CBS News Detroit, diners stepping into Noori Pocha can expect a playful experience, complete with a disco ball and a giant screen portraying Korean streets. In Yeol Kwon, the owner who also runs Noori Chicken collaborates with his sister Nali and chef Bak Sanghwan to cater an array of dishes that range from bulgogi to kimchi fried rice. Their "magic sprinkle" topped chicken wings might just be a tangible bite into what makes the gastropub stand out.
The Detroit Free Press shed more light on the eatery's success, emphasizing the pocha-style recipes developed by co-owner Nali Kwon and Chef Salang Hwan Bak. "We worked very hard in the development of the concept and design of the space. Youjin Kim designed the whole space and collected all the vintage items from Korea," Nali Kwon told the Detroit Free Press. The dedication to crafting an authentic Korean dining atmosphere has not gone unnoticed.
However, it's not just Noori Pocha that's raising the Midwest's culinary profile. According to the Des Moines Register, establishments such as Oro by Nixta in Minnesota, Asador Bastian in Chicago, and The Aperture in Cincinnati have also carved out spots on the New York Times' list. Sadly, Iowa was left out this year despite having snagged a place previously with Iowa City's Webster.
Meanwhile, resonating with local pride, Noori Pocha also emerges as a culinary destination that both transplants and Clawson natives have to come to love. "It’s rare for a restaurant to be this transporting, and rarer still to have a meal that’s this much fun," Sara Bonisteel wrote, as per the Detroit Free Press, a sentiment echoed by the community and visitors alike. The intertwined success of Noori Chicken, Kwon's other venture, stands testament to the family's flourishing grip on America's expanding palate for Korean cuisine.
