IMO’s K-Food: Exploring Korean Cuisine in Trinidad
If you’re a food lover like me, you’ve probably explored a wide range of global flavors. But how familiar are you with Korean cuisine in Trinidad? While Chinese food has long been part of our local dining scene (the local Chinese community is now in its 219th year), Korean and Japanese (outside of sushi) food are still finding their places.
For over fifteen years, Golden Bell Restaurant has been the primary ambassador for Korean food in Trinidad. Its popularity has grown steadily, fueled in part by the global Hallyu (Korean wave) movement. I’ve been passionate about sharing the connections between Trinidad and Korean cultures, even launching my (on hiatus) Kimchi x Kallaloo project to encourage cultural exchange between the two regions.
However, with the challenges of caregiving and the pandemic, my advocacy took a backseat. That’s why when I recently stumbled upon IMO’s K-Food at Long Circular Mall, I was thrilled. With other eateries like Shabang Shabang Bakery and You & I Restaurant also offering Korean flavors, it’s exciting to see more options becoming available. But what sets IMO’s apart? And how does it compare to other Korean dining experiences in Trinidad?
In this post, I’ll take you through my experience at IMO’s K-Food, from the dishes I tried to how they fit into the growing presence of Korean cuisine in Trinidad. If you’ve been curious about Korean food but don’t know where to start, this guide is for you!
📌 Table of Contents
What Makes IMO’s K-Food Stand Out?
IMO’s K-Food brings a different perspective on Korean cuisine in Trinidad—one deeply rooted in comfort food and home-style flavors. IMO is itself a Korean word, meaning “Auntie”. While Golden Bell offers a more traditional approach with a focus on full meals, IMO’s presents a casual, approachable take with dishes that are both familiar and exciting.
Their menu includes staples like bibimbap, kimbap, and ramyun, but what really stood out to me was their rotating buffet-style banchan (side dishes)—something I haven’t seen done in Trinidad before. A mixture of salad and savory offerings, this setup allows for variety, freshness, and a little element of surprise with every visit.
Beef Bibimbap: A Flavorful Classic
Bibimbap is one of my favorite Korean dishes, so it was the perfect test for IMO’s K-Food. Traditionally, bibimbap consists of:
• Steamed rice
• Marinated beef
• A mix of sautéed and pickled vegetables
• A fried or raw egg
• A drizzle of **gochujang (Korean chili paste)**for heat
On my first visit, I ordered bibimbap and requested an egg—only to receive a hard-boiled egg instead of the expected fried egg. Worse, it was overcooked with that dreaded gray ring around the yolk. Long-time readers will know that’s been a pet peeve of mine at food establishments from the day of nought. Also? No gochujang. So, although delicious, both ‘oversights’ took the dish down to a 7/10 for me.
However, on my second visit, my expectations were adjusted. I realized that the absence of a fried egg and gochujang might have been intentional—perhaps to cater to Trinidadians who aren’t familiar, or comfortable, with these presentations (this speculation was confirmed during a subsequent discussion with a member of their team). Once I reframed my expectations, I was able to appreciate the dish more fully. On both visits the beef had been beautifully marinated in what seemed to be a “secret sauce”, it was remarkably tender and rich in flavor. The banchan selection was plentiful and included on my second visit, carrot jeon (savory pancakes) and rolled omelet, which complemented the meal perfectly. While the warmth of sesame oil provided the authentic flavor backdrop that I was looking for.
When ordering to take home I can easily add a fried egg and gochujang of my own 🙂
Final rating? 8.5/10—a solid dish that balances authenticity with accessibility.
Spicy Tuna Kimbap: A Perfectly Balanced Bite
If you love sushi, you might assume kimbap is the same thing. But there are some key differences:
• Kimbap uses sesame oil instead of rice vinegar, giving it a nuttier, richer flavor.
• The fillings are more diverse—often including vegetables, proteins, and even pickled elements.
• It’s usually eaten as a snack or lunch rather than an appetizer.
IMO’s spicy tuna kimbapwas a revelation. Unlike other versions I’ve had locally, this roll was:
✅ Generously sized
✅ Perfectly balanced in spice and freshness
✅ Packed with crunchy cabbage and shredded carrots
It wasn’t too dry, nor was it overloaded with mayo. Every bite had the right amount of heat, flavor, and texture. 10/10—nothing to add.
How IMO’s K-Food Compares to Other Korean Restaurants
Trinidadians are still getting accustomed to Korean cuisine, and IMO’s K-Food plays a different role from places like Golden Bell or You & I Restaurant.
• Golden Bell offers a full sit-down Korean dining experience, including classics like galbi, japchae and more.
• You & I Restaurant has a mix of hot pot and Korean-Japanese fusion dishes.
• IMO’s K-Food focuses on comfort food with a casual, grab-and-go feel, making it a great option for those new to Korean flavors.
Each has its strengths, but IMO’s shines for its fresh buffet-style banchan and well-executed kimbap.
The Growing Presence of Korean Cuisine in Trinidad
Korean food is still relatively new to Trinidadians. Unlike Chinese cuisine, which has been embraced for over a century, the bold flavors of fermented kimchi, spicy gochujang, and umami-rich soybean paste can be an adjustment for many.
However, with K-dramas, K-pop, and Korean skincare booming, interest in Korean cuisine in Trinidad is growing. The challenge now is accessibility—many Korean ingredients aren’t widely available, but the increasing number of restaurants can only help in introducing these flavors to the local palate.
How to Start Cooking Korean Food at Home
Want to try Korean cooking at home? Here’s where to start:
• Use familiar ingredients like soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger.
• Source essentials like gochujang, kimchi, and sweet potato noodles from international food marts like Peppercorns and Asian marts. Locally in the capital I have found a lot of what I need at Mandarin Mart in St. Ann’s.
• Try beginner-friendly dishes like kimchi fried rice, bulgogi beef, or japchae.
Final Thoughts: Is IMO’s K-Food Worth Trying?
Absolutely! IMO’s K-Food adds a fresh, casual take on Korean cuisine in Trinidad, making it a great entry point for those new to the flavors. Their spicy tuna kimbap is a must-try, and the beef bibimbap is flavorful and satisfying.
While some traditional elements have been adapted for a broader local audience, the heart of Korean comfort food is still present. It’s an exciting time for food lovers in Trinidad, and I can’t wait to see how our appreciation for Korean cuisine continues to evolve.
If you’ve been hesitant to try Korean food, consider this your sign! IMO’s K-Food is a great way to dip your toes into the world of delicious flavors Korea has to offer. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or just K-drama-curious, there’s something here for you. I myself will be trying the beef kimbap and beef bokkeumramyun next!
As I continue to eat my way through IMO’s menu, I’ll be sharing my images and thoughts on TriniGourmet’s Instagram, so make sure to be following me there for updates, photos, and more delicious recommendations!