Haemok Haeundae (해목 해운대점, 海木)
Listed in the Michelin Guide, Haemok Haeundae (해목 해운대점, 海木) has become one of Busan's most sought after lunch spots, famous for its Hitsumabushi-style grilled eel rice inspired by Nagoya, Japan. We arrived just before lunch and a queue had already formed. The system was simple. Take a queue number and wait under the shaded area outside the restaurant. The line moved steadily and the anticipation only made the meal more enjoyable.
The star of the meal was undoubtedly the Hitsumabushi-style grilled eel rice. The eel was expertly charcoal grilled, with beautifully caramelised edges, a gentle smoky aroma and soft, buttery flesh. The traditional way to enjoy it is in three stages. First, savour the eel and rice on their own. Then add wasabi, spring onions and seaweed for extra layers of flavour. Finally, pour over the hot dashi broth to transform it into a comforting bowl of ochazuke. Three different experiences from one dish.
We also enjoyed the fresh seafood chirashi bowl and the lightly seared tuna, all of which reflected the restaurant's attention to detail beyond its signature eel. The burrata cheese offered a refreshing contrast to the richness of the meal, while the silky tofu pudding was a simple but satisfying way to end lunch.
After several days of Korean food, Haemok was a refreshing change of pace. The flavours were elegant rather than bold, allowing the quality of the ingredients and careful preparation to take centre stage. Sometimes the best meals are not the most elaborate, but those that execute a single ingredient exceptionally well. Haemok did exactly that, and it was easily one of our favourite lunches in Busan.
