Daemak Futomaki Review: Is ₩34,000 Worth It? – Gangnam, Seoul 맛집 탐방

Stepping into the vibrant culinary scene of Gangnam, Seoul, I ventured to 대막 (Daemak), a restaurant famed for its 후토마키 (Futomaki), a Japanese-style thick sushi roll. The buzz around Daemak is undeniable, especially considering their signature Futomaki comes with a hefty price tag of ₩34,000 per roll. Could a kimbap-like roll truly justify such a price? I had to find out.

What is Futomaki at Daemak? – A Korean Take on Japanese Cuisine

At first glance, Daemak’s Futomaki looks remarkably similar to Korean kimbap. It’s a visually appealing roll, generously packed with ingredients. However, unlike traditional Korean kimbap seasoned with sesame oil and salt, Futomaki rice is flavored with vinegar and sugar, leaning more towards sushi. Daemak’s Futomaki boasts an impressive array of fillings: fresh tuna sashimi, plump shrimp tempura, sweet and tangy pickled radish (단무지), fragrant burdock (우엉), aromatic perilla leaves (깻잎), crisp cucumber, creamy avocado, and savory Japanese omelet (교쿠 – Gyoku).

The sheer size of the roll is noteworthy. They say you should eat Futomaki in one bite for good luck, but Daemak’s rolls are quite substantial, making the “one-bite challenge” more of a humorous myth than a practical suggestion.

Tasting the ₩34,000 Futomaki: Flavor vs. Price

With high expectations (and a slightly lighter wallet), I finally tasted the much-talked-about Futomaki. While the roll was undeniably fresh and generously filled, the overall flavor profile was…complex, but not entirely harmonious. Each ingredient was distinct, but they didn’t quite meld together into a cohesive and outstanding flavor experience. Perhaps my palate is more accustomed to the simpler, comforting flavors of Korean kimbap or the refined elegance of traditional sushi, but the Futomaki, while good, didn’t blow me away, especially considering the ₩34,000 price point. For that price, I expected a flavor explosion, but it was more of a gentle simmer.

Aburasoba: The Unexpected Delight

Surprisingly, the standout dish of my visit was not the Futomaki, but the 아부라소바 (Aburasoba). This dry ramen dish, seasoned with a savory soy sauce-based sauce and topped with tuna and other garnishes, was an absolute revelation. Despite my initial skepticism (I usually prefer noodle soups), the Aburasoba was incredibly delicious. The sauce was perfectly balanced – savory, slightly sweet, and umami-rich, without being greasy or heavy. It was a comforting and flavorful dish that I would wholeheartedly recommend.

Gyokosando: A Sweet and Savory Sandwich

Lastly, I tried the 교코산도 (Gyokosando), a Japanese egg sandwich. The egg omelet (Gyoku) was indeed soft and moist, with a unique texture described as akin to “water-soaked castella” (a type of Japanese sponge cake). Paired with a mentai mayo (pollock roe mayonnaise) sauce and served on toasted bread, it was an interesting and novel combination. However, similar to the Futomaki, it didn’t leave a lasting impression. It was a decent sandwich, but perhaps not as extraordinary as its online hype suggested.

Atmosphere and Location: Daemak in Sinsa-dong

Daemak is located in the trendy Sinsa-dong area of Gangnam-gu, Seoul, specifically near Dosan Park. The restaurant’s interior has a somewhat dim and cozy ambiance. While Daemak is known for its long queues, I visited shortly before their official opening time and was seated immediately. Even as I finished my meal, there was no waiting line, suggesting that arriving early or during off-peak hours might be the way to go.

Overall Verdict: Worth a Try, But Manage Expectations

Daemak offers a unique dining experience with its specialty Futomaki and other Japanese-inspired dishes. While the Futomaki might not fully justify its premium price for everyone, the Aburasoba is a definite must-try. If you are curious about Futomaki and are willing to splurge, Daemak is worth visiting once. However, for everyday dining or the best bang for your buck, you might find more satisfying and equally delicious options elsewhere in Seoul’s diverse culinary landscape.

Daemak Restaurant Information:

Location: 강남구 신사동 (Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu), Seoul, South Korea
Rating: ★★★☆☆ (3 out of 5 stars) – Good, but pricey for what it is.