Songdo sushi restaurant with kiosk-order sets: Sushi Doku The Songdo

Sushi Doku The Songdo: a line right at the entrance

Now I get why Sushi Doku The Songdo, this Incheon Songdo favorite, has a wait! The moment I got to the entrance on the 2nd floor of Onesta Mall, there were already so many people waiting.

Seeing everyone sitting in the chairs outside the restaurant, I thought, this really is a hot spot. Even before I read the phrase 'authentic live-aged sushi,' my expectations were already up.

Parking and what the restaurant feels like inside

Parking space is always my biggest worry when driving somewhere. Sushi Doku The Songdo's lot is spacious and clean, so even new drivers shouldn't stress. I parked in the basement lot and rode the elevator up, which was really convenient.

Once inside, the soft lighting makes the whole place feel cozy. Each table has a booth-like divider, perfect for a relaxed meal with your group. It's calm enough that solo diners could eat comfortably too.

Kiosk ordering and which sushi set to pick

Ordering was simple through the kiosk at the table. Each menu item had a photo, so it was easy to check the composition beforehand. There were more set options than I expected — basic, premium, and special — so it was fun choosing.

Even the chopsticks were individually wrapped and neatly set out. A small detail, but that kind of care puts you in a good mood before the meal even starts. Once I ordered, I waited eagerly, sure the food would come out soon.

What comes in the sushi set and how the fish tastes

My sushi set finally arrived! The sushi pieces laid out neatly on the wooden board looked amazing right off the bat haha. Salmon, flounder, tuna, shrimp — the lineup was really well put together. With the side salad and udon, the whole table was so full it was filling just to look at.

Looking down from above, the colors were even prettier. Can you tell how fresh and glossy the ingredients looked? Since it uses aged sashimi, the fish had a distinct chewiness. The amount of rice was just right too, a good ratio for really tasting the fish.

I started with a piece of white fish. Even lifting it with chopsticks, I could feel how thick the cut was. The moment it hit my mouth, it was chewy yet smooth going down — the texture was incredible. No fishy taste at all, just a clean finish that kept me reaching for more.

This piece had a savory topping on it, and the flavor was really distinct and deep. The more you chew, the more the savoriness spreads and blends with the fish's natural sweetness. Combinations like this made me understand why people line up for this place.

Egg custard, fried shrimp, and fish cake udon on the side

The egg custard (chawanmushi) included in the set at this Incheon Songdo favorite Sushi Doku The Songdo is pudding-soft. The tiny bits on top pop as you eat, adding to the fun. Eating it between pieces of sushi felt like a nice palate cleanser.

The crispy fried shrimp was also a real treat! Piled high with tartar sauce, it's a flavor kids would love. Crispy outside, moist inside — the textbook definition of crispy-on-the-outside-juicy-on-the-inside, so satisfying it was hard to stop at just one. The batter wasn't too thick, so the shrimp's own flavor really came through.

Finished it off with warm udon. There was a cute fish-shaped fish cake in it that made me laugh the moment I saw it haha. The broth was rich and deep, pairing really well with the sushi. The noodles had a nice bounce too, so I enjoyed it down to the very last bite.

Overall, the set is so solid that you'd get compliments no matter who you bring along. That said, there may be a wait, so it's best to come with plenty of time to spare.