A Dreamlike Chinese Restaurant in Hannam-dong - Michelin Guide Plate Awarded Restaurant, Redmoon

Discovering the Hidden Gem Chinese Restaurant in Hannam-dong, Redmoon

Recently, I've been seeing photos of dreamlike interiors frequently on Instagram, and they kept catching my eye, so I finally gathered the courage to visit! It's a Sichuan tapas bar called 'Redmoon' located in Hannam-dong. I was actually looking for a special place to celebrate a friend's birthday and decided to make a reservation, but even on a weekday, there were hardly any seats available. I barely managed to book a month in advance.

It's located in an alley opposite Osteria Orzo at Hannam Intersection, and it might be a bit tricky to find. There's no big sign, so you might wander around at first, but if you go inside past Cafe Moto and Gnocchi Bar, you'll see the entrance leading downstairs. It was a place that exuded the unique vibe of Hannam-dong.

A Dreamlike Atmosphere, Like a Scene from a Movie

As I descended the stairs, a dreamlike space enveloped in red lighting unfolded before me. True to its name, it really felt like a 'Redmoon.' The interior matched the unique concept of a Sichuan tapas bar, and it was so sophisticated and modern that it was hard to believe it was a Chinese restaurant. It felt like being in a high-end restaurant in Hong Kong or Macau.

The table setting was truly luxurious. The space is divided into a bar, hall, and room, and we reserved a spot in the hall. I heard the minimum order amount for the room is 300,000 KRW. The space wasn't as large as I expected, giving it a cozy feel, and the distance between tables was just right for comfortable conversation.

The Taste of a Michelin Guide Plate Selected Restaurant

Redmoon is said to be selected in the 'The Plate' category of the Michelin Guide. It's recognized as a restaurant where you can enjoy good food made with fresh ingredients. Looking at the menu, the reinterpretations of Sichuan dishes seemed truly unique.

A friend asked someone who had been here before for recommended dishes, so we ordered based on those recommendations. We absolutely had to order the famous 'Cold Sichuan Noodles,' so we did! We also ordered Menbosha, Mala Xiang Guo, and Sichuan BBQ Chicken. For drinks, I chose a whiskey highball, while my friends opted for Tsingtao draft beer.

Cold Sichuan Noodles, A Feast of Exotic Flavors

The first dish to arrive was the Cold Sichuan Noodles (20,000 KRW)! It looked exactly like the visuals I had seen on blogs and Instagram. The portion was smaller than expected, but the taste was truly special. Although it was said to be a mala sauce, it wasn't as spicy as expected and had an addictive flavor. The crispy pork belly on top added a great texture, and the finely chopped carrots and vegetables were crunchy and delightful.

It was a flavor I had never tasted before, but I kept reaching for more. It was fascinating as it was different from Korean-style Chinese food. I wish the portion was a bit larger. The texture of the noodles was chewy and nice, and the sauce blended well with the noodles.

Perfect Appetizers: Menbosha and Mala Xiang Guo

Menbosha (24,000 KRW) was perfect as an appetizer. It felt more like bread compared to typical Menbosha, but the combination of the crispy exterior and soft shrimp was fantastic. The accompanying chili sauce was spicy and sweet, just to my liking!

Mala Xiang Guo was also really delicious. It seems like Mala Xiang Guo is a tasty dish wherever you go. It had the characteristic numbing spiciness of mala, but it seemed adjusted to suit Korean tastes. The sauce was richly absorbed into the meat and vegetables, making them truly delicious. It was one of the best Mala Xiang Guo dishes I've had in Korea.

Sichuan BBQ Chicken, An Unexpected Flavor Combination

We ordered the Sichuan BBQ Chicken (28,000 KRW) because it was a popular dish, and it exceeded our expectations in terms of portion size! The accompanying mashed potatoes were smooth and tasty. The chicken was crispy yet moist, and the subtle flavor of Sichuan spices was delightful. The salad served alongside made it a well-balanced plate.

It was great to share the food with friends and chat. The whiskey highball (16,000 KRW) and Tsingtao draft beer (10,000 KRW) paired really well with the food. I tried Tsingtao as draft beer instead of the usual bottled version, and it was really good!

Worth the Price for a Valuable Experience

The total came to about 150,000 KRW for four main dishes and a few drinks for four people. About 40,000 KRW per person? Considering it's a popular spot in Hannam-dong, I think it's a reasonable price. Although the portions aren't huge, the taste and atmosphere make it a worthwhile experience.

It's a great place to visit for special occasions. I would recommend it for dates, small gatherings, or special events like a friend's birthday. However, since it's quite popular, it's best to make reservations in advance. The waiting time can be long, so I recommend booking through the Catch Table app!

Nearby Attractions and Visiting Tips

If you're in Hannam-dong, it's nice to explore the surroundings as well. There are many famous eateries near Redmoon, such as Cafe Moto and Gnocchi Bar. After your meal, you might enjoy strolling through the Hannam-dong cafe street and having some dessert.

For visiting tips, using the valet booth in front of the restaurant for parking is convenient. The operating hours are 17:00~24:00, and it's closed on Sundays, so keep that in mind. The contact number is 0507-1427-3117, and it's convenient to make reservations using the Catch Table app.

Honest Overall Impression: A Place to Revisit for Special Occasions

Overall, it was a truly satisfying experience. The blend of Hannam-dong's vibe, the dreamlike atmosphere, and the unique Sichuan cuisine was truly special. Although it's on the pricier side, I think it's a place worth visiting for special occasions.

The food is based on Sichuan cuisine but seems adjusted to suit Korean tastes. It wasn't too spicy, yet it captured the unique flavors of Sichuan spices well. Next time I visit, I'd like to try more of the menu!

Especially the Cold Sichuan Noodles and Menbosha are dishes I'd love to have again. If you're planning to visit Hannam-dong, make sure to check out Redmoon. You'll have a unique Chinese dining experience!