Da Han Korean

From our archives, Compass Magazine, Jan. 2001

Courtney Donovan Smith

While researching a recent ‘Into the Spirits’, I got into a conversation with some Koreans. The topic drifted to the Korean community in town, and naturally where to eat. Their opinion was unanimous; the only decent Korean restaurant in town was Da Han. A Canadian friend of theirs confirmed that the food was very good. Naturally, I had to try it.

The décor is a bit drab, especially considering they have been open for three years. A few traditional Korean costumes and knick-knacks adorn the walls, but the center of attention is the TV set lending an atmosphere much like a normal neighborhood noodle shop.

The décor, however, is not why I was there. The food is prepared by one Korean cook and by a Korean overseas Chinese, and the quality and authenticity of their meals makes this a very worthwhile visit.

The highlight of my meal was their Ginseng Chicken. The ginseng makes it a bit expensive at NT$600, but well worth it. The chicken was so soft that the meat melted in the mouth, and the bones so soft they were edible! The broth was excellent as well; I almost felt myself growing healthier as I ate.

I also tried the Teppanyaki Beef. This dish is likely to be very popular with most diners, though a little oily for my personal taste (which is unusual in this regard).

Their kimchee (spicy pickled cabbage) was, of course, something special. My companion, who normally eats slowly and avoids spicy foods, starting eating this dish like there was no tomorrow. This dish is a must, you can’t visit a Korean restaurant and skip the traditional kimchee!

There are other notable dishes worth checking out here. One favourite is the Spicy Tofu soup (la dofu tang) at NT$220 for a small serving, and NT$380 for a large. Another is the Pao Tsai Hot Pot (pao tsai huo guo) for NT$220 as well as the Shr Tou Ban Rice (shr tou ban fan) for NT$120.

One interesting dish is the Korean Style Jian Bing (han shr jian bing), available in seafood and veggie versions. Made with green been flour, these are unlike Taiwanese Jian Bings.

By the time you will be reading this, inexpensive NT$80 special meals will be available as well.

To round out your meal I highly recommend the pleasantly smooth Korean wine (han guo shau jiu). If you don’t drink, then try out the ginseng tea.

For those of you who like to try something different, this is one place you can’t miss. It is located one block down from the north side of the Daduen Carrefour, at 307 Daduen 12th st. They are open for lunch between 11 am and 2:30 pm, and for dinner between 5 pm and 9 pm. If you get lost, you can call them at: (04) 2319-1852.

307 Da Duen 12th St.
Tel: (04) 2319-1852
Lunch Hours: 11 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Dinner Hours: 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.

•