A Delicious Braised Cutlassfish Meal at Jeju Haenyeo Sisters (Hyeopjae Main Branch)

reply 0 hit 243 date 25-11-21 20:00

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When visiting Jeju Island, there are so many dishes you crave. But if I had to pick one must-eat item, it would definitely be braised cutlassfish (galchi jorim). While you can find this dish in other regions, the galchi jorim in Jeju is distinctly different. Perhaps it's because it's made with freshly caught cutlassfish, but the flavor and tenderness are unparalleled.

Determined to taste authentic galchi jorim on this trip, I headed to Haenyeo Sisters (Hyeopjae Main Branch), located on the Hyeopjae coastal road.

Jeju Haenyeo Sisters (Hyeopjae Main Branch)

Address: 275 Hallim Coastal Road, Hallim-eup, Jeju City, Jeju Island, 1st floor

Hours: Daily 11:00 AM – 8:30 PM (Last Order 7:40 PM)

As soon as I arrived, the first thing that caught my eye was the ocean. Hyeopjae Beach is right in front of the restaurant, and the salty sea breeze tickled my nose even before I opened the door.

The breeze was cool, and the sunlight was warm – the air itself exuded the relaxed vibe of Jeju. There was ample parking space in front of the restaurant, making it convenient for families to visit.

Stepping inside, I was greeted by a spacious interior under soft lighting. The blue sea visible through the large glass windows was like a painting. Sitting by the window, I had an unobstructed view of the ocean, and the gentle sound of the waves created a relaxing atmosphere for the meal.

The restaurant was clean and well-organized, and the walls were covered with photos from TV appearances and celebrity autographs, a testament to its popularity.

Moreover, the self-service bar offered a variety of carefully prepared and freshly maintained side dishes. They were so good I visited it multiple times.

Looking at the menu, I found a variety of Jeju local dishes, including braised cutlassfish, grilled cutlassfish, abalone, mantis shrimp, dombe meat (boiled pork), momguk (seaweed soup), and cuttlefish fritters. It felt like this place wasn't just about galchi jorim, but about showcasing the flavors of Jeju's ocean on one table.

As soon as I ordered, the side dishes started to arrive. They were not overly seasoned and were neatly presented. This restaurant is also known for making each side dish by hand.

The kimchi was perfectly fermented, crunchy, and spicy, while the jeotgal (fermented seafood) was salty and savory. The seaweed salad was tangy and refreshing, stimulating my appetite.

The pickled vegetables and seasoned greens were mild and paired well with the main dishes. I could taste the care in each side dish, making a great first impression.

The cuttlefish fritters had a crispy batter and chewy cuttlefish inside. The savory and slightly sweet flavor spread in my mouth, and the sea scent became more pronounced as I chewed.

Next came the dombe meat, Jeju-style boiled pork. Each thinly sliced piece was lean and flavorful. The raw fish was also savory and not too salty, making it a great accompaniment to the galchi jorim. It was delicious dipped in ssamjang (soybean paste) or jeotgal, but it was also tender and clean on its own.

The momguk had a rich and savory broth, with a deep flavor from the first spoonful. The combination of pork and gulfweed was excellent, with a subtle Jeju aroma.

Finally, the main dish arrived: the restaurant's signature braised cutlassfish. The large cutlassfish was prominently placed in the red, simmering sauce.

The steam rose, filling the restaurant with a spicy and savory aroma. The color of the broth was rich but clear, promising a deep flavor.

I took a spoonful of the broth and found it to be subtly savory, filling my mouth. The savory flavor was more prominent than the spiciness, making it perfect to eat with rice.

I drizzled some broth over the rice and mixed it, allowing the sauce to permeate each grain, enhancing the flavor. The savory cutlassfish, chewy abalone, and sweet mantis shrimp combined to create a rich ocean flavor. It wasn't overly seasoned and was clean throughout, so I didn't get tired of it. With each bite, the deep flavor of the sauce became more pronounced.

The grilled cutlassfish offered a different appeal from the braised dish. The whole fish was grilled to a golden brown on the outside and moist on the inside. It had a subtle smoky flavor and was seasoned with just the right amount of salt, allowing the natural savory flavor of the cutlassfish to shine through.

The skin was crispy and crumbled deliciously in my mouth, while the flesh was tender and mild. The flakes easily separated with a slight touch of the chopsticks, releasing a savory aroma.

I placed a piece of the fish on top of the rice and ate it with gulfweed rice or jeotgal, resulting in an explosion of flavor.

The savory aroma of the grilled fish lingered in my mouth, and it finished clean and flavorful without being greasy.

The more I ate the grilled cutlassfish, the more I tasted the freshness of the sea, making it impossible to put down my chopsticks.

After the meal, I went up to the 2nd-floor cafe to enjoy a complimentary Americano. The Hyeopjae Sea was visible through the large glass windows, and the gentle waves and warm sunlight created a perfectly relaxing atmosphere. Sipping coffee and looking at the ocean deepened the afterglow of the meal.

Haenyeo Sisters (Hyeopjae Main Branch) was a place that captured the essence of Jeju's ocean on a single table. The deep and rich braised cutlassfish, tender grilled fish, fresh abalone and mantis shrimp, and neatly prepared side dishes were all satisfying. In particular, the moment of dining while looking at the sea was a time to fully experience the relaxation of a Jeju trip.