Nasari Sikdang (나사리 식당)
Busan is undoubtedly known for their seafood. I mean, located next to the ocean, it makes sense. Gwanganli Beach draws in countless tourists every year for its pristine beach and laid back vibe, but some of its true hidden gems are found in its restaurants.
Recommended by my brother who was studying abroad at the time in Korea, Nasari is a traditional restaurant focusing primarily on kalguksu (knife cut wheat noodles) and seafood. One might miss this restaurant entirely though. Located towards the eastern end of Gwanganli Beach, Nasari is tucked away on a second floor property amidst a bustling shopping street.
Walking up the steps it looks like a normal office building of sorts, but keep going up the stairs and you’ll find it. Once inside, you’ll notice a fairly modest layout with wooden tables and chairs dotted throughout the restaurant. However, the real gem is in the window seats. We recommend asking to be specifically seated by the windows, as you will get an unobstructed view of Gwanganli Beach and Gwangan Bridge out in the distance. Furthermore, if you are able to come at sunset for dinner, this is also the most scenic time of the day to do so. While reservations can be made ahead of time on the Catchtable app, we found that it is not necessary, so use your best judgment on this one.
Customers will also notice that the menu is somewhat limited, offering only about five to six different things. Their true star is the seafood kalguksu, and we heard that the Chungmoo gimbap (rice rolls) are also popular, so we got both.
The seafood kalguksu is absolutely massive, and this is not a joke. The bowl is about twelve inches in diameter and comes absolutely stacked with various types of seafood. While the picture below makes the bowl look normal in size, it truly does not do it justice. The leftover shells from the clams and mussels were stacked up about nearly half a foot at the end, with shells just toppling over onto the table.
The noodles themselves are both springy and smooth with an easy texture. They pair beautifully with the soup and really bring out the notes of seaweed and vegetables. The soup is light and clear, and tastes like a warm and inviting sip of the ocean. It is deliciously prepared and no element of the soup overpowers another, helping to bring a balanced harmony of seafood and vegetables to the palate.
The seafood comes in an array of mostly clams and mussels. Notice in the picture the brightly-colored pink exterior of the turbo shells. They make for a stimulating presentation and the clam meat itself is light and not offensive to any taste. The mussels are noticeably fresh and of the highest quality, and there seems to be no end to them as you keep eating. The vegetables, such as the onions and squash, cut through refreshingly with each bite, again balancing everything out.
The gimbap is a unique one in the sense that it doesn’t have any actual filling. Rather, you pair it with your choice of either radish kimchi, slices of fish cake (eomuk), or marinated spicy clams. Each pairing gives a completely different taste and texture combination, and it is a great way to sample different Korean side dishes (banchan) while still enjoying the classic and familiar gimbap taste. Our favorite way to eat it is to dip the gimbap roll into soy sauce and pair it equally with a slice of fish cake and a bite of radish kimchi.
The food is excellent at Nasari, and it is truly one of the best examples of traditional Korean cuisine fused with the coastal elements of Busan. Moreover, the view of the ocean while eating elevates this experience into one that is truly unique and not found in many other places. At night, diners can enjoy fireworks shows from the boats on the water while watching the sun set behind the mountains. A true delight to the senses, Nasari should be on every traveler’s itinerary when in Busan.
