Korean Traditional Tiger-Themed Beef Grill Restaurant Near Deoksugung Palace!
Doenjang Jjigae is also very famous, so you must try it!
Beef Restaurant "DOMA" That Gives You the Strength of a Tiger.
Stepping into this restaurant, you immediately notice its clean and elegant interior, which is designed to look as if it's made of brick. The ceiling is adorned with pipes that hang down in an industrial-chic fashion, serving a practical purpose—they efficiently absorb the smoke produced when grilling meat. Despite the bustling crowd, the atmosphere remains pleasant and smoke-free, allowing you to enjoy your meal in comfort!
The menu here is quite unique compared to other places. Instead of a regular menu, the options are listed on a book that's attached to a cutting board, adding a fun twist to your dining experience. Just a heads-up: it's a bit heavy, so be sure to keep it on the table while you browse through it!
On the walls, you'll notice green containers with tigers painted on them. These advertise the restaurant's own specially developed salt, which is for sale. This salt pairs incredibly well with the meat, making for an exceptionally tasty combination!
Let me introduce you to the basic side dishes. Starting from the left, we have cabbage, followed by soybean paste (Doenjang) to dip the cabbage in, and then soft kabocha squash glazed with honey. Next is spicy kimchi, refreshing white kimchi that isn't too spicy, tangy pickled perilla leaves, and at the top, seasoned marinated crab (Yangnyeom Gejang). In the center, you'll see the dish we ordered, called Mungtigi.
Mungtigi is a traditional Korean dish, particularly popular in the Daegu region. It's essentially a type of raw beef dish, similar to yukhoe but with a distinctive preparation. The beef, often from the hindquarters like the round or shank, is cut into thick slices. The meat is typically very fresh, chosen for its low fat content and tender texture.
Mungtigi is served with a special dipping sauce made from a mix of soy sauce, garlic, sesame oil, and chili flakes, enhancing the flavor of the fresh beef. The dish is known for its clean, hearty taste and is often enjoyed with a variety of side dishes.
The beef we ordered has just arrived! Isn't the color beautiful? You can really tell how fresh the beef is. At 'Doma,' whenever you order meat, mushrooms are always included. Simply cut them into bite-sized pieces with the scissors and grill them to perfection!
You can order the Doenjang Jjigae and rice separately, or you can opt for the 'Doenjang Sulbap,' where the rice is mixed into the stew. This variation is specifically listed as 'Doenjang Sulbap' (된장술밥) on the menu.
They also have branches in Insadong and Hongdae, so if you're traveling nearby, be sure to stop by and experience these addictive flavors that you can only find in Korea!