Food Review: Home Chef's 'Skid Game' Serves Iconic Korean Comfort Dishes That'll Put You In A Food Coma

Tucked away in the heart of Dadar, Home Chef is a vibrant all-day dining space that has stepped into the world of Korean pop culture with its limited-time Skid Game theme — a cheeky nod to Squid Game. Founded by Aditi Limaye Kamat and Jeetendra Thackeray, the space is more than just a restaurant — it’s a food and pop culture crossover that’s impossible to ignore. This season’s theme runs until August 15 and transforms the space into a vibrant, Instagrammable playground of Korean aesthetics and K-pop energy. But don’t let the theme distract you — the food here speaks for itself.

Coffee Ice-Cream Affogato Iced Irish Coffee Boba Melt

As a coffee lover, I was instantly drawn to the Iced Irish Coffee Boba Melt. It’s not your average cold coffee — served over crushed ice with creamy brew, melting vanilla ice cream, and soft boba pearls, it’s rich, textured, and surprisingly comforting. Perfect for a moody monsoon day. Then came the Coffee Ice-Cream Affogato—a scoop of smooth ice cream drenched in hot, strong espresso, with dry fruits lining the rim of the cup. The contrast of hot and cold, bitter and sweet, creamy and crunchy made it unforgettable. Both drinks hit different, and honestly, I’d go back just for them.

Mandu (Veg)

From there, the spread quickly escalated into full-on comfort food heaven. The mandu (dumplings) — available in both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options — are crafted with finesse. The veg version is filled with cabbage and carrots, beautifully garnished with microgreens. The chicken version is delicately boiled, retaining a soft, juicy texture that pairs wonderfully with the house-made sauces.

Mandu (Non veg)

Speaking of which, the two in-house dips deserve a spotlight. One is a vinegar-based coriander sauce with a sweet and tangy flavour, the other is a bold, sweet-spicy blend made with a house-special kimchi paste. These sauces don’t just complement the dumplings — they elevate them.

Next up were the Korean Cheese Dog — two crispy golden sticks of mozzarella coated in a light batter, drizzled with cheese and a tangy house sauce, and served with a side of kimchi on the plate. They’re gooey, messy, and absolutely addictive.

Korean Cheese Dog with Kimchi

Then came the K-pop Fries — a towering plate of French fries layered with schezwan sauce, triple-cheese blends, sesame seeds, and a surprise mix of Korean-inspired flavours. The portion is generous, and the spice-cheese combo is dangerously good.

K-pop Fries

The Korean Bun filled with mushrooms and molten cheese is soft, savoury, and comforting, perfect for anyone looking for a more mellow option. On the bolder end, the Tteokbokki delivers that signature Korean kick — spicy yet slightly sweet, featuring chewy rice cakes cooked with kimchi, napa cabbage, and shiitake mushrooms. It’s fiery, but addictive.

Korean Bun

For mains, the Korean Fried Rice arrives topped with a crisp nori sheet, adding both texture and flair. The rice is sticky, subtly seasoned, and a perfect base to balance the more intense side dishes. Rounding off the meal is a bowl of Japchae, the famous Korean glass noodles stir-fried in sesame oil. Light, nutty, and full of delicate flavours, it’s served with a perfectly cooked sunny-side-up egg on top, which adds richness and makes the dish even more satisfying.

Japchae Korean Fried Rice

The Skid Game theme adds a layer of playful nostalgia. Whether you’re a die-hard K-drama fan or just in the mood for great comfort food.

Average cost for two: ₹ 1,800

Where: Home Chef, Shivaji Park, Dadar, Mumbai