Korean restaurant in Banwoldang, Daegu: eggplant doenjang, Hyangtaek

Where is Hyangtaek Daegu Jongno Branch and when is it open?

Hyangtaek Daegu Jongno Branch is a Korean restaurant at 19 Jungang-daero 77-gil 1, Jung-gu, Daegu, South Korea, open daily 11:00–20:00 with a break time from 15:30 to 17:00. Last order is at 15:00 and 19:30, there's no parking, but takeout is available.

I wanted Korean food, so I went to Hyangtaek, a well-known restaurant near Banwoldang in Daegu! It's gaining a reputation as one of the go-to spots in Jongno, Daegu, and since I'd already tried another branch and knew the quality was solid, I came straight here. It's right across from the Starbucks Jongno Gotaek branch, so it was easy to find, and it's within walking distance of both Banwoldang and Dongseongno — a great spot for a meal after shopping at The Hyundai Daegu or a date.

Inside Hyangtaek Daegu Jongno Branch

Hyangtaek Daegu Jongno Branch pursues a clean Korean food culture using healthy ingredients grown right here in Korea. From the rice and vegetables to the meat and fish, good ingredients go into every carefully prepared meal. The interior has a hanok (traditional Korean house) feel with a warm atmosphere, making it great for a solo meal near Banwoldang in Daegu, as well as family meals, dates, or visits with your parents.

Hyangtaek Daegu Jongno Branch menu and prices

The signature dishes at Hyangtaek, a well-loved restaurant near Banwoldang, include mackerel gondre rice, eggplant doenjang rice bowl, yukhoe (raw beef) bibimbap, chamnamul (aster) squid rice bowl, and herring roe bibim noodles, plus delicious side dishes like the mushroom platter and grilled deodeok and mushrooms. Don't miss it — on weekdays you can get a free mushroom pancake with a Naver receipt review!

The basic side dishes were neat and tidy too! My mom loved them, so I'd recommend coming here with your parents :) I read through Hyangtaek's 'how to enjoy the meal' guide while waiting.

A beautifully set table at Hyangtaek, a Korean restaurant near Jongno, Daegu! It looked fresh and appetizing just to look at. Even the spoons and chopsticks were wooden, which I loved 🤎 And instead of plain water, they serve a savory tea. Let's zoom in on that gorgeous spread~~

Eggplant doenjang rice bowl, 13,000 won

The eggplant doenjang rice bowl at Hyangtaek, a restaurant near Banwoldang, Daegu. The eggplant on top was grilled to a nice golden brown and was so moist it practically melted. It comes with a special thick doenjang (soybean paste) sauce that isn't salty at all, with a deep, savory flavor that really stood out.

Mixed with the chopped green onion, it was mild yet full of deep flavor, and being healthy Korean food, it felt gentle on the stomach too. And the rice portion was huge!

Spanish mackerel gondeure rice, 14,000 won

The mackerel gondre (dried thistle) rice at Hyangtaek, a restaurant near Jongno, Daegu. The mackerel was grilled just right — moist yet clean-tasting — and paired nicely with the fragrant gondre.

Adding Hyangtaek's special sauce brought out the savory flavor even more, and I cleared the whole bowl of rice! Wrapped in seaweed, it was so good haha. If you like fish, you have to try this one.

Grilled mushrooms and deodeok side, 9,000 won

The seasoning soaked into the deodeok (mountain bellflower root) and mushrooms isn't harsh or spicy at all, and it really wakes up the appetite. With a hint of smokiness added in, it was the perfect pairing with the mild rice bowls! It truly felt like a nourishing dish that fills you up and restores your energy at the same time.

If you want to enjoy neat, well-made Korean food with healthy ingredients, I recommend Hyangtaek Daegu Jongno Branch near Banwoldang, Daegu! If you're looking for a hearty Korean meal, be sure to check it out 🧡