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Must-Try Winter Sashimi in Seoul: Sorando Restaurant – Fresh Spanish Mackerel & Butterfish

Hello! While many think of Bangeo (鰤 – Japanese Amberjack) as the quintessential winter sashimi, in the Jeolla region of Korea, Samchi (삼치 – Spanish Mackerel) reigns supreme as the winter delicacy. Today, I’m excited to share my visit to Sorando (소랑도), a local gem in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, to savor freshly caught Samchi and Byung-eo (병어 – Butterfish) directly from Yeosu.

Discovering a Local Favorite: Sorando

Sorando exudes the charm of a neighborhood 맛집 (delicious restaurant) right from its signboard. Originally a hidden spot frequented only by locals, it has gained some fame after being featured on the popular Korean show “Delicious Guys” (맛있는 녀석들). Located conveniently between Gunja Station and Junggok Station, Sorando is also near another restaurant I’ve reviewed, Haemaji 10do.

Seasonal Menu and Fresh Catches

The menu at Sorando primarily features seasonal seafood such as Byung-eo, Samchi, Ganjeongeo (간재미 – Skate), and Jeon-eo (전어 – Gizzard Shad). They use a whiteboard to display the daily specials based on the fresh catches available. For specific fish requests, it’s recommended to call ahead to check availability.

Generous Side Dishes (Banchan)

Before the main dishes, we were treated to a delightful array of complimentary side dishes. These included refreshing Yeolmu Kimchi (열무김치 – young radish kimchi), boiled quail eggs, and various dipping sauces. The special soy sauce-based Jang (양념장) is a signature accompaniment for Samchi, commonly served in restaurants specializing in this fish.

What surprised me most was the complimentary Ganjeongeo (Skate) bone stew (간재미 뼈구이). It was packed with skate meat, far exceeding expectations for a side dish! The rich and flavorful broth, unlike typical soybean paste stew, was incredibly satisfying and a perfect start to the meal, pairing wonderfully with Soju.

Winter’s Star: Fresh Samchi (Spanish Mackerel) Sashimi

Finally, the star of the show arrived: the Samchi sashimi! While Samchi is known to be best in winter when it’s fattiest, it’s actually available in most seasons, except for May when Sorando doesn’t serve it. For many, Samchi might be more familiar as grilled or braised dishes. I, too, am more accustomed to those preparations.

Samchi sashimi has a different texture compared to other popular sashimi like Tuna or Salmon; it’s less chewy and bouncy. This unique texture is why people in Jeolla province often enjoy Samchi almost as a staple side dish. The accompanying seasoned soy sauce Jang complements the subtly savory and oily flavor of the Samchi perfectly, making it an excellent pairing for drinks. Wrapping the Samchi with Gim (김 – seaweed) enhanced the experience, offering diverse flavors and preventing palate fatigue.

Bonus Treat: Jeon-eo (Gizzard Shad) Grill & Byung-eo (Butterfish) Sashimi

As a delightful service, the owner also brought out grilled Jeon-eo (Gizzard Shad)! It seems they often offer small complimentary dishes, adding to the warm and welcoming atmosphere of Sorando.

Following the Samchi, we ordered Byung-eo sashimi. Byung-eo, being a summer fish (best season from May to August), brought a taste of summer to our winter meal. The silvery, neatly sliced Byung-eo was beautifully presented. It’s typically served in a thin “sekochi” style to highlight its unique savory taste. Even a simple dip in Gochujang (고추장 – red pepper paste) brought out the rich, savory, and slightly oily flavors of the fresh Byung-eo.

Sweet Ending: Dalma Shrimp

To round off our meal, we tried Dalma Shrimp (달마 새우). These shrimp are sourced from the far seas of Yeosu and are called “Dalma” (sweet) shrimp because of their exceptional sweetness. Winter is their peak season. Though not commonly found, these shrimp lived up to their name, being incredibly sweet and delicious, leaving a lasting impression. The Dalma shrimp provided a perfect sweet and savory end to our feast.

Final Thoughts on Sorando

Overall, my visit to Sorando to enjoy Samchi and Byung-eo, directly sourced from Namhae (South Sea) and Yeosu, was a wonderful culinary experience. Exploring the unique flavors of different regions in Korea is always a delightful adventure. I look forward to returning to Sorando and discovering more delicious dishes in the future!

Restaurant Information

Restaurant: Sorando (소랑도)

Location: Near Gunja Station & Junggok Station, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, South Korea (군자역, 중곡역 사이)

Rating: 4.5 / 5 (Based on Local Reviews and Freshness)