Dine Out : Hanjan

Hanjan Review, Hanjan NYC, Hanjan Restaurant

We actually had plans at another restaurant that fell through before we decided to have lunch at Hanjan instead. We figured it would be a safe bet since we happen to like Danji which is a another restaurant by Chef Hooni Kim. With a prime location in the Flatiron District, Hanjan takes inspiration from  the joomak, a traditional Korean tavern that would offer weary travelers good food, good drinks as well as a place to rest. A number of the dishes at Hanjan were actually created to evoke the comfort food served at Korean street markets. I would say that the majority of the menu is a contemporary take on classic favorites.

The simple yet stylish decor and warm lighting punctuated by Edison bulbs sets an inviting mood. A full bar with seating opens up into rows of dark wood tables in the back. It turned out to be Restaurant Week so we decided to partake. They were out of their gochugaru cured cod roe, one of the restaurants signature dishes which was a little disappointing.  Instead we ordered the fried handmade dumplings with pork and chive and chicken katsu with caramelized onion sauce. Both tasted alright but weren't anything special. We fared better with our entreés. The Atlantic salmon sashimi over rice( hwae dup bap) was full of bright and fresh flavor. The noodles with pork and black bean sauce (jjajangmyeon) were delicious and comforting. The Niman Ranch pork loin tasted so clean and tender. Most restaurants tend to make jjajangmyeon too sweet and their sauce was well balanced. When I make it at home, I tend to like it on the savory side.

The food was nicely presented and the service was friendly. I'm fairly conscious about what I consume so I can appreciate any restaurant that believes in using healthy and responsible ingredients and serves antibiotic-free meat, sustainable fish and local and organic produce.

Hanjan
36 West 26th Street
New York City
212.206.7726
$$ - $$$

Hanjan Review, Hanjan NYC, Hanjan Restaurant

Hanjan Menu, Reviews, Photos, Location and Info - Zomato

12 comments

Jackie Harrison said...

I will want to try this place the food looks delicious and the atmosphere on point. Have a great weekend.

little luxury list said...

This sounds like solid, Korean food (I haven't had good Korean food in so long). I can't resist good dumplings of any kind and how awesome that it's from sustainable food sources.

Beauty said...

The place looks amazing; beautiful ambience with the lighting. I like the food presentation too from what I see in your pictures. Happy Friday 😃

Emmylou said...

Ehrmahgerd! Everything looks sooooo good, chingu! I really wish I can eat/smell/touch stuff online:D Anything with black bean sauce is A-OK with me so that noodle dish....ahhhhhhh....
Anyhoo, have a great weekend:)

Mica said...

The food looks delicious - looks like a happy situation when your previous plans fell through! :)


I hope that you are having a lovely weekend :) We went to a strawberry farm yesterday with the boys which was so fun :)

Away From The Blue Blog

Amy Aed said...

Ooh I like how they're designed to evoke the comfort of Korean street food - that's such a cool concept that I would be interested in trying this place solely because of that.

This place looks absolutely amazing - you did well picking it because of Hooni Kim. I would 100% love to try some of these tasty dishes - lucky you!

Amy x Wandering Everywhere

Doctor Anne said...

I love that you take service, atmosphere and everything else in consideration as well when it comes to your restaurant reviews. They do influence how I feel almost as much as the food does.

Anne - Linda, Libra, Loca

BABALUCCIA said...

Great Place and food

Lena L said...

I've been meaning to check out this place. I like how the bar area is arranged (comfy bar stools!). Glad to hear the food is great and they use good ingredients! :)

Pilar said...

Rowena, when I look at your photos I see a peaceful experience at a beautiful restaurant! Have a great Labor Day Weekend /Labor Day!

Midnight Cowgirl said...

The food looks really good :)

ALLIE NYC said...

Too bad about the appetizers but the entrees sounded excellent. I must have passed by this place on Friday on my to Cross Roads.

Allie of
www.allienyc.com