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Jeju’s Hidden Gem: Mom’s Hand Fish Restaurant – Fresh Sashimi & Live Music Delight

Discover an authentic taste of Jeju Island at Mom’s Hand Fish Restaurant (엄마손 횟집), a local favorite nestled in Jeju City. Recommended by Jeju residents and boasting rave reviews, this restaurant is so popular that booking a month in advance is often necessary! My recent trip to Jeju, including a hike up Hallasan Mountain with my mother, wouldn’t have been complete without experiencing this culinary gem. I made a reservation a month prior, eager to create special memories for my mom, and Mom’s Hand Fish Restaurant truly delivered an unforgettable dining experience. Known for serving sashimi made from fish caught fresh daily by the owner, let’s dive into why this restaurant has garnered such high praise.

Fresh, Seasonal Sashimi Directly from the Jeju Sea

Forget about menus when you visit Mom’s Hand Fish Restaurant! Due to its immense popularity and advance booking system, the owner personally calls customers on the morning of their reservation. During this call, you’ll be informed about the day’s fresh catches and can discuss your preferences. On the day of our visit, the owner had caught Nile tilapia (능성어) and Black porgy (벵에돔), which we gladly ordered.

Before the main course, we were treated to a delightful array of banchan, traditional Korean side dishes. Unlike typical sashimi restaurants that often serve elaborate Japanese-style appetizers (tsukidashi), Mom’s Hand Fish Restaurant offered a spread of genuinely homemade Korean dishes, reminiscent of a comforting Korean home-style meal. This unique approach was a pleasant surprise, showcasing the restaurant’s dedication to authentic Korean flavors even before the sashimi arrived.

Then came the star of the show – the sashimi! The presentation alone was a feast for the eyes, something I had never witnessed before. Beautifully arranged, the platter featured the Nile tilapia at the front, followed by the Black porgy. Before indulging, we toasted with “Hallasan Somaek” (a mix of Hallasan soju and beer), a perfect local pairing for the fresh seafood. I was joined by a friend who kindly lent us his car for our Jeju adventure, and even he seemed impressed by the spread in front of my mother.

Starting with the Nile tilapia, I was immediately struck by its unique texture. This particular Nile tilapia was large, so the owner shared it with other tables, highlighting the freshness and daily catch nature of the restaurant. Having only experienced skin-on sashimi with sea bass before, I was intrigued. The skin had a slightly “pork belly” like appearance, and upon tasting it dipped in soy sauce, my expectations were exceeded. The texture was incredibly chewy and the natural sweetness of the wild-caught fish was simply divine. The restaurant’s cozy and welcoming atmosphere further enhanced the flavors, making the drinks flow effortlessly. Even the fish innards, lightly boiled, were a treat – incredibly chewy and rich in flavor.

Next, we sampled the Black porgy. I had initially hoped to try 돌돔 (Striped beakfish), but was informed that it wasn’t currently available in Jeju. Another reason to return! The Black porgy, with its dark skin, had a wonderfully firm and almost crunchy texture. The owner utilizes a technique called “Masukawa” to prepare the skin, enhancing its texture and flavor. It’s an experience I highly recommend trying.

Unique Dining Experience: Live Music and Heartwarming Jiri Soup

As we savored the sashimi, we decided to order Jiri, a clear and spicy fish soup. About 20-30 minutes before we wanted the soup, we informed the owner. He then took the remaining fish carcasses of the Nile tilapia and Black porgy to prepare the soup. While waiting, we were treated to the highlight of Mom’s Hand Fish Restaurant – the owner’s live music performance!

In a corner of the restaurant, a collection of musical instruments hinted at a surprise. Suddenly, the owner transformed into a musician, serenading guests with live music! The atmosphere became incredibly lively and convivial. Soon after, the Jiri soup arrived, featuring the heads of both the Nile tilapia and Black porgy. The first spoonful was like tasting a rich bone broth – incredibly deep and flavorful. It felt genuinely nourishing, like a medicinal soup. Unsurprisingly, the empty soju bottles beside us started to multiply. The restaurant transformed into a joyous space where everyone, locals and tourists alike, enjoyed the food and music together.

The atmosphere was so infectious that even the other diners, seemingly happily tipsy, joined in with a spontaneous singalong, creating a concert-like experience. The owner’s music and the delicious food created a truly unforgettable evening. We ended up indulging a bit more than intended, a testament to the wonderful food and ambiance.

Why Mom’s Hand Fish Restaurant is a Must-Visit in Jeju

Mom’s Hand Fish Restaurant offers more than just a meal; it’s an experience. From the freshest sashimi sourced directly from Jeju’s waters to the heartwarming Korean side dishes and the owner’s impromptu live music performances, it’s a place that captures the authentic spirit of Jeju Island. The need to book in advance and the local recommendations speak volumes about its quality and popularity. If you’re looking for a unique and memorable dining experience in Jeju, Mom’s Hand Fish Restaurant should be at the top of your list.

Location and General Rating

Location: Jeju City, Jeju Island, South Korea

General Rating: Highly Recommended (Based on local recommendations and popularity)