Popular Korean restaurant opens first Canadian location in Toronto

A Michelin-recommended Korean restaurant known for its soy-marinated crab has opened in downtown Toronto.

Gebang Sikdang — which has dominated the Michelin Bib Gourmand category for 10 years — has opened locations around the world and is now opening an official spot in the heart of the city.

The Michelin Bib Gourmand award is a distinction given to restaurants that offer knockout cooking, specifically, at prices that won’t break the bank.

Gebang Sikdang recently saw immense acclaim in a recent pop-up in collaboration with Katsuya, a celebrated location known for its Japanese menu, and as a result, the two are officially teaming up and becoming permanent neighbours at Katsuya’s Gerrard St. location.

“Seoul, LA, Ho Chi Minh, New York — now, Toronto,” read a social media post from Gebang Sikdang’s team.

 

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As for what guests can expect, this award-winning location offers Ganjang gejang or gejeot, a type of jeotgal, which is salted fermented seafood in Korean cuisine, often in either ganjang or a chilli pepper powder sauce.

It’s considered a hard-to-find delicacy on a global scale, as it is packed with umami flavour.

“Soy sauce-marinated crab and stylish décor don’t always go hand in hand, but at Gebang Sikdang, they do,” reads the Michelin Guide. “Gebang Sikdang caters to a trend-conscious crowd with its polished interior and its wide selection of raw crab dishes.”

During the initial pop-up run in May, people were not hiding their excitement with social comments on the collab stating, “OMG SO EXCITEDD,” “went to the LA pop up, can’t wait for the toronto one!!”

Now, with Katsuya and Gebang Sikdang sharing one roof, this excitement will likely pulse throughout Toronto year-round.

Gebang Sikdang opens today (July 17) at 66 Gerrard St. E in Toronto.