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Yeouido Hidden Gem Izakaya: Indulge in Amazing Omakase Value at Hyang Izakaya

Tucked away quietly in a corner of an old building in Yeouido, Seoul, lies a restaurant that appears quite ordinary at first glance. It might seem like just another neighborhood Izakaya, but Hyang Izakaya (향 이자카야) is a place where the omakase dishes are so impressive, they’ll leave you breathless. Let’s dive into this local favorite!

Discovering a Local’s Secret in Yeouido

Located in Yeouido, known as a haven for office workers, Hyang Izakaya is conveniently situated just a 5-minute walk from Saetgang Station (Exit 2). Stepping inside, you’ll find a typical Izakaya atmosphere – dimly lit and bustling with local professionals unwinding after work. The scene at the bar counter, filled with solo diners, speaks volumes about its popularity.

The reviewer humorously notes that in Yeouido, the heart of the securities district, you can gauge the day’s KOSPI performance just by observing the expressions of the patrons – a testament to the restaurant’s deep connection with the local working crowd.

The Star: Omakase Experience

While the regular menu is available, the real draw here is the Omakase course. Priced at ₩45,000 per person (price may vary), this menu changes daily, offering a unique selection of dishes crafted by the chef. Paired with refreshing draft beer, the omakase journey begins!

An Endless Parade of Exquisite Dishes

The omakase experience at Hyang Izakaya is truly a feast. Here’s a glimpse into the incredible array of dishes served during the review:

• Shrimp Marinated in Soy Sauce & Salad & Tofu: The first course featured flavorful shrimp, a fresh salad, and a whole block of silken tofu, a refreshing start.
• Abalone Innard Porridge: A rich and savory porridge made with abalone innards, perfect for warming the stomach and preparing for the courses ahead.
• Abalone Sashimi: Three generously sized abalone sashimi pieces showcased the fresh, chewy texture of high-quality abalone.
• Tuna Tataki: Seared tuna tataki, perfectly cooked on the outside and topped with a sweet and savory sauce, was substantial and flavorful.
• Spicy Raw Fish Salad: Unlike typical small-portion fish salads, this one was packed with generous chunks of fresh fish and a vibrant, palate-awakening spicy dressing.
• Assorted Sashimi Platter: The highlight – a beautifully arranged platter of assorted sashimi featuring 7-8 kinds of fresh, expertly aged fish. The quality was described as exceptional, reminiscent of sashimi stored in a kimchi refrigerator for optimal texture.
• Kimchi Udon (Tudari Style): A comforting and flavorful kimchi udon soup, reminiscent of the popular Tudari chain, offered a warm and spicy interlude.
• Shrimp Tempura: Crispy and substantial shrimp tempura served with a sweet sour cream sauce.
• Grilled Whole Domine (Fish): A massive, grilled whole domine fish, so impressive in size it left everyone speechless. The flesh was described as tender and moist.
• Deep-fried Whole Flounder (Gwang-eo): A whole deep-fried flounder with diamond-shaped knife cuts, showcasing the chef’s skill. Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, a unique house specialty.
• Spicy Fish Stew (Maeuntang): Even after the numerous dishes, a separate spicy fish stew appeared, demonstrating the chef’s relentless generosity.

The reviewer jokingly mentions the initial tofu salad remained untouched throughout the meal, a testament to the sheer volume of food served. It’s truly a non-stop culinary experience!

Overall Impression: Exceptional Value and Quality

Hyang Izakaya is praised as an “amazing value” (가성비 쩌는) Izakaya in the heart of Yeouido. The quality of each dish is remarkably high for the price, and the sheer variety and quantity of the omakase are astounding. While the pace of the dishes is rapid, it’s all part of the generous and dynamic dining experience.

With a friendly owner and a lively atmosphere, Hyang Izakaya in Yeouido is definitely a hidden gem worth discovering for anyone seeking a fantastic Izakaya omakase experience without breaking the bank.

Restaurant Information:

• Name: Hyang Izakaya (향 이자카야)
• Location: Yeouido, Seoul (5-minute walk from Saetgang Station Exit 2)
• Rating: Highly Recommended (Local Favorite, Excellent Value)

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