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Dongnae Halmae Pajeon Review: Is Busan’s Famous Green Onion Pancake Worth the Outrageous Price?

Busan, a vibrant port city in South Korea, is renowned for its delicious seafood and unique local cuisine. Among these culinary treasures, Dongnae Pajeon (동래파전), or green onion pancake, stands out as a regional specialty. Today, we delve into one of Busan’s most famous Dongnae Pajeon restaurants, Dongnae Halmae Pajeon (동래할매파전), often touted as the top spot for this dish. However, this isn’t your average pancake joint; Dongnae Halmae Pajeon is known for its incredibly high prices, sparking debate about whether the taste and experience justify the cost. Let’s take a closer look at this legendary eatery.

What is Dongnae Halmae Pajeon and Why is it Special?

Dongnae Pajeon is a unique style of Korean green onion pancake originating from the Dongnae area of Busan. Unlike typical pajeon made with wheat flour, Dongnae Pajeon often incorporates rice flour, giving it a distinct texture. Dongnae Halmae Pajeon boasts a long history, claiming to be a Busan City Designated Local Food Restaurant No. 1, with 80 years of tradition passed down through four generations of daughters-in-law. It’s been featured on numerous Korean food programs like “Delicious Guys” and “Battle Trip,” further solidifying its reputation as a must-visit culinary destination in Busan.

Visiting Dongnae Halmae Pajeon: Ambiance and Ordering

Located in Bokcheon-dong, Dongnae-gu, Busan, Dongnae Halmae Pajeon is a bustling restaurant usually packed with customers, many enjoying pajeon with makgeolli (Korean rice wine). Upon visiting, the restaurant was indeed lively. Since I had to drive afterwards, I opted for just the pajeon, ordering the most expensive “large” size to get a full picture of what they offer. The menu prices are eye-watering: Small (So) 33,000 KRW, Medium (Jung) 33,000 KRW (likely a price error, medium is probably more), and Large (Dae) 40,000 KRW. For a single pancake!

The 40,000 KRW Pajeon: Taste and Texture

When the large pajeon arrived, its size was surprisingly modest – smaller than expected for a dish priced at 40,000 KRW. It looked like a standard-sized pancake you might make at home in a small frying pan. The ingredients were typical: green onions, batter, and some seafood like clams, oysters, squid, and shrimp – nothing particularly luxurious or expensive stood out.

The taste and texture were…unique. Instead of the crispy exterior and chewy interior of a typical pajeon, Dongnae Halmae Pajeon’s version was incredibly soft, almost porridge-like. It felt somewhat undercooked, described as “like eating an undercooked pancake.” This texture comes from the use of rice flour and a specific cooking method. The flavor was also quite bland and didn’t leave a strong impression. It’s definitely a ho-bul-ho dish – meaning highly polarizing; you’ll either love it or hate it.

Price vs. Value: Is it Worth It?

The most significant point of contention is the price. 40,000 KRW for a single pajeon, even the “large” size, is exceptionally expensive. Searching online and even asking locals, it’s hard to find any other Dongnae Pajeon restaurant charging anywhere near these prices. Most are in the 15,000 KRW range at most. Considering the size, common ingredients, and divisive texture, it’s hard to justify the high cost. While the history and tradition are undeniable, the value for money is questionable.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Historical Significance: Busan City Designated Local Food Restaurant No. 1 with 80 years of history.
• Unique Texture: Distinctive, soft, porridge-like texture for those who prefer it.
• Local Specialty: Experience a truly Busan-style Dongnae Pajeon.

Cons:

• Extremely Expensive: 40,000 KRW for a large pajeon is significantly overpriced.
• Small Size: The “large” size is smaller than expected for the price and might not be enough for 2-3 people.
• Divisive Texture: The soft, undercooked-feeling texture is not for everyone and can be off-putting to those expecting a crispy pajeon.
• Average Taste: Flavor is not particularly outstanding to justify the price or unique texture.

Conclusion

Dongnae Halmae Pajeon is undoubtedly a Busan institution with a long history and unique style of Dongnae Pajeon. However, the extraordinarily high price tag raises serious questions about its value. If you are a culinary adventurer curious to try this specific, porridge-like texture of Dongnae Pajeon and don’t mind paying a premium for the experience and history, then give it a try. But be prepared for a potentially polarizing taste and a significant dent in your wallet. For those seeking delicious and reasonably priced pajeon, there are likely better options elsewhere in Busan. Ultimately, whether Dongnae Halmae Pajeon is “worth it” is a matter of personal preference and budget.

Restaurant Information:

Restaurant: Dongnae Halmae Pajeon (동래할매파전)

Location: Bokcheon-dong, Dongnae-gu, Busan, South Korea (부산 동래구 복천동)

General Rating: 2.5/5 stars (Based on mixed reviews and high price point)

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