For our romantic 5th-anniversary dinner, Soul Dining (Itaewon, Seoul) proved to be an unforgettable experience. As one of Asia's 50 Best Restaurants in 2024 and a holder of a prestigious Michelin star, this contemporary Korean fine dining gem exceeded our expectations in both culinary artistry and thoughtful hospitality.

 

Soul Dining

'Korean contemporary restaurant by chefs Dae-hyun Yoon and Hee-eun Kim, is a fine dining restaurant that serves dishes influenced and reimagined by Korean cuisine.'

Located on the lower level of a sleek building, the entrance itself hinted at the elegant journey ahead. The staff warmly welcomed us and guided us to our seats at the bar, where we could witness the chefs in action. 

From the welcome card detailing the menu and wine pairings to the meticulously curated tableware, every detail spoke of excellence.

 

Dinner Course  240,000 won

 

​Seasonal bite

A refreshing start featuring wraps made of vegetables paired with a light drink.

 

In the summer

A vibrant salad combining watermelon, blueberries, and other seasonal produce both visually stunning and deliciously fresh.

 

Mulhoe

A modern interpretation of raw fish soup, this clear and refreshing broth deviated from the traditional spicy red version, offering a unique and sophisticated twist.

Mrs. Abalone Kim

This signature dish was the star of the evening. Smoked to perfection, the chewy and flavorful abalone was a revelation, with the smokiness enhancing its oceanic essence.

 

Blooming

A floral-inspired chicken dish accompanied by aromatic chicken broth and a hint of basil oil. Its presentation evoked lotus leaves, making it as beautiful as it was tasty.

Gamja Jeon (Potato Pancakes)

Korean-style potato pancakes with a gnocchi-like texture, topped with crispy potato chips. A delightful combination of crispy and soft.

Special Dish (Makgeolli Rice Cake)  +10.000 won

Although visually impressive with butter in leaf shapes (onion, black sesame, and basil), the rice cake itself was slightly tough, making it less enjoyable than expected.

 

Deep Sea ‘Doenjang’ Grilled Fish

Grilled seabream with a tender and flavorful profile, elevated by a fusion Korean touch.

 

Ugly Duckling

Duck prepared two ways, leg and breast. The leg, in particular, was succulent and rich in flavor.

 

Hanwoo Striploin

The main course featured perfectly cooked Hanwoo striploin served alongside inventive sides like melon kimchi, showcasing the chefs’ ability to seamlessly blend modern and traditional elements.

 

​Korean Noodles

Homemade noodles served with a flavorful broth and spicy sauce. Unfortunately, the noodles’ texture felt overly rough, though the broth compensated with its delicious depth.

One of the delightful surprises during our dinner at Soul Dining was the personalized touch of the chopsticks. The staff coordinated their color with my outfit, adding an unexpected layer of thoughtfulness to the experience.

 

Bingsoo (shaved ice) with Truffle

This truffle-infused bingsu, inspired by Namsan, was a standout dessert. The earthy aroma of truffle paired unexpectedly well with the icy sweetness.

 

Dojagi

The pièce de résistance of the meal was this breathtaking dessert. Designed to resemble the restaurant’s ceramic display, it was a feast for both the eyes and the palate. The personalized anniversary lettering added a heartwarming touch.

After our meal, we were gifted the ceramic dinnerware we used during dinner, a unique keepsake to commemorate the evening. Such thoughtful gestures, paired with the restaurant’s unparalleled cuisine and ambiance, make Soul Dining an ideal venue for any special occasion.

 

Address : 35 Sinheung-ro 26-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul  OPEN GOOGLE MAP

Phone : +82-0507-1335-7685

Operation Hours : Monday-Sunday : 10:00 - 22:00 (Break : 15:00-18:00)

Instagram : Check out more photos

 

Source : https://blog.naver.com/baesobae/223568412673

Writer : baesobae

Special thanks to baesobae

 

soul dining 1star michelin seoul restaurant

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