I recently had the pleasure of visiting a new establishment in Hartamas. Having officially opened just two days prior, local patrons now have the opportunity to experience and indulge in the renowned offerings of their Korean branch, particularly the ‘pressure cooker’ dishes, among other specialties.
*** In Korea, there are three branches. The main branch, Dongbaekgaok Yongsan is located in Yongsan-gu, Seoul. The other two outlets, Dongbaekgaok Hapjeong and Dongbaekgaok Yeonnam is both located in Mapo-gu, Seoul.



Upon our arrival at the restaurant, we were greeted by a harmonious chorus of ‘Welcome to Dong Baek’ in Korean. Once we were seated, I had the opportunity to appreciate the surroundings and interior design, which clearly reflected a careful consideration of presentation. From the dark leafy wallpaper to the subdued lighting and the wooden panels, the establishment undoubtedly exuded an ambiance of calm and relaxation. In the restaurant, one can detach from the outside world, enjoying a well-deserved reprieve from reality.
Menu



Pickled vegetables and Kimchi

The first dish we tasted comprised their appetizers – pickled vegetables and Kimchi, which is a fundamental aspect of Korean culinary tradition. One variety exhibited subtle hints of sweetness, whilst the other presented a more pronounced sour and spicy flavor profile.
Crunchy Anchovy Rice Ball



This dish consisted of sticky rice, small anchovies, seaweed, and mayonnaise. Served unmixed, we were provided with gloves and instructed on the best method for consuming the dish. We were to thoroughly mix the ingredients with our gloved hands and then shape them into small balls for consumption. Based on the size of the balls we formed, we easily produced a total of 12 to 15 pieces, which proved to be more than sufficient to satiate two tummies. It was a simple yet satisfying dish.
Egg Roll Gimbap with Tteokbokki


This dish was served with a sweet chili sauce, which I discovered is a typical accompaniment for tteokbokki—chewy, cylindrical rice cakes that I find quite enjoyable. Accompanying the tteokbokki was an egg roll, constructed from a sizable portion of what appeared to be similar to a rice ball dish, all encased in an omelette. If one seeks a side dish capable of satisfying one’s hunger, this may be an excellent choice, as it certainly fulfilled my appetite. It was indeed another delightful dish.
Pressure-cooked Flower Crab and Chicken



This was the final dish to arrive and was highly anticipated. It was certainly worth the wait, as it proved to be exceptionally delicious. I believe I now understand the appeal of using a pressure cooker for meat. Not only is the seasoning effectively infused into the meat, but the meat itself is also remarkably soft and tender. This was certainly the case here. However, a word of caution: if one is unable to tolerate spicy food, it is advisable to inform the staff, as this dish is indeed spicy. As you would be able to tell, the dish is suitable for two to three individuals. The quantity of crabs and chicken meat allows one to indulge in and savor the dish fully. Each piece of meat was exquisitely coated with flavorful gravy, offering a delightful blend of spiciness and sweetness. Already infused through this particular cooking method, each bite was a true delight. I thoroughly enjoyed this dish.
Strawberry Makgeolli


I have previously experienced Soju, yet I had never tried Makgeolli until now. This occasion marks a first for me into indulging in this milky, off-white Korean rice wine. With its lower alcohol content and mild alcoholic flavor, it was pleasant to my palate. The drink presented a sweet, creamy taste, complemented by subtle notes reminiscent of strawberries. The serving size was undoubtedly generous, and for someone like myself, who has developed a liking for Makgeolli, it certainly proved to be satisfying.
If you are a fan of Korean cuisine, Dong Baek Korean Dining is a must-visit. With its authentic roots from Korea, this dining experience offers one that may just be closest tastes to genuine Korean food you can find.
Address: 20, Jalan 24/70a, Desa Sri Hartamas, Kuala Lumpur.
Opening hours: Mondays, Wednesdays to Sundays, 5pm to 1am.
Signing out now, Ciao.


































































































































