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Gabo Aoi: Bundang’s Hidden Gem for Exquisite Yet Affordable Sushi & Kappo Gatherings

As December rolls into its mid-stages, the festive spirit of the year-end truly begins to blossom. This is the perfect time to reconnect with friends and acquaintances we haven’t seen in a while, creating cherished memories over delicious food. While many of us enjoy gatherings centered around fine wine and exquisite meals, the search for a perfect venue often brings challenges – especially when it comes to Japanese cuisine like sushi, where prices can often be prohibitive for group celebrations.

Recently, I had the pleasure of discovering a fantastic sushi restaurant in Bundang that perfectly fits the bill for a delightful year-end gathering: Gabo Aoi. This establishment masterfully blends the artistry of sushi with creative Kappo-style dishes, all at an incredibly reasonable price point. If you’re looking for a place that offers both quality and value for your next special occasion, look no further.

From Kappo Origins to a Sought-After Sushi Experience

Interestingly, Gabo Aoi didn’t start as a sushi restaurant. It originally opened as a ‘Kappo’ establishment, specializing in multi-course Japanese cuisine that artfully handles various cooking methods. However, due to the overwhelming popularity of their sushi offerings, customer demand led them to transition into a full-fledged sushi restaurant about three years ago. This unique history means Gabo Aoi offers a dining experience that goes beyond typical sushi-focused omakase, incorporating delightful cooked dishes that reflect its Kappo roots.

The culinary magic at Gabo Aoi is orchestrated by Chef Park Seong-sik, who brings extensive experience from his time working in Japan. This expertise is evident in every meticulously prepared dish, from the delicate sashimi to the inventive cooked items.

Located conveniently in Bundang, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, Gabo Aoi provides an accessible escape for those seeking an elevated yet unpretentious Japanese dining experience. The pricing is remarkably attractive: Lunch Omakase is set at ₩45,000, and Dinner Omakase at ₩55,000. In an era where many sushi omakase dinners easily exceed ₩100,000, Gabo Aoi offers exceptional value.

A Culinary Journey Through Gabo Aoi’s Menu Highlights

Exquisite Starters & Sashimi

• Truffle-Infused Chawanmushi: The meal began with a flawlessly smooth chawanmushi, cooked to perfection without a single air bubble. It was topped with a savory ankake sauce that boasted a subtle hint of truffle, making for an incredibly flavorful and sophisticated start.
• Vinegared Oyster: A delicate oyster served with a refined ponzu sauce. The sauce was perfectly balanced, with a harmonious blend of dashi, sweetness, and tartness, making it a truly luxurious accompaniment.
• Steamed Abalone with Kimo Sauce & Barley: A unique presentation featuring tender abalone served with a rich sauce made from abalone liver (kimo) and pearl barley. The abalone had a delightful chew, and the deep, savory kimo sauce was surprisingly nuanced, not overpowering.
• Flounder Sashimi with Crab, Roe, and Uni: The flounder sashimi was presented with an exquisite trio of crab meat, salmon roe, and sea urchin (uni). Each bite was a symphony of textures and flavors – the firm chewiness of the flounder, the sweet crab, the burst of roe, and the creamy richness of uni.
• Amberjack & Horse Mackerel Sashimi: Both were expertly sliced, offering firm textures and distinct, delicious flavors.

The Art of Sushi

While the initial Kappo dishes were impressive, the sushi itself truly stood out, especially considering the price point. The chef’s meticulous knife work was apparent in every piece, and rather than traditional soy sauce, a unique blend of rice vinegar was brushed on, enhancing the flavors without overwhelming them.

• Herring (Chung-eo) Sushi: This was a definite highlight of the evening. The herring was incredibly fresh, with a beautiful oiliness that melted in the mouth, yet it remained wonderfully light and refreshing.
• Mackerel (Saba) Bozu Sushi: Lightly torched, this mackerel sushi was perfectly balanced with finely grated ginger and shiso, allowing the mackerel’s natural flavors to shine through without any trace of fishiness.
• Lean Tuna (Akami) with Ankimo: A surprising and delightful combination of tender lean tuna and creamy monkfish liver, wrapped in nori. The textures and mild flavors complemented each other perfectly.

Inventive Kappo-Style Side Dishes

Gabo Aoi truly shines with its inventive cooked dishes, showcasing its Kappo heritage:

• Deep-Fried Daikon Radish: This dish was an absolute revelation. Radish, slowly simmered in dashi, was then lightly fried. The exterior offered a subtle crispness, while the interior was incredibly soft and fluffy, bursting with the savory essence of dashi – reminiscent of perfectly cooked oden radish, but with an unexpected fried finish.
• Oyster Seaweed Soup (Maesaengyi Guk): A comforting and hearty soup featuring plump oysters and maesaengyi (seaweed), served in a deeply flavorful dashi broth.
• Shirako Tempura: Crispy on the outside, creamy and rich on the inside, the fried cod milt was a luxurious treat.

Why Gabo Aoi is Your Ideal Year-End Gathering Destination

Gabo Aoi is an exceptional choice for any small gathering, especially during the festive season, for several compelling reasons:

• Unbeatable Value: Offering such high-quality sushi and creative Kappo dishes at ₩45,000 for lunch and ₩55,000 for dinner is truly remarkable. It allows you to enjoy an upscale dining experience without the hefty price tag often associated with omakase.
• Diverse Menu Appeal: The blend of sushi, sashimi, and inventive cooked dishes ensures that there’s something to please everyone, even those who might not be purist raw fish enthusiasts. This versatility makes it perfect for mixed groups.
• Comfortable Setting: Unlike some traditional sushi bars that only offer counter seating, Gabo Aoi also provides comfortable table seating, making it ideal for relaxed conversations and intimate gatherings.
• Perfect for Celebrations: The refined yet welcoming atmosphere makes Gabo Aoi an excellent spot for year-end parties, small reunions, or any special occasion where delicious food and good company are paramount.

I left Gabo Aoi thoroughly impressed and already thinking about my next visit. If it were closer, I would easily make it a monthly ritual. For anyone in Bundang or looking for a memorable dining experience that delivers exceptional quality and value this festive season, Gabo Aoi comes with my highest recommendation.

Restaurant Information:

• Restaurant Name: Gabo Aoi (각부 아오이)
• Location: Bundang, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
• Price Range: Lunch Omakase ₩45,000, Dinner Omakase ₩55,000
• General Rating: Highly Recommended for Value and Quality