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Aroi Nana Yeouido: Unveiling the Hidden Gem of Seoul’s Omakase Scene (술한주 Heaven!)

Welcome, fellow food enthusiasts! Today, we’re diving into a restaurant that offers an incredible 술한주 (side dishes perfectly paired with drinks) experience for just ₩29,500 per person. This isn’t your typical omakase spot; Aroi Nana in Yeouido brings a unique flavor and value proposition to the table. Let’s explore!

I’m Kim Sawon, and this is my take on Aroi Nana, located just a minute’s walk from Yeouido Station Exit 5. Aroi is a well-known omakase brand in Yeouido, with several branches like Nana, Momo, and Niwa. Today, we’re focusing on Aroi Nana.

Many people make a fuss about the difficulty of securing a reservation, comparing it to ‘registering for a popular course’. However, I found it surprisingly easy to book a table. Cancellation slots are frequent, making it possible to dine here almost every week. Don’t be discouraged by the hype!

The Aroi Nana Experience: A Feast for the Senses

There’s no traditional menu here. You simply choose between a couple of set options. I opted for the ₩59,000 set – and the best part? That’s for two people, not per person! Prepare for a journey of flavors and textures designed to perfectly complement your drinks.

Appetizers: A Delicate Start

The meal began with a delightful appetizer: a steamed egg custard infused with seaweed (maesaengi) and tomatoes drizzled with basil pesto. A light and refreshing introduction to the culinary adventure ahead.

Sashimi & 술한주 Extravaganza

Next up was thinly sliced white fish marinated in soybean paste. The texture was incredibly chewy, almost like boneless young sea bream. The perfect start to the *술한주* parade! Now, buckle up because the pace picks up considerably. This is crucial to keep up with the constant flow of delicious *술한주* coming your way. Otherwise, you might just drift off into a food coma mid-review!

The next *술한주* was a flavorful fish cake soup with sea snails. The soup contained well-cooked radish and a perfectly soft-boiled egg, creating a hearty and satisfying combination. A sip of sake paired beautifully with the broth, enhancing the sweet and savory notes. The chewy sea snails added a delightful textural contrast, making it an ideal accompaniment to drinks.

Then came the main event: the sashimi platter! The selection was impressive, featuring:

• Red Sea Bream (chomdom)
• Flounder (gwang-eo)
• Amberjack (jae-bang-eo)
• Spanish Mackerel (samchi)
• Sweet Shrimp (dan-sae-u)
• Bluefin Tuna (cham-da-rang-eo) – Akami (lean cut)
• Red Ark Shell (pi-jo-gae)

Each piece of sashimi was expertly aged, bursting with umami. The texture of the fish was incredibly tender, making each bite a melt-in-your-mouth experience. It’s easy to get carried away and down a drink with every slice, but pacing yourself is key, as there are many more *술한주* to come!

The quality of the sashimi was truly exceptional, bordering on artistic. While enjoying the sashimi, the chef kept the flow going by serving a steady stream of nigiri sushi. The variety was impressive, including:

• Yellowtail (jae-bang-eo) Sushi
• Flounder (gwang-eo) Sushi
• Bluefin Tuna Akami (cham-da-rang-eo) Sushi

The rice (shari) was perfectly seasoned and slightly crumbly, adding to the overall deliciousness of the sushi. I honestly could have eaten a whole bowl of just the rice!

And then, another *술한주* appeared! This time, it was freshly fried eggplant. The eggplant was coated in a sweet and savory sauce, perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. It was an ideal pairing with beer, but I was already too full to order any.

The *술한주* train kept rolling with a smooth cuttlefish nigiri sushi drizzled with yuzu. Even though I hadn’t finished the sashimi from earlier, another delectable *술한주* was presented: a trio of delights:

• Savory Monkfish Liver (an-ki-mo)
• Chewy Abalone (jeon-bok)
• Precious Crab Meat

This *술한주* trio was a true indulgence! I attempted to resist the urge to drink more, but the perfectly balanced flavors made it impossible. The chef had masterfully seasoned each item, ensuring that they weren’t overly rich or heavy.

Adding monkfish liver to a slice of abalone created a heavenly experience, elevating the flavors to new heights. It was a moment of pure culinary bliss!

Another *술한주* graced the table: a miniature futomaki roll. Apparently, the coveted end piece of the futomaki is reserved for the most handsome guests – and lucky me, it landed on my plate!

Just when I thought the feast was winding down, more sushi arrived! This time, it was a Bluefin Tuna Otoro (fatty tuna) sushi. By this point, I was starting to lose my composure, completely overwhelmed by the sheer abundance of delicious food.

The Grand Finale

Finally, a refreshing dessert marked the end of the meal.

Final Verdict: A 술한주 Paradise and Unbeatable Value

In conclusion, for ₩59,000 for two people, Aroi Nana offers an incredible *술한주* experience and unbeatable value. But here’s the key takeaway: reservations aren’t as difficult as you might think. Cancellations are common, so with a little persistence, you should be able to secure a table within one to two weeks.

Aroi Nana is truly a blessing in Yeouido. Join me, Kim Sawon, as I continue my culinary adventures in Seoul. If you enjoyed this review, please subscribe and like this video. Until next time!

Now, it’s time for me to clock out!

Aroi Nana Location & General Assessment

Here’s a Google search snippet providing a general overview and assessment of the restaurant’s location:

(Note: The above Google Maps embed is a placeholder. A real-time search would provide dynamic reviews, ratings, and business information related to the specific Aroi Nana branch in Yeouido. Generally, expect high ratings and positive reviews focusing on value, quality, and 술한주.)