Last week, our team decided to enjoy lunch together on a warm summer’s day. Seeking a place known for its flavourful and refreshing cuisine, we chose Seoul, conveniently located on Crown Street in Aberdeen.
Seoul Restaurant is a culinary gem, offering a unique fusion of Korean BBQ and Japanese dishes. The restaurant’s split dining area, dedicated to Korean grilling and Japanese cuisine, creates a distinctive atmosphere. The vibrant decor, adorned with lanterns, flowers and tapestries, further enhances the place’s unique charm.
Our meal at Seoul Restaurant began with miso soup, a delicious traditional Japanese dish packed with health benefits. The base of this soup uses dashi stock, which provides the umami flavour characteristic of miso soup. The dish also includes miso paste, wakame seaweed, and tofu, making it a nutrient-rich meal containing probiotics and antioxidants.
For our main courses, we chose three different dishes to experience the full range of the menu. One of our selections was Unadon, which consists of succulent grilled eel fillets served over steamed white rice and accompanied by boiled broccoli. The rich and sweet unagi sauce complemented the dish perfectly. Traditionally, eel is enjoyed in Japan during the summer months, particularly on “Doyo no Ushi no Hi” (Midsummer Day of the Ox), due to the belief that consuming eel helps build stamina and combat the summer heat.
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Another main choice was teriyaki chicken stir-fried ramen, a delectable dish combining the savoury flavours of teriyaki chicken with the satisfying texture of stir-fried ramen noodles. The dish featured tender chicken thighs marinated in a rich teriyaki sauce, and the ramen noodles were stir-fried with a medley of fresh vegetables. Combining the sweet and savoury teriyaki chicken with the umami-rich noodles created a hearty and delicious meal.
The third dish we chose was the salmon and cheese sushi roll, which offers a delightful blend of flavours. It combines salmon’s smoky richness with cream cheese. The avocado’s smoothness adds texture layers, while the sushi rice and sesame seeds complete the flavour profile. Accompanied by wasabi and pickled ginger, this dish balances heat and tanginess and enhances the overall experience.
The staff at Seoul were very accommodating and ensured that our food was served quickly and efficiently. As we enjoyed our food, many more customers began to fill the restaurant on a weekday lunchtime, with some opting for the BBQ grill option, which is authentic to Korean cuisine, a first for Aberdeen.
Establishments like Seoul Restaurant are a testament to the rich and upcoming diversity of the Aberdeen dining scene. It brings the vibrant flavours of Korea and Japan to the city, enriching the culinary landscape. This unique and enjoyable dining experience, with various dishes catering to different preferences, makes it a standout option for anyone exploring Asian cuisine in Aberdeen.
