1st Recipe: Where Mediterranean Cuisine Meets Korea

By Melline Galani

Though situated on two different continents, Italy, the Iberian Peninsula, and Korea have more in common than one may think: They are all peninsulas and they have four seasons, but what brings them together is food and their common passion for noodles, pastas, and rice. And, if you have lived here for a while, you know that Italian-style restaurants are hot spots for dates and other significant outings.

Downtown Gwangju is a great area for trying different cuisines from Japan, China, Vietnam, the USA, Italy, and of course, Korea. Since I am always in search of nice places to eat, I like to explore what our amazing City of Light has to offer. Among the places I enjoy eating at is 1st Recipe, a Mediterranean fusion restaurant situated on the second floor of a building near Wedding Street, just a three-minute walk from the Asia Culture Center, Exit 3. The place has been around for some time and is well known in the neighborhood.

The moment you step inside, you are welcomed by nice decorations (especially during Christmas time), beautiful plants, and a smiling staff who are always eager to help you and make your visit comfortable. If you are lucky enough to meet the owner in person, the experience will become perfect. I have not seen such a warmhearted and kind individual in a while. The ambiance is warm and cozy, giving the place a home-like feeling. The restaurant is spacious and the tables are remotely arranged, making the dining experience not only pleasant but also safe, considering social distancing regulations.

The food menu is diverse, offering a wide range of options like fresh salads, pilaf, pastas, pizzas, and steak accompanied by an extensive selection of drinks – liquors, wines, and other beverages – to meet all tastes. All recipes are fusion-style Mediterranean food to meet the tastes of the locals. Some of the combinations are quite interesting.

Since I like greens, I always order salads too, but be aware that the size is quite large, I would say for 2–3 people. I could never eat one by myself no matter how hungry I might be. Their servings are more than enough, so one will not leave the place unsatisfied. Appetizers are on the house and so are coffee or teas after the meal. Moreover, you will get a pack of Mentos on your way out.

The pizza crust they make is different, being made of puff pastry and not dough, but it is nevertheless appetizing. I also enjoyed their assorted pastas, especially the lasagna, since it is among my favorite foods. Their pilaf is also delicious, especially if it is spicy. Honestly, the entire menu is inviting, making the eating experience very enjoyable. My favorite items include the salads, lasagna, vongole, carbonara, rose sauce pastas, and paella, the most popular dish of Spain, which is a blend of rice, saffron, vegetables, and seafood mixed in a delicious way. Adding a glass of wine to the meal makes the culinary experience pure pleasure.

Prices are more than reasonable, ranging from 15,000 up to 35,000 won for the steak. The servings are more than generous, and the food is appetizing. One glass of red or white wine is just 3,000 won.

If you are in downtown Gwangju and feel like sampling something other than Korean food, then give this restaurant a try. With nice staff, savory food, substantial servings, diverse and complex dishes, and decent prices, there is nothing more one could ask for.

Photographs by Melline Galani.

1st Recipe (퍼스트레시피)

• Address: Chungjang-ro An-gil 44-1 (Hwanggeum-dong 76-2), Dong-gu, Gwangju 광주 동구 충장로 안길 44-1 (황금동 76-2)
• Operating Hours: 11:00–22:30, closed Tuesdays
• Phone: 062-234-4567; 010-2222-9878
• Instagram: @1strecipe_master

The Author
Melline Galani is a Romanian enthusiast, born and raised in the capital city of Bucharest, and currently living in Gwangju. She likes new challenges and learning interesting things, and she is incurably optimistic. She enjoys tasty food and is always in search of great places to dine, and 1st Recipe is one of the places she likes to eat at. Instagram @melligalanis