Hanam braised pollock, 35,000 won small for Mom and me: Appa Jjim

Strangely, these days I crave fish dishes more than meat. Maybe it's because they leave my stomach feeling comfortable and light afterward, but I keep looking for braised fish dishes.

Recently I got the chance to have a cozy meal alone with my mother, so we went to Appa Jjim Hanam Main Branch (아빠찜 하남본점), known as a go-to for braised pollock (kodari) in Hanam and a lunch spot in Misa. To tell you the conclusion first: my mom was so pleased that she said we should come back with Dad next time.

I also understood right after the first bite why there's a long waiting line on weekdays and weekends alike.

What are parking and the dining room like at Appa Jjim?

Appa Jjim Hanam Main Branch has a spacious private parking area right in front of the restaurant. When I drive my mom somewhere, the first thing I check is whether there's plenty of parking, and here the very first step was really comfortable.

I heard there are parking attendants at busy times like weekends, so even people who aren't confident drivers should be able to pull in without trouble.

Inside, the hall was wide and neatly kept, with a calm atmosphere that suits bringing older family members.

The tables are spaced generously too, so we could chat away without worrying about the next table.

How does the 35,000 won small siraegi braised pollock taste?

After deciding what to try, we ordered the small braised pollock with siraegi (dried radish greens) for ₩35,000 and a seafood pancake for ₩16,000.

The side dishes came neatly arranged: seasoned greens, bean sprouts, a salad, and a cucumber and seaweed cold soup that freshens your mouth.

The braised pollock that arrived after our wait was a feast for the eyes, with glossy red sauce. Above all, the fish was plump, and even a single piece felt hearty and filled my mouth.

The flesh wasn't dry but moist, and it chewed softly together with the sauce rather than feeling separate from it. I loved that texture.

The sauce is pleasantly spicy with a subtle sweetness, the kind that could make a bowl of rice disappear in no time.

Siraegi braised pollock with a 16,000 won seafood pancake

The supporting star as memorable as the pollock was the siraegi piled generously underneath. It was cooked until completely tender, with a deep, nutty flavor, and wrapping it around a piece of fish was a wonderful match.

The seafood pancake we ordered alongside was thicker and crispier than I expected and filled the table nicely. The outside was fried crisp like a cracker while the inside stayed moist from the vegetables and seafood, which showed real skill.

It was packed with fresh seafood like squid and shellfish, and the savory juices came out as I chewed, so I couldn't put my chopsticks down. With such a generous spread, I could feel for myself why this place is so well known by word of mouth as a Hanam pollock spot and a Misa lunch gathering place.

Is braised pollock easy on the stomach?

The braised pollock at Appa Jjim Hanam Main Branch left my stomach comfortable even after finishing. After eating out at places with saucy braised dishes, your mouth often feels dry all afternoon or you end up drinking lots of water, right? Maybe because there was less of that harsh seasoning taste, I didn't have that problem here.

The older I get, the more my body tells me that fish sits better with my digestion than greasy meat. My mom also tends to avoid foods that are hard to digest, and she was happy to feel pleasantly full without any discomfort this time.

I was driving, so I couldn't have a glass of makgeolli (rice wine) with the meal, which was a bit of a shame, but the food alone made me feel well treated. Next time I'd like to come with the whole family by public transport and enjoy a cup of makgeolli too.

Appa Jjim Hanam Main Branch FAQ

What are the signature dishes and prices?

The braised pollock with siraegi is ₩35,000 for the small size, and there are also popular seafood dishes such as agujjim (spicy braised monkfish) and haemuljjim (spicy steamed seafood). The seafood pancake, a good side, is ₩16,000, so you can combine dishes to suit your group size.

How can you avoid the lunch wait?

Between 12 and 1pm at lunchtime, on weekdays and weekends, waiting customers tend to pile up. Arriving early, around 11:30am, or reserving in advance should cut your wait and let you sit comfortably.

Less spicy options for kids and older diners

Besides the main dishes, there are non-spicy side menu items such as handmade pork cutlet and clear kalguksu (knife-cut noodle soup), so people who find spicy seasoning hard can eat with peace of mind. The side dishes are also mild and lightly seasoned, so they go well alongside.

Final thoughts on lunch with Mom in Hanam

Our first outing in a while ended warmly, with happily full stomachs. Thanks to the neatly laid-out table and the carefully made fish dish, both I as the host and Mom as the guest went home with happy memories.

Of course, digestion and taste differ from person to person, so please take this as a light reference. If you're looking for a hearty, tidy meal to share with your parents, I don't think there are many better choices than this.