Wano: Kaiseki Cuisine in Samcheongdong

November 04, 2011

Wano

Fresh Tofu Soup and Tapas

In the fashionable district of Samcheong-dong sits Wano, a kaiseki-style Japanese restaurant. The original hanok it sits in is over 90 years old, but it was recently renovated so only the original frame remains. The owner, Shim Jung-eun, lived in Japan over 10 years so the food is authentic and fresh. There is a sense of art and precision to each dish.

Kaiseki cuisine is considered to be one of the highest forms of cuisines in Japan and it should take the diner on a journey in order to showcase the fresh ingredients of the season and the skill of the chef.

Some of the highlights of the multi-course meal I enjoyed had steamed giant clam over seasoned eggplant; a barbecue course with shrimp, ginko nuts, and pork; various sashimi; broiled fish filled with eggs; silky, thick soba; and the meal was finished with fruit and a surprisingly sweet egg omelet with crunchy walnuts. The handmade tofu soup that simered throughout the meal was also a nice touch.

I would like to say that this place is a bargain for 50,000 won a person. I think there were 8 different dishes and each were distinctly different from each other. The setting in the hanok made the place romantic and homey. If you were looking for a quiet romantic dinner then I would recommend this place. They also have a sake and limited wine selection here.

Wano
Jongro-gu, Samcheong-dong 113-2
02-725-7881