Korean restaurant in Suseong, Daegu for a galbi set: Banwoldang

A Korean meal in Hwanggeum-dong when I was craving something hot

I eat well every day, but somehow I found myself craving a hot baekban (Korean set meal) that day. So today, I visited Banwoldang Buja Sikdang Suseong Branch. Banwoldang Buja Sikdang first looked after office workers’ lunches in Banwoldang, then became known by word of mouth as a great restaurant and opened its Suseong Branch in Hwanggeum-dong.

Banwoldang Buja Sikdang Suseong Branch is within a 10-minute walk of Exit 1 at Children’s World Station on Daegu Metro Line 3. We drove, and although the restaurant does not have its own parking lot, it covers the parking fee if you use the public street parking lot in front, so parking was no burden at all.

The menu and its two-serving ordering system

As soon as I entered, the clean interior and eye-catching menu board stood out. The selection was not overly broad: Buja seokgalbi (stone-grilled ribs), charcoal-grilled stir-fried squid and pork, charcoal-grilled stir-fried pork, charcoal-grilled stir-fried squid, and charcoal-grilled spicy cream pork. Truly great restaurants usually focus on just a few main dishes, so that actually made me trust the place even more.

We ordered two servings of Buja seokgalbi and steamed rice. You can order using the tablet at each table. Since every item has a two-serving minimum, it is better suited to visiting with friends or family than dining alone.

Cheongguk doenjang-jjigae and self-serve side dishes

After we ordered, a staff member started cooking the cheongguk doenjang-jjigae (fermented soybean paste stew) first. Steamed rice must be ordered separately, but I liked that the stew comes with every main dish. Its nutty aroma wafted up as it bubbled, making me even hungrier.

Neat, clean banchan (Korean side dishes) also filled the table. I immediately went to the self-service bar and piled up fresh ssam vegetables. It was convenient and nice to take as many wrap vegetables as I wanted without feeling self-conscious.

A generous serving of Buja seokgalbi

While we were picking at the side dishes, the Buja seokgalbi we had ordered finally arrived. Grilled ribs filled a sizzling hot stone plate, and the serving was so generous that I wondered whether it really was only for two people. I cut the meat into bite-sized pieces with scissors and had a taste.

The seokgalbi, thoroughly soaked in its special soy sauce, was slightly sweet and full of savory depth—a flavor anyone, young or old, would enjoy. The well-grilled meat tasted even better wrapped in fresh vegetables with garlic and chili peppers. And placing one big piece of rib right on top of rice before taking a generous bite? That combination needs no explanation.

A filling meal, complete with nutty stew

The cheongguk doenjang-jjigae had bubbled away perfectly at one side of the table, so I used a ladle and bowl to serve myself a hearty portion. It was nutty richness itself, with a deep and full flavor. Mixing the hot rice and stew together made every bite go down so easily.

I had been eating rich delivery food far too often lately, and my stomach had quietly been feeling heavy and uncomfortable. Having a proper Korean set meal like this made it feel at ease again. The seasoning was not overpowering and was just right, so I enjoyed every last bite without getting tired of it.

Banwoldang Buja Sikdang Suseong Branch delivered a pleasant meal from start to finish, with generous portions, neat flavors, and kind service from the staff. If you want to properly enjoy a filling Korean meal that sits comfortably, I hope you will visit at least once.