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Hello, food enthusiasts! Today, Seoul Jinhong is thrilled to take you on a culinary journey to a hidden izakaya gem in Amsa-dong, Gangdong-gu, Seoul: Wakanokishi. This is a place where every dish, from perfectly aged salmon to the exquisite combination of sweet shrimp (Dan-saewoo) and sea urchin (Uni), is meticulously crafted to melt in your mouth. Get ready for an unforgettable dining experience!

Finding Wakanokishi: A Cozy Escape in Amsa-dong

Wakanokishi is nestled in an alley near Amsa Station Exit 1, making it a convenient stop for those exploring Seoul. Its popularity means that waiting is often part of the experience, especially during dinner hours and on weekends. To make your visit smoother, we highly recommend utilizing the Tableing app for reservations. While not overly spacious, the izakaya boasts a wonderfully cozy and intimate atmosphere, perfect for savoring good food and drinks. It’s also a no-kids zone, ensuring a tranquil environment for adult patrons.

The Unmissable Menu: Exquisite Combinations That Delight

Wakanokishi’s menu is diverse, but certain combinations stand out as crowd favorites. Their signature dishes include the Uni Samhap (a luxurious trio involving sea urchin), Kkak-duk Yuk-sashimi (diced beef sashimi), and Chadol-baki Yuk-sashimi (beef brisket sashimi). However, the absolute top combination, a true showstopper, features Dan-saewoo (sweet shrimp), Uni, and Chadol-baki Yuk-sashimi. On our visit, we indulged in two of their most popular offerings, eager to explore their renowned flavors.

Before the main event, we were served a refreshing starter of salad and seaweed soup, a perfect light prelude to the feast ahead.

A Culinary Journey: Tasting the Stars

Our first dish to arrive was the incredible Uni. The staff thoughtfully explained the best way to enjoy each component. As a delightful service, we were also treated to crispy fried shrimp heads!

• Dan-saewoo & Uni Sushi: We were advised to combine the sweet shrimp and sea urchin with sushi rice, wrap it in seaweed, and dip it lightly in soy sauce. For an added layer of flavor, wrapping it with delicate cucumber strips and fresh wasabi was an absolute game-changer. The rich, deep flavors of the sea from the Uni perfectly complemented the delicate sweetness of the Dan-saewoo – a truly harmonious blend.
• Yuk-sashimi (Beef Sashimi): For the beef sashimi, the recommendation was to dip it in a mix of sesame oil and wasabi, paired with shiitake mushrooms. The excellent marbling of the Yuk-sashimi, combined with the earthy notes of the mushroom, created a superb textural and flavor experience. The combination of Uni and Yuk-sashimi also offered an explosion of rich flavors that we highly recommend.

Mid-meal, we decided to enhance our experience with a bottle of Gekkeikan Junmai Sake. Its smooth, clean profile proved to be the perfect companion to the delicate flavors of the sashimi, arguably a better match than soju for these particular dishes.

The Grand Finale: Kkak-duk & Chadol-baki Sashimi

Next up were the Kkak-duk Sashimi and Chadol-baki Sashimi, both boasting an iridescent sheen and beautiful marbling.

• Chadol-baki Sashimi: Thinly sliced with just the right amount of fat distribution, this beef brisket sashimi was incredibly tender and easy to enjoy, making it an ideal companion for drinks without feeling heavy.
• Kkak-duk Sashimi: In contrast, the diced sashimi was thickly cut, offering a satisfyingly chewy texture. Each bite released a burst of rich beef juices, allowing the authentic flavor and aroma of the meat to shine through intensely.

Both dishes offered a fantastic interplay of textures and tastes. While some prefer to mix the accompanying egg yolk, we opted for a ‘dip-and-eat’ method, which allowed us to fully appreciate the distinct flavors of the meat.

Why Wakanokishi is a Must-Visit in Seoul

Wakanokishi in Amsa-dong truly delivers a sophisticated dining experience, showcasing luxurious combinations from Chadol-baki Yuk-sashimi to the celebrated Dan-saewoo Uni Samhap. It’s an exceptional spot for those seeking high-quality ingredients and expertly prepared Japanese-style dishes in a refined setting.

After our exquisite meal, we moved on to a more casual second round at Ssangdungi Pocha nearby. This budget-friendly pocha offers all dishes for under 10,000 KRW, where we enjoyed pig’s head meat and kimchi stew, both priced at a mere 7,000 KRW, wrapping up our evening perfectly.

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