Bandal (now Dal Oasis)

Indie Jinju likes to keep abreast of new developments, and at risk of being too Gajwacentric, it is once again the back gate of Gyeongsang University that has spawned the newest kid on the block: Bandal chicken.

As most people who've lived in Korea a while will know, Korean fried chicken is great, even to those who never touch the stuff back home. Well, Bandal takes it up a level. This tiny, independent chicken hut is run by three women, one of whom was apparently a chef at Outback Steakhouse in Seoul for several years. The training obviously paid off, as the stuff she dishes up here is way better than anything from any chain I've visited.

Okay, so it's fast food, time to calm down. What do they make exactly? Well there are lovely tortillas at W3500, chicken tenders  for the same price and fries for W2500. The tenders and fries come with a very tasty, and well-presented selection of dips, which help set this place apart.  Bandal also serves coffee and a few other extras, that help complete the dining experience.  It's priced slightly above McDonalds, but the golden arches doesn't even come close. All this with a cool, minimalist interior, and equally well-designed, tasteful packaging to take away, makes this the Gaj's top fast food joint.

And the final verdict? 9 out of 10. Full marks could only have been achieved through expanded seating and menu options, including beer, though this would arguably be to the detriment of the overall ambience and ethos of the place. Happy dining - I'm sure it will be.

Bandal has since closed and reappeared as Dal Oasis in Pyeonggeo Dong. A full write up is on the way.Dal Oasishttp://indiejinju.blogspot.kr/2013/06/dal-oasis.html