Summer mulhoe at a Korean restaurant in Banwoldang, Daegu: Hyangtaek

Where is Hyangtaek Daegu Jongno Branch?

Hyangtaek Daegu Jongno Branch is a great fusion Korean restaurant for a date in Banwoldang, Daegu. It's right in front of the Starbucks Daegu Jongno Godaek Branch, so it was easy to find. Eat at Hyangtaek and then grab a coffee right next door at Starbucks — sounds like a plan?!

Hyangtaek Daegu Jongno Branch

Luckily we didn't have to wait, but once it hit noon, people were waiting outside despite the heat. You write your name on the list and wait outside.

What's on the menu at Hyangtaek?

Since it's summer, the mulhoe (cold raw fish soup) menu caught my eye! It wasn't the usual live-fish version — it was a yukhoe (raw beef) and pollack mulhoe.

There were also simple rice bowl dishes and sides like grilled deodeok mushrooms, a full galbi platter, and dak-bulgogi (spicy grilled chicken). I have to try the dak-bulgogi next time.

Inside Hyangtaek: a hanok given a modern makeover

As the name Hyangtaek suggests, the space has an old hanok (traditional Korean house) feel reimagined in a modern style. It felt a bit like being invited into a distinguished old home.

How to eat the mulhoe and rice bowl at Hyangtaek

• Mix the toppings on the rice or noodles evenly
• For the Spanish mackerel or eggplant, tear it into small pieces before mixing
• Try it with the gochujang seasoned gopchang-kim (seaweed) and seed jeotgal (fermented seafood) on the side
• Each menu comes with its own special sauce, so try that too for a different flavor

Side dishes and doenjang soup came out first. Good for whetting your appetite while you wait.

Hyangtaek started at Gyodong Market and now also has branches in Dongdaegu, Jongno, Daebong, Chimsan, and Gyeongju. They're passionately spreading the word about their refined fusion Korean food made with quality ingredients :)

Grilled eggplant doenjang rice bowl, 13,000 won: good even if you dislike eggplant

We ordered the eggplant doenjang rice bowl and the pollack yukhoe mulhoe.

Grilled eggplant doenjang rice bowl, ₩13,000. I don't usually like eggplant, but since it's the signature dish and the visuals drew me in, I gave it a try! There's a vinegar sauce served alongside — drizzle a little on, or if you like mazesoba, pour it all on, they said.

Mix all the ingredients into the rice and eat it with the grilled eggplant — truly delicious. It's different from a doenjang bibimbap with thick soybean paste. It's mild enough to enjoy on its own, but wrapping it with the seed jeotgal or gopchang-kim side dishes brings out a deep, distinct flavor! Even kids loved this taste.

Pollack yukhoe mulhoe: so loaded the noodles are hard to find

The pollack yukhoe mulhoe came with rice too. They told us to eat all the noodles inside first, then mix rice into the leftover broth — but honestly, just fishing out the noodles was a bit of a struggle haha.

That's because the yukhoe and pollack toppings were piled up so generously haha, I wish the bowl was a bit wider.

The savory yukhoe and the umami-packed seasoned pollack go so well together! It's cooled down a little now, but this pollack mulhoe is a must-try for summer. Hyangtaek Daegu Jongno Branch is great for a date and I'd highly recommend it for a meal with friends or acquaintances too — be sure to stop by when you're in Banwoldang!