Spicy Octopus Delight: A Must-Try Restaurant in Daegu
These days, it's ridiculously hot, isn't it? Especially in Daegu, or 'Daefrica,' it's almost surreal! The weather's been soaring past 34 degrees Celsius, and my appetite's been MIA.
As lunchtime approached, I started craving something spicy.
That led me to 'Nakbokdang Main Branch,' famous for its spicy octopus in Banwoldang.
Info
Address: 27 Namseong-ro, Jung-gu, Daegu, 1st floor
Hours: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM (Last order 8:30 PM)
Parking: No dedicated parking; recommended to use nearby public parking lots
Amenities: Baby chairs, reservations, takeout, and delivery available
I recommend using this public parking lot!
Even on a weekday, the restaurant was already packed around noon.
People of all ages were there, from office workers to seniors and families with children.
That usually means it's a place where 'everyone can enjoy the food'.
The exterior of Nakbokdang, a renowned spicy octopus restaurant in Banwoldang, is neat and tidy, and the warm lighting welcomes you as you step inside.
The tables are spaced generously, preventing any feeling of stuffiness, and the clean, well-maintained interior helps you focus 200% on your meal.
We visited with our child and the staff immediately set up a baby chair without us even asking, they even asked if the AC was too strong and offered to adjust it. Such thoughtful service really made our experience special. It was so touching.
Small acts of kindness like that made our dining experience even more enjoyable.
I sat at a table near the kitchen, and I could catch a glimpse of it.
The flames used to stir-fry the octopus were intense! I was really looking forward to the smoky flavor!
Before eating, I grabbed side dishes and soup from the self-serve bar - a must.
There are three things you need to know about this place:
No commercially produced sauces!
They use a homemade, aged sauce developed by a Korean chef with 20 years of experience.
That's why the flavor is slightly different from other common octopus restaurants! It has a sweet, savory flavor within its spiciness.
Fresh, whole octopus, prepared every morning
As expected from a spicy octopus restaurant in Banwoldang, the octopus is never chopped into small pieces.
The plump tentacles retain their firm and bouncy texture when you chew them.
Perfect balance created by 20 years of expertise
It's spicy, but the heat doesn't linger for too long.
Even I, who can't handle spice very well, kept eating it, saying, 'Ah, it's delicious!'
This time, I ordered the spicy octopus stir-fry (11,000 won per person).
I was shocked by the size of the octopus... It was HUGE!
The sauce is infused deeply into the octopus and onions, so every bite is packed with flavor.
The udon noodles we ordered together were chewy and, combined with the spicy sauce, made it impossible to stop eating.
The bite-sized chives pancake we ordered as a side dish was crispy on the outside and moist on the inside.
Eating a piece of the pancake after the spicy octopus is a match made in heaven. It soothes the palate with its savory taste.
They also have a review event you can participate in. Or you can just order it normally like I did.
But the bite-sized chives pancake is seriously a MUST... It reminds me of makgeolli (Korean rice wine)!!
And the udon noodles, which I didn't expect much from...
They were so incredibly chewy - a hidden gem!
I don't usually add noodles to my meal, but you absolutely MUST try it here... it goes so well with the octopus.
I ended up eating more noodles than rice... haha.
Why I Recommend Visiting
If you're looking for a deep, rich sauce among the spicy octopus restaurants in Banwoldang, this is the place!
Homemade aged sauce + Fresh octopus prepared every morning + 20 years of chef's recipe
A flavor and service that can satisfy everyone, from families to friends and work gatherings
Conclusion
There are many delicious restaurants in Banwoldang, right? But if you're unsure, you really have to try this place!
“If you're craving spicy octopus and want to experience the best spicy octopus in Banwoldang, go to Nakbokdang Main Branch.”
It's the kind of place where you'll want to make your next reservation right after your meal.
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