Seafood pasta and sous vide risotto at Sasaenghwal, a Dongnae, Busan

Big appetite, small stomach — that's me, Romi >_<

I'm back with a pasta brunch spot review from Dongnae-gu, Busan! I heard the place is built on a Western-food base but studies how to blend East and West ingredients, so I was curious. The vibe is cozy and comfortable, perfect for a date or a get-together with friends. Let's get into the honest review!!

Where Sasaenghwal is and its hours

• 📍78 Yeogo-ro 113beon-gil, Building A, 2nd floor, Dongnae-gu, Busan
• 📍Daily 11:00–21:00 / break time 15:00–16:30 / last order 20:00
• 📍Takeout discount, birthday/anniversary perks, group-friendly, takeout, delivery, Wi-Fi, high chair, reservations, wheelchair access at entrance/seating, corkage allowed
• 📍Parking available — first 60 minutes free

It's 8 minutes by car from Sajik Stadium, or you can take Dongnae-gu village bus No. 5 from Exit 8 of Dongnae Station, get off at Geumjeong Market, and walk 1 minute!

It's on the 2nd floor, so you see it right as you climb the stairs!

Black-tone interior with solo seating — the vibe inside

The moment you walk in, soft lighting and a black-tone interior greet you and set a really comfortable mood haha

There's solo seating too, so people dining alone can eat comfortably without any pressure!

There are also seats with this kind of nice atmosphere. Great for brunch, and also great for a date or a gathering!!!

There's a restroom inside too, which is so nice!!!

Kiosk ordering, self-bar, and amenities

You order using the kiosk! Dongbaekjeon, the Busan local currency, is accepted

The self-bar has pickles, wet wipes, side plates, utensils, and more

They also have chargers, phone/tablet stands, book stands, blankets, aprons, hair ties, and earplugs!!! You know these little details are genuinely precious... You could really tell they put a lot of effort into making a space where people can stay comfortably

Menu and prices

Sasaenghwal's menu was nice in that it's mostly in the ₩10,000–20,000 range! Beyond pizza, pasta, and risotto, there's also salad, single dishes, sides, drinks, desserts, and alcohol, so it's good both for a hearty meal and for just filling up simply. If you're not sure what to get, I recommend trying the signature menu!!

• Badasmaeul Pasta ₩17,900
• Sous Vide Sirloin Barley Cream Risotto ₩16,900
• Coca-Cola ₩3,000

Badasmaeul Pasta ₩17,900 — spicy oil loaded with clams

Badasmaeul Pasta (바닷마을 파스타, "seaside village" pasta), ₩17,900. It's Sasaenghwal's signature menu with fresh clams, shrimp, and seaweed!

Can you see how many clams are in there? Super generous, and they were well cleaned of grit too hahaha

The noodles were cooked just right too!!! It's a spicy oil pasta but it wasn't greasy at all. If you're not great with spice it might be a bit much for you. I paired it with the creamy risotto, and that combo was perfect

The shrimp were plump too, so the texture was amazing haha

Sous Vide Sirloin Barley Cream Risotto ₩16,900

Sous Vide Sirloin Cream Risotto, ₩16,900. It's a cream risotto made with barley, topped with tender sirloin cooked sous vide.

It's a cream risotto but it wasn't overly greasy, which I liked. The ingredients were cut into big chunks too, so you could really taste each one. Eating it with the pickles that come alongside is the best combo!

The plate is huge, but it comes packed full. The portion is generous!

The sous vide sirloin was so tender and rich...♡

Overall verdict and plans to come back

I think Coke is essential with Western food, so I ordered one. I ate until I was very full. I could feel the owner's heart in wanting to play a part in connecting people and bringing them closer, both in the space and the food. I spent a great time eating delicious food in a relaxed atmosphere with a friend who's on the same wavelength haha

Also, I'm a milk tea lover and heard they have cold-brew milk tea here too, so I want to come back next time and enjoy some tea time //

For anyone looking for a popular Western-food restaurant near Dongnae Station or Sajik-dong, anyone looking for a cozy, comfortable Western-style brunch café, and anyone looking for a great date spot in Dongnae-gu, Busan, I recommend Sasaenghwal!