Daegu raw fish restaurant with free braised flatfish: Paldakpaldak

It was one of those muggy early-summer days when it looks like rain but never quite does, and I was desperate for something cold. Mulhoe (cold raw fish soup) or hoedeopbap (raw fish rice bowl) is the best answer on a day like that, right? haha So I went to Paldakpaldak (팔딱팔딱), a raw fish restaurant in Jisan-dong, Suseong, Daegu, for lunch! Short version: total success.

Doesn't it look generous just from the photo?! It was only a lunch, but I felt properly treated. A perfect meal that swung between spicy and refreshing.

Where is Paldakpaldak in Suseong, Daegu, and what are its hours?

Paldakpaldak is at 20 Dongdaegu-ro 12-gil, Suseong-gu, Daegu, and it is open from 11:30 a.m. to 12 a.m. On Saturdays it stays open until 1 a.m. It is closed every Sunday, so keep that in mind.

Go a little way up from Hwanggeum Station toward Suseongmot and you'll see it right away on the big road on your left. It's not far from Exit 1 of Suseongmot Station either. It's good for lunch like ours, and just right for a drink in the evening too.

Paldakpaldak's exterior and fish tanks

The fish tank in front of Paldakpaldak had fresh live fish swimming around energetically, just like the name says. A restaurant called "Paldakpaldak" (the word for flopping around lively), how cute and honest is that? haha

Seeing such a clean tank made me trust the place before we even went in. Freshness, guaranteed! (A good restaurant gives off its aura right from the entrance...!)

Is there parking at Paldakpaldak?

There is parking right in front of Paldakpaldak, so driving there is no trouble. Maybe because it was a weekday lunch, parking was easy and there was no wait, so we ate at a relaxed pace. Weekdays really are the best cheat code for popular restaurants!

Paldakpaldak interior and private rooms

Inside, Paldakpaldak is clean and tidy, with roomy tables that make it comfortable to eat. I liked it from the moment I walked in.

It isn't too crowded and the mood is calm, so it seems fine for eating alone too. There is also a private room that fits 2 to 14 people, so it passes for family meals or small gatherings!

Paldakpaldak menu

The menu had a variety of raw fish and lunch specials. But our target was already set! One mulhoe and one hoedeopbap, please~!

Paldakpaldak hoedeopbap, served as a set with spicy fish stew

The hoedeopbap came in a bowl packed with fresh vegetables, topped with chewy raw fish and nutty crumbled seasoned seaweed. It got my appetite going from the looks alone.

I added chojang (sweet and tangy chili vinegar sauce), mixed it up and took a bite... wow, the crunchy vegetables and chewy raw fish felt like a festival in my mouth.

On top of that, the hoedeopbap comes with a hot, spicy fish stew (maeuntang) as a set. Whoever came up with this combo deserves an award...

One bite of the nutty hoedeopbap, then a spoonful of the kicky stew broth, and you can keep going forever.

Paldakpaldak mulhoe, served with clam soup

The star of the day, Paldakpaldak's mulhoe, had lots of vegetables and raw fish in a cold broth with floating ice crystals. It clears your chest just by looking at it!

The sweet, tangy and slightly spicy broth was excellent. My appetite, which had run away in the heat, came right back. haha

The mulhoe also comes with a clear clam soup. See how big and plump the mussels are? The light, clean broth felt like it warmly wrapped up the chill of the mulhoe.

Free braised flatfish when you order 2 or more mulhoe or hoedeopbap

At Paldakpaldak, if you order 2 or more mulhoe or hoedeopbap, you get braised flatfish as a free side! That was the big news here. Boss, is there any profit left in this?! hahahaha

Tender flatfish soaked through with a salty-sweet seasoning... this alone would make a bowl of rice disappear. The quality was far too good to call it a freebie.

Is Paldakpaldak worth it? Final verdict

I'd been worn out by the muggy weather, but Paldakpaldak's cold mulhoe and nutty hoedeopbap fully recharged me. If you're looking for a fresh, tasty raw fish restaurant or hoedeopbap spot in Jisan-dong, Suseong, Daegu, Paldakpaldak is a really good choice.