Maze soba with vinegar at a Gwanpyeong-dong Japanese spot: Choi Dining

Today I visited Choi Dining in Gwanpyeong-dong, Daejeon.

I'd been hearing a lot of buzz about how good this place is, so I finally went to check it out myself. Can't miss out on a hot spot, right? Just like people said, it really is a great Japanese restaurant with a wide menu and a clean atmosphere, and I ended up eating a bunch of delicious food. Here's my review!

Where is Choi Dining Daejeon Gwanpyeong, and when is it open?

• Address: 20 Gwandeul 4-gil, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon
• Hours: 11:00 – 21:00
• Break time: 15:00 – 17:00
• Parking: in front of the store or on the side street

Choi Dining is in an easy-to-find spot in Gwanpyeong-dong, Daejeon, so it was simple to get to. Here's the exterior — the outside is kept neat and tidy. There was no wait when I visited, but even if there were, you could stand out front and browse the menu while you decide, haha. Having the menu posted outside is such a nice touch.

Inside Choi Dining: seating and atmosphere

I couldn't resist checking the menu board once more before going in, haha. Inside, the interior was cute and clean. Being easy to reach in Gwanpyeong-dong also felt like a plus, whether you're meeting friends or on a date.

There were several 4-person tables, which seemed perfect for families or couples on a date, haha. The tables were spaced generously too, so it never felt cramped — comfortable and pleasant. I really loved the clean-cut interior, exactly my style.

What we ordered: maze soba and aged salmon futomaki

Once we grabbed a seat, let's look at the menu!!

The set menu combos looked really solid, so I think ordering a set next time would be great too. Of course, we only noticed the sets after we'd already ordered everything separately, haha. Everything looked so good that decision paralysis kicked in again — but after some back and forth, we went with the maze soba and the aged salmon futomaki, haha.

First came the clear broth soup, haha. Sipping on it while waiting for the mains!!

Aged salmon futomaki with truffle mayo and wasabi

My pick, the salmon futomaki, arrived first. Player number one — look at that visual, haha. Huge... and huge-tasting. Being that big, it just looks that much more delicious. The presentation alone set it apart! Looks amazing, right? Thick, plump salmon tucked right inside.

Futomaki is hard to make at home, so whenever I see it on a menu when eating out, I always order it.

This legendary futomaki that I once got completely hooked on and ate constantly... it was packed with salmon and fresh vegetables, which I loved for how healthy the ingredients felt. Seems like it'd even work as a diet meal??? The portion was huge and filling — this alone could make a full meal — and each piece was so big it was tough to fit in one bite, haha (but I ate it in one bite anyway).

And the real kicker here is the truffle mayo sauce. The aroma and flavor were insane, and dipping it in with a touch of wasabi on top made the combo absolutely wild. I think that combination is why I kept reaching for more.

Maze soba: burst the egg, mix, then add vinegar halfway

And this one is the maze soba.

Pop the egg yolk and mix it in thoroughly — the seasoning flavor really comes alive. There's a nice savory depth. Noodles are underneath, and once you've eaten enough, you can ask for rice to add in.

Adding vinegar partway through gives it a whole different flavor!! No greasiness at all, just a bit of spice — maze soba really has this addictive, hard-to-describe taste, haha.

Is Choi Dining in Gwanpyeong-dong worth going back to?

It had been a while since I had maze soba and futomaki together, and it was so good, haha. The two paired perfectly together, haha. This was such a satisfying lunch at Choi Dining Daejeon Gwanpyeong, great for enjoying a variety of dishes together. Whenever I'm craving good Japanese food, I think I'll come back, haha. I heard the katsu here is also excellent, so I'm curious — next time I'll go for the katsu.

If you're looking for the place that does Japanese food right in Gwanpyeong-dong, this is it, everyone. Certified good eats :) If you're after a clean atmosphere and a varied menu in Gwanpyeong-dong, how about Choi Dining? I recommend paying a visit!!