RESTAURANT OF THE WEEK Dowon Chinese Bar: A culinary gem with a fiery twist

Food is prepared at Dowon Chinese Bar in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province, Nov. 23. Courtesy of Eddie Tam

By Eddie Tam

SUWON, Gyeonggi Province — Tucked away in the heart of Suwon, Dowon Chinese Bar may appear as a dimly lit cocktail haven, but it is renowned for serving some of the most delectable Chinese fare in the area. Owned by a young and talented restaurateur who honed his skills in Sino-Korean establishments before venturing out on his own, Dowon has quickly become a favorite among local food enthusiasts and neighboring restaurateurs alike.

As the evening draws to a close, you'll find many chefs and restaurant owners winding down at Dowon, indulging in its delightful offerings and enjoying a well-deserved drink. The open-concept kitchen, encircled by a bar, provides diners with a front-row seat to a captivating fire show as chefs expertly toss ingredients in woks beneath jet-fueled burners. This spectacle is a testament to their skill and passion for the craft.

Shrimp toast at Dowon Chinese Bar in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province, Nov. 23 / Courtesy of Eddie Tam

The menu offers a unique blend of traditional Chinese flavors and innovative interpretations that set it apart from your typical Koreanized Chinese cuisine. The chef's years of experience are evident in his precise control over the "breath of the dragon," and his adept seasoning with an array of spices and sauces. The bold flavors he achieves in a kitchen no larger than an office cubicle are nothing short of impressive.

Sweet and sour pork at Dowon Chinese Bar in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province, Nov. 23 / Courtesy of Eddie Tam

During my visit, a friend and I sampled the house specialties, which included shrimp toast, mapo tofu, fried sweet and sour pork and dumplings. The much-lauded shrimp toast lived up to its reputation, featuring a generous shrimp filling encased in deep-fried toast that delivered an incredible crunch. The mapo tofu was thick and hearty, perfect for layering over rice. The sweet and sour pork, sliced into thin slivers and accompanied by a more traditional Chinese sauce, was unlike anything I've tasted before. Lastly, the dumplings, generously filled and served with ginger slivers, black vinegar and soy sauce, were a delightful conclusion to our meal.

Dumplings at Dowon Chinese Bar in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province, Nov. 23 / Courtesy of Eddie Tam

Dowon Chinese Bar attracts patrons with its fiery kitchen theatrics and laid-back ambiance, but it is the quality of the food that keeps them coming back. The bar is also famed for its cocktails, expertly crafted with Chinese alcohol, making it an ideal winter retreat to warm up with a few spirited drinks while watching the chefs light up the kitchen. Whether you're planning a night out with a significant other or looking to meet new friends, Dowon Chinese Bar offers an unforgettable dining experience.

Dowon Chinese Bar welcomes guests from Monday to Friday, 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. and on Saturdays and Sundays, 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. Follow @dowon_chinese_bar on Instagram for more information.

Eddie Tam is an assistant professor in Suwon and runs the Facebook foodie groups Hidden Gems Korea and Hidden Gems Suwon, Korea.