Looking for a fast, casual restaurant with chill vibes?
Kimchipapi Kitchen, a food joint on 184 Salem St., opened on December 20th, 2024, in its Malden location. It conjoined with Pondejoy, a restaurant selling the internet sensation “mochi donuts,” selling a variety of dishes and snacks accommodated to a wide array of palates.
Kimchipapi was first established in 2018 at 81 Harvard Ave, Allston, by owner and founder Joon Son. There are currently two locations in Massachusetts.
Son’s motive behind the opening was very straightforward: he was inspired by his mother, a restaurant owner.
Son describes the food served as a form of “Korean street food” and “Korean comfort food.” On the menu, the restaurant serves a wide variety of Korean-inspired dishes, such as Korean fried chicken, Korean corn dogs, and bibimbap, to name a few. Using the traditional dishes as a base, an American spin to it, which Son calls “Korean-inspired cuisine.”
After living in Malden for a few years, Son felt that “when it came to Korean cuisine” the city was “underserved.” Although it was never in Son’s plans to establish a restaurant in Malden, he felt Malden needed better representation of Korean culture, so he established a foundation for more to come.
Malden was a great opportunity for Son. He emphasized how “it was never planned, but we just happened to come across an opportunity to take over a space for a restaurant that was closed.” Son continued, claiming that there is a “large Asian community here” which, in his words, had overall “added to the decision.” Not only does the community reflect the restaurant’s main audience, but it also serves as a hangout spot for many Malden High students.
From the inside of Kimchipapi, the food joint has a cozy interior, offering various seating options throughout the restaurant. The atmosphere itself can be described as “comfortable” and “very chill,” said sophomore Sofia Evoras and freshman Leo Le. Most notably, the seating is accustomed to a few board games, such as Jenga and checkers.
Visually, the food is eye-catching, using various colors and ingredients throughout the menu. Ranging from small bites, like fries, to more filling food, such as ddukbokki or several rice bowls, the menu is bound to captivate many newcomers.
Further emphasizing how the menu adapts to many restrictions and tastes, sophomore Rahma Aboukhalil mentioned, “I liked how they had vegetarian options for those of us who can’t have meat, and it also seemed like the stuff was fresh.”
Kimchipapi is widely accessible, being both walk-in and take-out; the restaurant is noted to have many positive reviews through both locations. For more inquiries regarding Kimchipapi, visit their website, kimchipapi.com, and their Instagram, @kimchipapiktchen, for more information and updates.
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