Sushi Hinoharu: A Great Omakase Near Kyung Hee University in Seoul
I was trying to figure out where to go for a family birthday and ended up booking a place called Sushi Hinoharu. My family has pretty small appetites, so I figured an omakase would be better than ordering a bunch of different dishes. We arrived a bit earlier than our reservation time, and to my surprise, we were the only customers there while they were just finishing up their opening preparations. It's located in the commercial area near Kyung Hee University (in eastern Seoul), rather than a neighborhood packed with high-end omakase spots like Apgujeong or Cheongdam. At around 70,000 KRW (approx. $50), the price feels neither particularly cheap nor super expensive.
Once we sat down, the chef carefully served the dishes one by one. First came a cute eggplant dish and a jelly-like appetizer beautifully plated over decorative pebbles. The chef enthusiastically explained each dish as it came out, but with my goldfish memory, I couldn't remember it all. Next was a steamed egg topped with okra; it was incredibly soft and perfect for warming up an empty stomach.
Throughout the meal, the chef attentively asked if the amount of rice and the seasoning were okay. I thought it was really kind of him to make sure everything was adjusted to our tastes. A dish topped with refreshing jelly and orange was great for stimulating the appetite, and the abalone dish was also impressive. Dipping the abalone into the rich innards sauce and then mixing rice into the leftover sauce is just incredibly delicious every single time.
By the time we finished the sweet and savory braised fish, the entire meal had taken about an hour. Honestly, compared to expensive omakase restaurants that cost twice as much, it might be a little rough around the edges, but the quality is quite good for the price. I think it's a perfectly fine spot for college students to pool their money together and treat themselves for an anniversary. My family all left feeling satisfied, so we might just end up coming back for our next special occasion.
