Han Guuk Guan – A hidden gem.

A friend came to town recently for a visit and there was no way I was passing up having a meal with her to catch up and hear her news once more. We usually visit 1228 Tea House back in the days, but this time we decided to change it around a bit and headed over to Han Guuk Guan instead.

Do a quick google around and you will notice that the number one thing that is pointed out by the various bloggers and food reviews is how hidden the place is and how hard it is to spot from the road. As it was late night by the time we ventured into the doors of Han Guuk Guan, I didn’t bother to take a photo of how wedged the little restaurant was in between the taller buildings that surrounded it. But no doubt google will help fix that.

We ordered dumplings. I’ve forgotten what dumplings they were, but they weren’t that great. Not impressive.

Our mains on the other hand were more than enough to make up for the lack of wow in the appetizers:

Jaa Jung Meon – Traditional Chinese Black Bean Noodles

The Jaa Jung Meon was fantastic. No arguments about that. While the black sauce doesn’t really appeal visually, the minute those noodles enter your mouth, there’s no turning back. I could easily sit and eat that whole bowl by myself. Well, maybe in two meals as the portions served at this restaurant were huge!

Chap Chae – Stir fried Cellophane Noodles

One of my favourites at Korean restaurants and what I normally use as a standard to judge restaurants on: passed with flying colours. More please! But with that portion size, I could eat it for three days. It just seemed to me as though the every dish that came was larger than the last. So.Much.Food.

Ou Deng Dok Bauk Ghi – Rice sticks and Fish Cakes

Terrible photo that doesn’t show any of the rice sticks nor fish cakes. But trust me on this: this was an explosion of flavour in your mouth. If I wasn’t minding my manners and fighting my demon self to be courteous (oh it was a tough fight!) I would have hoarded all of those rice sticks and fish cakes to myself.

Even writing this post is making me drool.

Khum Pun Ghi – Sweet and Spicy Chicken

And to end the night, sweet and spicy chicken with just the right amount of kick to it.

Even before I was through with dinner, I was already planning my next visit back. It just goes to show how amazing the food was! Service on the other hand does not match the food. But I am willing to overlook that as long as they keep the amazing food coming. Oh Yum.

I couldn’t help but constantly sneak peeks at other tables and trying to work out what they ordered. Signs of an addicted foodie, me thinks. If you are a korean food lover and haven’t been, what are you waiting for?

Han Guuk Guan
13A Victoria St,
Melbourne VIC 3000
(03) 9639 1747‎