Next time you’re feeling glum about being turned down for that elusive North Korean visa, pop across to Vladivostock instead.  There, in Cafe Pyongyang, the friendly staff and good food will put a smile back on your face.

The restaurant’s food preparation staff is a duo composed of one North Korean woman and one Chinese gentleman, who prepare cuisine ranging from inexpensive kimchi to more sumptuous entrees. There are also some traditional Russian soups and salads. The beverage menu is equally eclectic; Korean soju and Russian vodka are both featured, as well as Chinese, Korean and Russian beers.

Make sure you time your visit well, though:

“Customers are inconvenienced when our Korean and Chinese workers return to their countries every six months,” she lamented. “Our Korean cook is exceptional, and we are always eager to see her return to us,” Svetlana said.