Discover the Best Seasonal Korean Yellowtail (Daebang-eo) at a Hidden Gem Restaurant in Seoul

Looking for an unforgettable seafood experience in Seoul? Prepare to be amazed by this hidden gem restaurant that specializes in seasonal delicacies, particularly the magnificent Korean Yellowtail (Daebang-eo, 대방어). Known for its rich flavor and melt-in-your-mouth texture, Daebang-eo is at its peak from November to February, as it fattens up before the spawning season. This restaurant truly understands the philosophy of “seasonal ingredients are the best,” offering an unparalleled taste of the ocean.

Start Your Day with Premium Sashimi? Why Not!

This restaurant breaks the norms by serving exquisite sashimi even in the morning! As highlighted in a recent review, “They serve sashimi even in the morning! Really? Why not? I didn’t even know sashimi restaurants open in the morning.” This unique offering allows you to beat the crowds and savor the freshest catch of the day in peace. In fact, visiting in the morning might be your best bet, as evenings are incredibly popular with reservations fully booked and wait times stretching to two hours or more!

Banchan That Steals The Show

Before the main course even arrives, prepare to be overwhelmed by the incredible array of side dishes (banchan, 반찬). As exclaimed by reviewers, “Look at the side dish quality! Wow, you could get full just on the side dishes. They are like ordered dishes.” These aren’t your typical afterthoughts; each banchan is crafted with care, some even tasting like main dishes themselves, promising a truly abundant Korean dining experience from the start.

The Art of 숙성회 (Seon-eo): Aged Fish

This restaurant champions the art of 숙성회 (Seon-eo), or aged fish. Moving away from the old trend of only serving 활어 (Hwareo), or live, freshly caught fish, they embrace the modern preference for aging. “Do you know the difference between live fish (활어 – hwareo) and aged fish (선어 – seon-eo)? Freshly caught fish used to be popular, people thought it was fresher. But times have changed, and now aged fish, ‘seon-eo’, is trendy. Aging brings out the flavor. Yellowtail is a prime example of aged fish.” Aging the fish enhances its flavor and texture, and their Daebang-eo is a prime example of perfectly aged fish.

Signature 달래장 (Dalrae Sauce)

Adding to the unique experience is their special 달래장 (Dalrae sauce), a wild chive sauce. Praised as “really delicious,” this sauce complements the Daebang-eo beautifully, enhancing its natural flavors without overpowering them. This is a must-try combination that elevates the entire dining experience.

A Perfect Bite: Kim, Sauce, and More

The recommended way to enjoy Daebang-eo here is to create a flavorful wrap using Kim (seaweed). “Put some Kim (seaweed), then sashimi, and plenty of sauce. Add a little bit of Doenjang (soybean paste), Wasabi, and Kimchi – this Kimchi is aged for 3 years, others for 2 years. Everything is aged here.” Adding aged Kimchi (some varieties aged for up to 3 years!), a touch of Doenjang (soybean paste), and Wasabi to your Kim and Daebang-eo wrap creates an explosion of flavors and textures in every bite.

Explore Different Cuts: Belly, Back, and Jaw

Daebang-eo offers a variety of cuts, each with its distinct characteristics. “Wow, the belly is crazy, all the fat of the yellowtail is in it. It’s fatty but not greasy, so well-balanced.” The belly (뱃살) is prized for its rich, fatty flavor, while the back (등살) is leaner and offers a cleaner taste, perfect for those who prefer less fat. For a unique experience, try the jaw (턱살), a rare cut with a surprisingly sweet and chewy texture, different from the belly. “Belly was the best for me, but let’s try the jaw (턱살 – teoksals). It’s a rare cut. It’s chewy, different texture from the belly, and it’s a bit sweet. The only cut that’s a little sweet. It’s really rare, why is it sweet? Interesting.”

Unique Side Dish: Live Squid (호르레기 – Hororagi)

Adding to the adventurous dining experience, they offer 호르레기 (Hororagi), a type of small squid, served live! “Hororagi! Wow! First time seeing this? In Gyeongsang province, they steam it.” While often steamed in some regions, here it’s served fresh, offering a unique texture that’s described as unlike ordinary squid. “When you bite into it, something pops inside… not on the level of squid. More like jellyfish, but even better than jellyfish. Squid has a chewy texture but this is soft like jellyfish and when you bite it, something pops.” This is a delicacy for adventurous eaters seeking new and exciting flavors.

A Restaurant with Heart

Beyond the incredible food, what sets this restaurant apart is its commitment to quality and home-style cooking. Reviewers noted the use of fresh ingredients and the absence of MSG, contributing to a clean and genuinely flavorful dining experience. “They don’t use any MSG. It’s amazing that it’s so delicious without MSG. It feels like home-cooked meal.” This dedication to natural flavors and traditional methods makes every meal feel like a comforting home-cooked experience.

Don’t Miss the 김 장아찌 (Kim Jangajji)

A must-try unique side dish is their 김 장아찌 (Kim Jangajji), or pickled seaweed. “Kim Jangajji (seaweed Jangajji – pickled seaweed). They make Jangajji out of Kim. You can’t find it anywhere else.” This rare and flavorful side dish is made in-house and is so delicious, it’s considered a “rice thief,” meaning it’s so good it makes you eat bowls of rice! “Eat it by gently peeling off one sheet at a time, it’s not salty and delicious. Two sheets are rice thieves.”

Conclusion: A Must-Visit for Seafood Lovers

This hidden gem restaurant is a must-visit for anyone seeking an authentic and exceptional Korean seafood experience, especially during Daebang-eo season. From the freshest seasonal ingredients to the dedication to traditional flavors and unique dishes like aged fish and Hororagi, this restaurant promises a culinary journey you won’t soon forget. Be sure to arrive early or be prepared to wait, as its popularity speaks volumes about the quality and experience it offers. Prepare to be delighted by the taste of real Korean home-style cooking and the best seasonal seafood Seoul has to offer!