Raw fish isn’t the first thing that comes to mind for many people when it comes to Korean cuisine, but Koreans have their own take on seafood distinctive from Japanese sushi. At Hwal A Kwang Jang, sushi and sashimi play a secondary role alongside distinctly Korean dishes like hwedupbap, a refreshing, slightly spicy mix of rice, lettuce, raw fish, fish eggs, pickled radish and gochujang-tinged dressing. For an explosion of colorful fish eggs, there’s also the al bap. If you’re coming with more than just yourself, however, you should definitely order one of the family-style sashimi platters, which showcase raw delicacies like abalone, oysters, lobster and octopus—all at the usual three-dollar-sign price, of course.
Time Out tip: Hwal A Kwang Jang doesn’t serve soy-marinated raw crab or spicy raw crab like most other Korean seafood joints, but don't let that deter you from going.