Divine bovine
Although fairly new to the Korean barbecue scene, Han Wa Dam makes its own mark in downtown Kuala Lumpur thanks to its beef specialisation. And if you love beef, then you’re in for a treat. Located on the ground floor of Menara Hap Seng, this restaurant features dark wooden tones, a contemporary ambiance and tables equipped with quintessential round barbecue grills. A successful chain in South Korea, Han Wa Dam Kuala Lumpur marks its first foray into the country.
Dining here is cozy, thanks in part to warm lighting and the fantastic service from the friendly staff who help you grill your selection of meats, allowing you to prioritise family and friends. Open up the menu and you’ll find a lean but focused selection, featuring cuts of beef the likes of prime rib, marinated ribs, beef brisket, ox tongue and aged meats.
Their non-beef choices, while only available in the form of spring lamb chops or chicken bulgogi, are still tasty and big on flavour. Whatever the choice, carnivorous satisfaction is ensured, especially when paired with either the Korean staple soju or even quality Japanese sake.
“Dining at Han Wa Dam is a unique experience where cooking and eating take centre stage. Only at our restaurant can guests choose to have their meats cooked traditionally using charcoal or through the modern hot pan style,” said Wayne Yoon, owner and restaurateur.
“Our beef and lamb are carefully selected and aged perfectly to bolster flavour and enhance already succulent cuts. We serve air-flown chilled 42-weeks grass fed Australian Beef and prime beef from the US,” he adds.
To round out your selection of meats, staples the likes of spicy seafood noodles, seafood pancake or even ginseng chicken soup act to bolster the meal. If you opt for the soup, expect a comfortable herbal taste that is rich, creamy and slightly peppery, with chicken meat so soft and tender that it melts off the bone. Seafood pancake on the other hand, is soft, fluffy and satisfyingly crispy, a feat not so easy to achieve, mind you. If it is noodles you’re craving for, Han Wa Dam’s spicy seafood option offers chewy noodles and a nice selection of vegetables and seafood that comes enveloped in a broth with a comfortable level of spiciness.
The restaurant’s modern ambiance clearly speaks to a class of clientele ready to enjoy quality meats and good old fashioned Korean staples done well. Diners looking for quality Korean barbecue restaurant right in the heart of KL would do well to bookmark Han Wa Dam.
Photography: Harumi Suzuki
