'Minced beef and bread' a hit in North Korean fast food joint

He was pleased to learn that the site was in a choice location in downtown Pyongyang, right next to a subway station and within walking distance of various universities.

He went back to Pyongyang in December to begin preparatory work for the opening of the eatery, from arranging the layout of the restaurant to listing the kitchen equipment and ingredients that needed to brought in.

The seasoning for the chicken and the waffle mix are among items imported from Singapore but other ingredients like beef and the chicken itself are sourced locally, with suppliers using his recipes for the burger buns and patties, Soh said.

The eatery buys soft drinks from shops that cater to the diplomatic community and resells the beverages in paper cups.

Local worker are very intelligent and eager to learn, Soh said.

“I don't need to spend much time to train them. I take about two, three days and they have a grasp of the work.”

Since Samtaesong opened its doors in May, customers, including foreign students from China and Russia, have been streaming into the 246-square-metre (2,647 square foot) outlet, he said.

“The locals come in and know the food that they want to order,” said Soh.

Prices are set in euros, but U.S. dollars are accepted as payment.

A “minced beef and bread” costs 1.20-1.70 euros (US$1.77 to US$2.50) and about 300 are sold each day, said Soh.

The most expensive item on the menu is the crispy fried chicken at slightly under three euros.

The communist state's per capita income was estimated at just over US$1,000 in 2008, but this is not denting Soh's drive to open more Samtaesong outlets in the country.

He thinks North Koreans enjoy the novelty of the food and environment in his restaurant.

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