First mideoh sashimi and roe-and-milt stew set in Dujeong-dong

Every weekend it's the same question: "Where should I go for something really good today?" We've all been there, right? So today I headed to Donghae Bada, a sashimi spot in Dujeong-dong, Cheonan, known for its overwhelming freshness even though it's right nearby. It's already word-of-mouth famous for its generous set menus, and I went to try the special mideoh (croaker) sashimi platter and the hearty spicy seafood stew set myself — here's my honest review!

Where is Donghae Bada Hoetjip, and is parking easy?

Donghae Bada Hoetjip is at 5-11 Neulpureun 6-gil, Seobuk-gu, Cheonan-si, Chungcheongnam-do, open daily from 11:30 to 22:00. The huge sign out front is visible from a distance, so even on a first visit it was easy to spot. The sign at the entrance reading "seasonal sashimi, Mokpo mideoh, seafood soup and stew" already gave off the vibe of a proper fresh-seafood specialist. Haha.^^

Parking convenience matters most if you're driving! The wide lot right in front of the store means even new drivers can park comfortably. Plenty of space, so no stress getting there. 👍

Inside the hall: seating at Donghae Bada Hoetjip in Dujeong-dong

Walking in, the first thing you notice is the clean, spacious hall. The ceiling lighting is bright and the tables are spaced generously, so you can eat comfortably without feeling cramped. The layout is great for large groups, which made me think this is exactly the kind of Dujeong-dong restaurant nearby office workers would use for a staff dinner or a family gathering.

Looking around the interior, I noticed some framed items hanging next to a display cabinet. On closer look, they turned out to be handwritten signatures and warm messages from well-known figures like comedian Kim Tae-kyun of Cultwo Show and the late football manager Yoo Sang-chul. Haha^^

Where the fish comes from and how to order by tablet

A lot of people check where the fish comes from when dining out, right? Donghae Bada Hoetjip has an origin-labeling board clearly posted on the wall. The fresh mideoh, flounder and rockfish — the main sashimi items — are all domestic. ^^

Browsing the menu, I was drawn to the set combos that let you enjoy sashimi and a stew together in one order. Even the 2-person set looked generously portioned, so I went with the set that pairs mideoh, flounder and tuna sashimi with a spicy seafood stew. You order through the tablet at the table. ^^

What banchan comes with the set?

Here's the basic table setting^^ — everything from golden, crispy chive pancake to tender boiled pork, dried radish, palatable baek-kimchi (white kimchi) and salad, beondegi (silkworm pupae), seaweed soup with dried shrimp, and even a mild, savory grilled fish.

Among the side dishes, the perfectly tender boiled pork paired with the sweet-and-spicy dried radish was an absolute standout. 👍 Add in a crispy, golden bite of chive pancake and I couldn't put my chopsticks down even before the main sashimi arrived. Haha.

How does the mideoh, tuna and flounder sashimi platter taste?

A sashimi platter with a lineup that stands apart from the start! Prized health-food mideoh, premium tuna, and seasonal flounder — all in one generous combination.

My very first taste of mideoh sashimi! I was a little worried the smell or texture might be unfamiliar, but the moment I took a bite, I realized I had nothing to worry about. Haha. It was cut appropriately thick with a satisfying chew, and its fresh, clean flavor was really appealing.

Can't skip the glossy, deep-red tuna sashimi either! Wrapping it in salty gim (dried seaweed) with a little radish sprout on top was a perfect match. The way it melted in my mouth, with that rich, savory flavor ^^

The flounder sashimi had a wonderfully chewy, dense texture. Between that distinctive chewiness and the savory flavor that spread as you chewed, it felt like the perfect three-way balance for the sashimi set. 😁

What's in the spicy seafood stew, from roe to milt?

The spicy seafood stew was the crowning finish of the sashimi set. A big platter piled with octopus, conch and shrimp, all coated in a savory, spicy sauce — it would work perfectly as a meal or as the ultimate drinking snack. Haha.

There's also roe and gonads soaked through with sauce. Packed full inside, they had a savory flavor that grew richer with every chew — honestly a work of art. The combination with the spicy sauce was excellent, and seafood lovers in particular will be very satisfied with this part. 👍

The springy texture of the seafood in the stew also stood out. The octopus, conch and squid all blended smoothly with the sauce rather than sitting apart, which elevated the whole dish even further.

There's also plump shrimp and savory blue crab tucked inside.^^

Is Donghae Bada Hoetjip worth a visit?

If you want to enjoy fresh seasonal sashimi and a hearty, spicy seafood stew all in one place, I strongly recommend Donghae Bada Hoetjip in Dujeong-dong, Cheonan.

Oh, and if you visit, be sure to leave a Naver receipt photo review and grab the free crispy crab tempura that comes with it! 😄