Terrence L.
Yelp
Definately one of the hidden gems of Calgary, and then some. Heck, in the 2 visits, my group was literally the only ones eating there.
Months ago, I visited Han Corea, a little Korean restaurant tucked away in an industrial sector of Fairview inside the Calgary Korean Association building. What we found surprised us, as it basically was as if we were transported to a street cafe in the middle of some suburb of Seoul, far from the tourist areas. The cooks, the signs and even the menus were entirely in Korean, with nary an English sign anywhere. Fortunately back then, a couple dining there took pity on us and helped us to a great inexpensive meal!
I've wanted to return for months, but I didn't know anyone else who could read or speak Korean, and just pointing at the menus struck me as a little bit too haphazard. But things changed this week as I organized another dinner. It was a cold night, and nothing like a warm kimchi soup as comfort food.
Thankfully, my Aunt and fellow yelper Eswina N., had a friend, Nori who was a native speaker and came to join us. So with Nori's help, myself, my gal, @VincciT of @ciawesome, Yelper/Aunt Eswina N. and Yelper @theaimlesscook enjoyed an incredible meal at Han Corea.
We first started with the kimchi stew and a pork soup. The stew was just as memorable as the first time. A perfect balance of heat and spice came together to form a soup that just screams Korea in every sense of the word. Just enough of a bite to the palate, it was bursting with the flavours of the vinegar, hot spice and the vegetable. And the pork soup was no slouch other. While not exactly very seasoned, it came with a great selection of hot and salty sauces that allowed the diner try the soup as they preferred to their taste preferences.
Next came a festival of bulgogi dishes, with a beef bulgogi, LA ribs bulgogi, a squid and pork bulgogi and a pork skin bulgogi served one by one, each as tasty and rich in flavour as the next. Some were spicy, some were sweet, but all were delicious, as the Korean flavours were bright and strong with each bite. Add the great complimentary selection of pickled dishes and unlimited white rice, the food just spoke volumes on the culture and the joys of home cooking.
And just when we thought we were done, the restaurant made an interesting additional dish, a sun dae or Korean vermicelli roll mixed with pork blood and liver complete with a dipping salt. As odd as that sounds, it was simply yummy in every sense of the word.
Now how much was such a feast for six people? $140 you say? $150? Nope... it was $80 after tax. Yep, that's it. Dinner for 6 with 7 courses, unlimited rice and pickled side vegetables and tea and coffee (also unlimited) cost us $80. Even after adding a generous tip, it was still only $16 a person. Where the heck in Calgary can you have a 7 course dinner, and pay only $16?
I just love this place, and hope to organize a new group soon!
Update #6 of Yelp's 30-Day Challenge
