Fine Dining in Daejeon: Tips for the Meatless

While Korean food meets a deep satisfying need for many expats who find themselves in South Korea, there is a dependence on meats and fish sauces and broths in Korean cooking that can create a challenging situation for expats who would like to experience Korea and their lives in general, with the absence of meat.

Earlier this year, the Harrington's informed their reader's about one popular Daejeon Alternative, Machera Well-Being Vegetarian Buffet at the end of the subway line at Banseok. However, it's quite possible local or visiting vegetarians are a bit tired of the selection and location of this option and are yearning for a bit more variety.

Fortunately, the Harrington's are decently connected and have had the pleasure of meeting a long-time vegan in Daejeon who graciously shared his knowledge and experience of eating out in Daejeon. The following are locations and dishes and tips from this friend regarding meatless eating in Daejeon. Details are given to the extent THT can provide. THT hasn't sat down at all of these eateries and cannot attest to location or deliciousness. However, readers who are meatless and adventurous should enjoy the challenge of hunting down these alternatives to home-cooking and Machera Buffet.

Fine Dining in Daejeon: 싸다돼지마을

Although the Harrington's love a good hamburger or taco, the truth is they love Korean food and cook plenty of it at home while also making their way out to the many fine-dining establishments of Daejeon. Time and time again, the Harrington's make their way to Gung-dong where some of the best food for the best prices is located. And of those Gung-dong restaurants there is one 싸다돼지마을 (Cheap Pork Village) that has them hooked, nearly addicted to their go-juchang bul-gogi (thinly sliced meat in a spicy, red pepper sauce, wrapped with lettuce)

Favorite Cafes: Cafe Moru

If you live in Daejeon and spend any time on Facebook groups you've likely heard about the greatly renowned Cafe Moru where Daejeonites can sink their teeth into some fine quality brunch items.  Always ready to check out the latest and greatest in Daejeon's dining options as well as enjoy some typical western breakfast items, the Harrington's recently made their way to Cafe Moru and were far from disappointed.

The cafe is easy to find behind

Fine Dining in Daejeon: Machera Well-Being

In Laramie, Wyoming one of the Harrington's all-time favorite restaurant is a place by the name of Sweet Melissa's. Now, aside from the fabulous name choice, the restaurant has a phenomenal all-vegetarian menu. And while our readers may be well aware that the man Harrington in particular has a deep love for meat and that Melissa gets her share too, the truth is they know the value of a good vegetarian meal. In fact, most of their home cooking is more aligned to that of a vegetarian than a raging carnivore.

Regardless of the Harrington's personal food choices, suffice it to say, the couple is always on the look out for restaurants that have foreigner appeal and a vegetarian restaurant is most definitely appealing to the vegetarian tourists or expats in South Korea who quickly discover that if there's no meat in the dish, there's likely to be fish sauce and if there's no fish sauce, there's likely to be meat.

So with an understanding that vegetarian meals are a) good for the soul and b) hard to come by in South Korea, the Harrington duo made their way out to Machera Well-Being a vegetarian buffet at the end of the Subway Line, Banseok Station.

Sweet Eats in Daejeon: Snow Spoon

If you're looking for a nice, cool way to top off a meal or kill some time before meeting up with friends at Daejeon Cantina or Yellow Taxi, why not situate yourself across from the TimeWorld LeeChard Pro Hair that looks like a tooth (you know the building) and enter the wonderful land that is SnowSpoon?

Fine Dining in Daejeon: Little Tomo

Some time has passed since the Harrington's found themselves dining at Little Tomo, however, as spring is in the air, it is time for some blog draft 'spring cleaning' and today dear readers, you can read about yet another fine dining option in Daejeon, South Korea.

If you've been in Daejeon for even just a few months you are likely familiar with 성심당 (sung sim dang) the famous bakery of Eunhaeng-dong. What you may not know is that their talent with food doesn't stop at Sung Sim Dang bakery, but expands within the Eunhaeng-dong neighborhood to include the Flying Pan (Italian Restaurant), Oven Story (Cafe, Nick-Knack Shop and Baking School), another restaurant which cannot be recalled at this time and Little Tomo (simple, Japanese style food).

If you've been in Daejeon long enough to discover Sung Sim Dang, then you've likely explored the Underground Shopping area of Jungang-ro Station. Thus doing, you've likely passed by the sweet little eatery with white walls and a quaint ambiance that is in fact called, Little Tomo.

If you've only passed this little eatery rather than stopping in for a bite to eat, we at The Harrington Times ask you to reconsider walking by and encourage you to stop in for a variety of fantastic donkatsu (fried pork cutlet) variations including Curry Cutlet and Cordon Bleu cutlet, the latter being particularly tasty.

And, while you're underground, you might as well continue exploring the various 'wings' until you stumble upon the short row of vendors fighting for your attention while offering

Fine Dining in Daejeon: Dino Meats - All-You-Can-Eat

While 519 Kitchen boasts a fair share of veggies and vegetarian-friendly courses for a variety of reasons (Melissa's health-concious, dietetic soul and the couples mutual spirit of frugality being a couple) the truth is the man likes meat. Therefore, when driving around the city and spotting a sign for Dino-Meats - Meat Buffet, there is a clear and defined mission set before the couple. This being so,

Fine Dining in Daejeon: A Bit of Homemade

It doesn't take long when living in a foreign land to begin craving the tastes of home.  And although 'Bit of Homemade' doesn't have a store-front or cafe location from which Daejeonites can enjoy their treats, they are most definitely an excellent choice in 'dining' for any expat craving a taste of home or a taste of something absolutely fabulous!

The Harrington duo was honored to try a bit of everything this past weekend...what does 'everything' mean? Bit-of-Homemade provides Daejeonites access to:

Fine Dining in Daejeon: The New Taj Mahal

In the past we've written about finding the best Mexican food in Daejeon and then our increasing joy as not only one, but two more Mexican restaurants moved onto the scene.  However, we never blogged about Daejeon's infamous Indian restaurant Indy because it was never a secret, it was one of the first places we ate upon arrival and frankly, it's genearlly more expensive than we're willing to pay on a regular enough basis to return and take pictures (maybe someday, although now, Indy must compete with The New Taj Mahal)

But just like an increase in Mexican food got the Harrington's all worked up into a frenzy of excitement, now Daejeon's gone and added two more Indian restaurants to the scene. One, Bukhara, located at City Hall station is rumoured to be equally or more expensive than Indy, so likely won't see the Harrington's any time soon, especially because The New Taj Mahal is absolutely phenomenal!

An exceptionally wide variety of curries, including vegetarian, Indian BBQ, Nan and Masala Chai tea at the half the  price of Indy or what rumors claim are Bukhara's prices lead the Harrington's to vote The New Taj Mahal in Gung-dong the number one choice for fulfilling your Indian delicay cravings.

In an attempt to try as much as possible in their first visit, the Harrington's and their entertaining and dear friend Paul shared a Family set for 30,000 won ($30).  The set included a sample of tandoori chicken, butter chicken, rice, nan, three curries, and two Masala chai teas.  For the three mouths, it was plenty! (Well, with an added nan, a roti and a third cup of Masala).  Friends of the Harrington's who have dined at The New Taj Mahal have had equally agreeable evaluations of the food and prices, definitely worth checking out if you're looking for something a little less fermented in the Land of Kimchi.

Getting There: Gung-dong is the place to go! If you can find Santa Claus, Shisha House, Ali-Baba's Treasure or the Proper Chinese Restaurant, you are not far from the New Taj Mahal. Follow your nose and you're sure to find the basement restaurant calling you forth to a meal of deliciousness. Look for buses that head to Chungnam University of Hanbit Apartments, some that we know run in that genearl area include: 102, 105, 106, 113, 119 (but there are definitely many more!)

Fine Dining in Daejeon: Ali Baba's Treasure

Perhaps a year ago Melissa made her way to Ali Baba's Treasure and was not impressed to the point of posting. However, a new cook and a few new menu items/recipes and Ali Baba's has now found itself a place here on The Harrington Times.

Offering a weekend special for 12,000 won, Ali Baba's lured the Harrington's in with the offer of salad, soup, falafel and lemon pepper chicken. The salad dressing reminded the couple of a salted lemon dressing they enjoyed while traveling in Guatemala and the falafel was pure joy! The soup was a bit salty compared to the non-salt-added foods the Harrington's typically consume, but delicious nonetheless. Only problem with the lemon pepper chicken is that there was such an abundance after having already chowed down on the deliciousness, fortunately, the Mr. can pack things in so he made sure to get the full value of the night out.

Getting There: Situated on the second floor of a building in Gung-dong if you can find Santa Claus or Shisha House you're just a few doors away from entering Ali Baba's Treasure.

Fine Dining in Daejeon: Proper Chinese Cuisine

If you've been in South Korea long it's likely you've discovered that Chinese restaurants abound, however the cuisine is not always what you had hoped. It remains a challenge for the American citizen in Korea to track down sesame chicken, General Tso's chicken and other such dishes as may be familiar to the Chinese restaurants of the west. However, those wishing to dine on something a bit more authentically Chinese and a whole lot less Black Bean Sauce over Noodles, may want to head on down over to Gung-dong and check out a Proper Chinese Restaurant (of which the Harrington's do not know the name). However, the restuarant can be found

Fine Dining in Daejeon: Takorea

By far the most exciting thing about returning to Daejeon for a second contract year was the promise of more Mexican food. While Taco K has fabulous enchiladas and Dajeon Cantina has the best tacos and nachos this town has ever seen (as well as increasingly impressive live music, so THT has heard), Takorea hits the Korean market with the widest variety, a spicy take on beer (try the Michelada...if you enjoy tabasco that is!) and an ever-accomodating restauranteer.

Enchiladas are rumoured to be the #1 item although were a bit out of the price range for the Harrington's and friends who are pinching pennies and/or enjoying domestic travel on the peninsula. Therefore, nachos were shared, tacos, quesadillas and burritos were ordered and came with a fine assortment of sauces to add to the flavorful experience.

Congratulations Daejeon, you're moving up the ranks in restaurant diversity.

Getting There - From Takorea on Facebook:

2-3 min walking distance from subway station no. 105 (Jungang-no), exit 4 (immediate vicinity of Jung-gu Police station)when you exit the subway walk to the left and turn left on the second street (at the Heungkuk financial) then turn right on the first street.

Bus routes: 1, 30, 101, 103, 201, 202, 311, 313, 314, 317, 613, 614, 615, 620, 701

Fine Dining in Daejeon: Daejeon Cantina

If you're living in Daejeon, you probably already know all there is to know about Daejeon Cantina. You know it's in Dunsan, you know they serve the best Nachos and Tacos in the city, you know they meet your need for American Football, Rugby, etc. Really, if you live in Daejeon and haven't heard of the Cantina nor made a trip their yourself - perhaps you're more immersed in the culture than other foreigners and therefore aren't likely poking around on The Harrington Times...

But just in case and because it's what we do, let us fill you in. The Cantina has fabulous Mexican Food. Hard and Soft Shell Taco platters, Burritos, Taquitos, Nachos and Margarita's - it's the best you can get.

However, let it be known, the Harrington's still have a soft spot for Taco K and the spicy Green Enchiladas served in Gung-dong. Additonally, the couple is looking forward to trying out Daejeon's two other Mexican restaurants: Takorea (clever name) and Paxia.

Until then you may just spot us at the Cantina as it is a mere 5 minutes from our front door - Holla!

Getting There: Timeworld-Dunsan neighborhood...around the corner from Yellow Taxi and down the street from Bon Bon and the new 'Capri Sun' Cocktail in a Bag vendor.

Fine Dining (and drinking) in Daejeon: Weizenhaus

On Monday, April 4th the Harrington's met up with a few friends to check out a rumored brewery. Since their arrival, the Harrington's had heard mixed reviews regarding the Weizenhaus and had come to believe it was no longer in operation as a micro-brewery. Fortunately, on April 4th, the Harrington's were proven wrong and they stepped into the basement establishment where they were amazed by the size of the restaurant and were eager to sit down, order a brew and enjoy some grub and drink.

For brews, the Weizenhaus offers what appears to be a stout (amazingly chocolatey and rich), a lighter ale or heff (refreshing and crisp) and a pale-golden brew(vinegary and the #3 pick of the Harrington's and crew). In addition, drinkers can choose to dine on french fries, wings or a delectable steak dinner.

Brews were fairly priced at 3,000 - 5,000 Won for 300cc-500cc respectively. Each of the diners chose the small steak dinner for just under 10,000W but could have managed a larger chunk of meat for 15,000W. Overall, the Weizenhaus is a win for a night out or a change up from the good ole Cass, Hite and Max which are the norm for the Korean drinking experience.

Getting There: (hopefully) Closest to Galma Station and Government Complex Station. From Government Complex Station go out exit three, walk strait and cross the street. After crossing turn right, walk 2 blocks (cross two streets) and turn left at the CGV. Walk strait for two blocks (cross one street) and look for the Weizenhaus sign on the South (left) side of the street.

From Galma Station go out exit 4, walk strait and cross the street. Turn left, and walk two blocks (cross one street) and turn right. Walk one block and cross the street. The Weizzenhaus sign is on the South (right) side of the street just after crossing. Enjoy.

Fine Dining in Daejeon: Taco K

Coming to South Korea the Harrington's prepared themselves for a loss of all things Mexican food, particularly Mexican food prepared in a restaurant. Considering Melissa's love of cooking, this wasn't all to unfortunate but a little disappointing nonetheless. However, thanks to a superb Co-Teacher, Mike Harrington was able to get the low-down on a 'Mexico Restaurant' that opened here in Dajeon, South Korea this June. Soon as the couple had a decent bit of directions to go on, they made their way to their favorite neighborhood near Chungnam University and stumbled upon Taco-K.

As is true of most foods non-Korean on the peninsula, the Mexican food is bit more pricey than one would desire. However, the atmosphere is pleasant and complete with two nearly complete Mexican flags painted on the walls and Spanish music playing in the background. Rather than the typical kimchi side-dishes guests are offered a small bowl of chips and a choice of dipping sauces as well as a small cup of sweet pickles. As for the meals, they aren't what we would have received at either Corona Village or El Zarape back in Laramie, Wyoming, but for a change of pace and a different type of 'spice' the meal was just right.