Korean Delight

Out of all the wonderful restaurants in this city it is a bit of a surprise to keep hearing about one place, again and again. “Have you been to that Korean restaurant…?” my friends would ask, each time I replied “No, not yet” I made another personal vow to go there, and I must say I am glad I did.

Han Yang Restaurant is near the Big Wild Goose Pagoda in the south side of the city. From first sight the place is charming; it has a simple patio space in the front with tables pleasantly placed under a canopy of umbrellas and brush. Greeted quickly by a young lady in colorful Korean dress we were seated near the wrought-iron gate that gives a bit of separation from the busy bar street. The menu has a wide range of the usual Asian dishes such as grilled cabbage and sliced potatoes which we happily ordered.

Standing in tradition with Korean barbeque they have an open flame grill on the patio that stayed busy as patrons all around us ordered up many of the different meat offerings available. Lamb, chicken, beef and pork in different spices and sizes are paired with a long list of fried and grilled vegetables and tofu. The spicy bulgogi beef dish is a popular choice as is the kimchi soup, a serving of which is regarded by my friend as the “best hangover dish out there.”

Before the food arrives each table is given 4 or 5 cold dishes to snack on, there were pickled cucumbers and soft potato squares as well as simple tofu. The tea is a steady flow from the moment you are seated and it is has a rich flavor that complements the food. There are several incense spirals around that give the outdoor seating an even more relaxed feel as we sipped our cold 10 kuai beers and enjoyed the view of the Pagoda. As I got up to use the restroom my friend told me to enjoy and I quickly grasped her meaning, the bathroom is lovely. This is a small part of this restaurant but shows the attention to detail that went into its making. To make the experience enjoyable from the moment you walk through the little white gate till you waddle away with a belly full of food is clearly this restaurants goal, and a successful one at that. Han Yang Restaurant is a delight and now I must ask you “Have you been to that Korean restaurant yet?

SMB