src=”http://www.linksalpha.com/social?blog=Seoul+Eats&link=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.seouleats.com%2F2009%2F11%2Fvegetarian-in-korea-presents-in-depth-with-munir-rana-owner-of-alsaba-restaurant%2F&title=Vegetarian+in+Korea+Presents%3A+In-depth+with+Munir+Rana+Owner+of+Alsaba+Restaurant&desc=In+depth+with+Munir+Rana%3A+Owner+of+Alsaba+Restaurant+and+Saba+carpet+storeWritten+and+Photographed+by+Chalica+Packwww.vegetarianinkorea.comOne+cold+night+last+March+my+friends+and+I+ended+up+dining+at+Alsaba.+It+wasnt+planned%2C+we+had+tried+to+find+Petra%2C+but+since+I+was+new+to+Seoul%2C+and+clearly&fc=333333&fs=arial&fblname=like&fblref=facebook&fbllang=en_US&fblshow=1&fbsbutton=0&fbsctr=1&fbslang=en&fbsendbutton=0&twbutton=1&twlang=en&twmention=seouleats&twrelated1=seouleats&twrelated2=dustinmcole&twctr=1&lnkdshow=noshow&lnkdctr=1&buzzbutton=0&buzzlang=en&buzzctr=1&diggbutton=0&diggctr=1&stblbutton=0&stblctr=1&g1button=1&g1ctr=1&g1lang=en-US”>
In depth with Munir Rana: Owner of Alsaba Restaurant and Saba carpet store
One cold night last March my friends and I ended up dining at Alsaba. It wasnt planned, we had tried to find Petra, but since I was new to Seoul, and clearly directionally challenged, we got too cold wandering around and decided to try the Indian/Pakistani place with the big green sign. We were blown away by the food.
One thing Munir is not changing about his restaurant is its dedication to Halal cooking. Muslim customers can be assured they will be in keeping with their religion while dining at Alsaba. Munir says, “ food business is close to religion”. Both must start out with a clean heart. Munir respects my vegetarian diet and said his food is prepared for each customer’s dietary needs. It’s comforting to know that there is no sneaky use of beef or chicken broth.
I’ve since run into Alsaba owner Munir Rana on several occasions. He’s often seen on Yongsan Military Base selling his rugs at various vendor events. Munir also owns the restaurant and the adjacent Persian rug store- Saba. Recently, I had an opportunity to sit with Munir for a late dinner.
After a great meal, Munir took me next door to his rug shop. I’ve been a lifelong fan of Persian rugs, but with two little ones at home-I told Munir it wasnt likely I would be purchasing such an “extravagance” at this point in my life. Munir is too much of a gentleman to roll his eyes at me, but he did tell me that having children at home is not a reason to delay purchasing a Persian rug. Persian rugs are staple items in homes in Pakistan, India and Iran- all countries Munir has rug dealings with. These are family rugs. They are meant to be lived on.
Munir buys his rugs from small family dealers. They come directly from the weavers who made them. 99% of the rugs he sells are made of vegetable dye and not harsh chemicals like some other Persian rugs. Munir is a true pioneer in Korea for selling handmade Persian rugs.
Munir’s rug store is not a business to him- it is a hobby. He talks about these rugs with such respect for the workmanship it took to make them. He clearly feels Persian rugs are a founding element of his heritage.
Munir dreams of opening a multi-cultural restaurant on the Yongsan Post. As the wife of service-member, I would LOVE to see Rana’s dream come to fruition.
About the Author
Any suggestions for other Muslim friendly though not necessarily vegetarian restaurants or meals, preferably Korean ones? I have a friend visiting soon and good food is a must! Thanks!
GiMo,
I would suggest Sanchon in Insadong for Temple Cuisine. I can't recommend any of the Korean bbq houses. I don't know if there are any that are Halal. I do know that the Arab places in Itaewon are Halal. I recommend Dubai Restaurant, Curry Town, and Petra. How about seafood?
Seafood is definitely an option — any recommendations there? Preferably ones with English or picture menus? Thanks!