Ye Hwan Mixes East, West
By Kwaak Jeyup
One might miss this restaurant if you drive too fast. But if you had spotted it, you could not have passed by its quirky, colorful exterior with miniature furniture and fresh flowers without climbing the wooden steps to take a closer look.
Ye Hwan, a petite six-table joint established six years ago, has since become a cherished spot among the gastronomes of Seoul. The fame unmistakably owes to the restaurant's distinct cuisine, a mix of East and West that defies categorization.
Through these years, it has stayed true to its roots and has not grown in size or established branches elsewhere. Standing towards the summit of Gyeonglidangil, better known as Veggie Hill among expatriate Seoulites, the restaurant has still one main weapon in its arsenal, its chef Bae Ye-whan, after whom the restaurant was named.
Her distinct personal taste gives modern accents to classic fare, reflected on the menu. The grilled squid and green salad with oriental dressing (15,000 won) is a delightful starter that blends sweet, sour, and savory. It is also a treat to the eyes, betr
Sep 18, 2008