Octopus bar in Suyeong, Busan: gambas and fried rice, Dari Yeodeolgae

I was in Busan alone on a business trip and looked for a place near Suyeong Station to have a drink. At the octopus specialty spot Dari Yeodeolgae (다리여덟개), I ordered octopus gambas and octopus fried rice, and the texture of the octopus and the pairing of the two dishes stayed with me.

Where is Dari Yeodeolgae?

The restaurant is on the second floor at 85 Muhak-ro 21beon-gil, Suyeong-gu, Busan. I found it while walking down an alley lined with studio apartments and bars.

The hours listed in the original post were 3:30 PM to 11 PM daily, with closing at midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. Parking was described as alley parking.

What was the atmosphere like for drinking alone?

As I entered, the cozy interior caught my eye. There were octopus-themed decorations and posters, along with soft lighting. I visited alone, but I thought it would also suit a meal and conversation with friends.

I heard that it originally operated near Paldo Market before moving to its current location, and that it has been in business for more than 20 years.

Which octopus dishes did I order?

The menu included octopus sukhoe (lightly poached octopus) and several fusion dishes using octopus. Since I like garlic, I chose the octopus gambas and added octopus fried rice for a more substantial meal.

What complimentary drinking snacks were served?

A varied spread of complimentary drinking snacks arrived before the main dishes. The clam soup had no gritty sand as I ate it, and its broth was gently spicy and refreshing.

There were also crisp, savory grilled juipo (dried filefish), salty braised quail eggs, and well-seasoned stir-fried fish cake. The raw carrot and celery were crunchy, and dipping the celery in the mayonnaise served alongside it freshened my palate.

How did the octopus gambas taste and feel?

The octopus gambas, which arrived first, contained both shrimp and octopus. The portion of octopus felt generous; it was chewy on the outside yet became tenderer as I chewed.

The olive oil was deeply infused with garlic. I liked soaking the baguette in the oil, then topping it with octopus and roasted garlic.

Did the octopus fried rice pair well with the gambas?

The octopus fried rice was cooked fluffy and separate, with finely chopped octopus throughout, so I could taste it in every spoonful. It also contained cheese, and its moderate spice and savory richness made it satisfying as a meal.

Having the spicy fried rice alongside the oil-rich gambas cut through the richness. Alternating between the two dishes kept me from getting tired of them, and it was a combination that suited me because I wanted both drinking food and a meal.