Daegu Korean restaurant for eggplant doenjang rice: Hyangtaek

The weather has been so lovely lately that I finally met up with an older friend I’m especially fond of for a delicious dinner! We both love light, unfussy Korean food, and while searching, I found a newly popular spot in Daegu Jongno and quickly went to check it out. It was Hyangtaek Daegu Jongno Branch (향택 대구종로점).

Hyangtaek Daegu Jongno Branch: location and visitor information

Hyangtaek Daegu Jongno Branch is a 3–5 minute walk from Exit 1 of Jungangno Station. It is directly across from Starbucks Jongno Gotaek, and only about five minutes on foot from The Hyundai Daegu or the Yangnyeongsi herbal medicine market, so it is very easy to find.

• Hours: daily 11:00–20:00
• Break time: 15:30–17:00
• Last orders: 15:00 and 19:30
• There is no dedicated parking, but a nearby parking lot one minute away on foot is convenient.
• High chairs are available~!

A blend of hanok charm and modern style

The moment I stepped inside, I loved the atmosphere: the serene character of a hanok (traditional Korean house) was blended with a modern sensibility. The lighting was soft, and the tables were comfortably spaced, making it perfect for a cozy meal and conversation with my friend.

Above all, the owner was incredibly kind! As each dish arrived, they carefully explained one by one how to combine the components for the best flavor, so we could start our meal feeling warmly looked after.

For reference, Hyangtaek uses only Sindongjin rice, known for its large, glossy grains. The fresh ingredients grown in Korea, along with the owner’s kindness, had me very excited even before taking a bite.

Hyangtaek Daegu Jongno Branch menu and side dishes

Hyangtaek Daegu Jongno Branch menu

You order by looking over the menu, and once you do, they set the table so neatly like this!

There were pickled gungchae stems, salted fermented squid, a refreshing and clean miso-doenjang soup, and roasted seaweed! They were delicious alongside the rice bowls!?

There is also a guide to enjoying Hyangtaek’s dishes, so have a look and use it as a reference!

Sharing Spanish mackerel gondre rice and eggplant doenjang rice

We each ordered the rice bowl we wanted and shared them!

My friend’s pick: Spanish mackerel gondre rice

The Spanish mackerel gondre rice was ₩14,000.

This rice bowl came topped with a thick piece of beautifully golden-grilled Spanish mackerel, fragrant gondre greens (Korean thistle greens), and pickled mushrooms.

I mixed it together as the owner had suggested and gave it a try.

The fish bones had been removed well, so it was easy to eat. It was mild rather than overpowering, and the nutty gondre aroma paired wonderfully with the Spanish mackerel.

It was a healthy dish with real depth of flavor. It was even better wrapped in seaweed!!

My pick: eggplant doenjang rice

The eggplant doenjang rice was ₩13,000.

This rice bowl featured large grilled pieces of eggplant, a savory gangdoenjang (thick fermented soybean paste) sauce, and fragrant chives. I already tend to love eggplant dishes, but—

The earthy gangdoenjang had soaked right into the eggplant’s soft texture, and when I mixed it well with the rice as instructed, it was a total rice thief!

I ate it exclaiming over every bite.

The accompanying side dishes and warm soup were also set out neatly, and both my friend and I scraped our bowls clean.

A meal made with care in Daegu Jongno

From the neat presentation and fresh ingredients to the serene atmosphere and the owner’s kind service, there was nothing missing here. When you want a meal made with care, I highly recommend Hyangtaek Daegu Jongno Branch as a great restaurant in Daegu Jongno or a place to eat near Banwoldang!