Songdo sushi revisit: round-tray set & eel sushi, Sushi Doku

This is the story of an evening I went back to Sushi Doku The Songdo (스시도쿠 더송도) in Songdo's Honesta Mall. I was so happy with my first visit that this sushi place kept popping into my head long afterward.

When you eat something delicious, certain places naturally come to mind. I was so satisfied the first time that I kept thinking about it, and in the end I couldn't hold out any longer and went back to Sushi Doku The Songdo at Honesta Mall.

My satisfaction the first time was really high, but a part of me wondered, "Maybe it only tasted that good because it was my first visit?" This revisit wiped that worry away completely. Sushi Doku is Sushi Doku, after all.

Why go back to Sushi Doku The Songdo?

I went back because I wanted to check whether the first visit's flavor was a one-time thing. A good restaurant isn't finished after one tasty meal. I think a real favorite is a place that keeps the same quality on the second and third visits. Sushi Doku The Songdo kept crossing my mind even after the first visit.

What are the atmosphere and seating like?

Sushi Doku The Songdo is known for soft lighting, wood-toned interiors and wide tables divided by curtain-style partitions. The moment I walked in, the gentle lighting and warm wood tones greeted me first. It's a space where comfort and a touch of elegance blend rather than flashiness, and green plants and charming little props here and there made it even cozier. The noren (Japanese fabric door curtains) and the sleek interior felt like visiting a Japanese restaurant in Japan, and the soft lighting kept me relaxed through the whole meal.

The tables are spaced widely, so I could eat leisurely without bothering the next table, and the curtain-style partitions separate the space naturally and even give it a private feel. I thought it would suit a date, a family meal or a get-together with friends.

In the open kitchen you can watch the chefs make sushi with care as soon as orders come in, which made me trust the freshness even more. The staff were friendly and the restaurant was kept clean, so the whole meal was pleasant. You could feel the attention to even small details, and being able to enjoy both delicious food and a comfortable mood made it all the more satisfying. It's the kind of place where you want to linger once you're in, one of Songdo's most charming Japanese spots.

What's in the sushi set, and how much is it?

The sushi set at Sushi Doku The Songdo is ₩25,900 per person. I ordered it again without a second thought. Honestly, for this lineup at this price, I think the value is excellent.

The sushi set arrives with sushi and sides piled onto one big round tray. After a short wait the food came out, and I was amazed from the moment I saw it. It looks generous in photos, but in person it's even more abundant. It's a spread that makes you happy just looking at it. It isn't only sushi; everything below comes at once.

• Fresh sushi
• Warm udon
• Soft steamed egg custard (gyeran-jjim)
• Crispy shrimp tempura
• Juicy karaage (Japanese fried chicken)
• Fresh salad
• Pickled rakkyo and ginger

It truly lives up to the name "set meal." You could feel the care in every item, and the colors were so pretty that taking photos was fun too.

How's the sushi? Thick-cut toppings and eel sushi

The sushi at Sushi Doku The Songdo has thick slices of fish, and the eel sushi was my favorite. I tried the salmon first. It melted softly the moment it hit my mouth, with just the right richness and freshness. The flatfish was chewy yet clean-tasting, and the tuna kept a crisp, clean flavor. The eel sushi in particular, with its sweet sauce and tender texture, was simply the best.

With every piece I kept thinking, "I'm so glad I came back."

Above all, the fish slices at Sushi Doku are really thick. It's clearly different from thin-sliced sushi, and the chewing satisfaction was great. The amount of rice was just right so I could really taste the fish, and the balance with the wasabi was excellent.

What about the sides: udon, tempura, karaage?

Another plus of the sushi set at Sushi Doku The Songdo is the side dishes. The udon broth was rich yet clean, the tempura stayed crispy, and the karaage was crunchy outside and juicy inside, so I kept reaching for it.

The egg custard was so soft it melted in my mouth. The salad's refreshing dressing made it nice to eat between pieces of sushi, and the whole meal fit together really well. I was very happy that it isn't just the main that's good; everything was above average.

Is Sushi Doku The Songdo just as good on a revisit?

Sushi Doku The Songdo was, if anything, even more satisfying the second time. Usually the wow factor fades a bit on a revisit. But the food quality was the same, the friendliness was the same, the atmosphere was the same. I thought, so this is why people keep coming back.

I'm now convinced it isn't a place that was good once, but one you can visit anytime and be satisfied.

If you're looking for a great sushi place in Songdo, I'd recommend Sushi Doku The Songdo without hesitation. Fresh ingredients, thick-cut toppings, a generous set, a clean restaurant and friendly service: nothing was lacking.

Above all, when I paid after the meal, I naturally thought, "That was really good again today," and "I have to come again next time." It was a day that reminded me that good food really does lift your mood.

I was satisfied on the first visit, and even more so on the revisit: Sushi Doku The Songdo. If you want a special meal in Songdo, or a spot for a date, a family meal or a get-together with friends, I confidently recommend it. I'll probably be writing a third-visit review before long.