But during my last trip to Busan, a miracle happened: I visited the same restaurant twice within a week! The name of this newfound love? Tambok, a culinary heaven specializing in abalone dishes.
It all started when a friend highly recommended the place. I didn’t expect much at first, but the moment I tasted their food, I had one thought: “I need to bring my parents here!”
31 Munoseong-gil, Ilgwang-eup, Gijang-gun, Busan, South Korea
Tambok Essentials
The restaurant operates in a cozy, converted traditional home, giving it a warm, intimate vibe. Weekday reservations are usually easier, but if you’re going on a weekend, arrive early to snag a parking spot—because the charm starts as soon as you pull in.
Operating Hours
Before heading to Tambok, check their hours carefully. They are closed every Monday and Tuesday.
Wed–Fri: 10:30 AM–3:00 PM
Sat–Sun: 10:30 AM–7:30 PM (break time: 3:00–5:00 PM).
The unique schedule only adds to the allure. It’s like they’re saying, “Our food is worth planning your day around.” And trust me—it is.
First Impressions
Inside, everything runs like clockwork. Reserved tables are marked with your name, and each room is shared by people with the same reservation time. There’s no waiting, no confusion—just seamless service.
The Feast
Tambok’s set menu includes:
Tambok Porridge + Tambok Rice (with gondre greens) + Tambok Grilled Abalone: ₩71,000
Optional: Chogye Cold Noodles: ₩18,000
Here’s what stole my heart:
Imagine perfectly steamed gondre rice topped with tender abalone slices. Mix in their house-made abalone sauce, and you’ll feel like you’ve unlocked a hidden level of flavor. The sauce is creamy, nutty, and without any of that overpowering bitterness you might expect. It’s so good that even someone like me—who’s not a fan of innards—was head over heels.
The rice comes with a variety of side dishes that strike a perfect balance of salty and savory, elevating every bite.
Tambok Porridge
If you ask me to pick one dish to eat forever, it might just be Tambok’s porridge. I’ve always dismissed abalone porridge as bland, but Tambok proved me dead wrong. It’s smooth, delicate, and rich in flavor. I’m still dreaming about it. Tambok even sells their porridge online, and yes, I’m seriously considering stocking up.
Chogye Noodles
A seasonal delight for summer, this dish surprised me in the best way possible. Served with icy broth and topped with chicken breast, veggies, and even local seaweed, it’s a refreshing masterpiece. The broth? Tangy, savory, and utterly addictive. The side of abalone and sample porridge that comes with it is just icing on the cake.
Oh, the regret of not ordering more grilled abalone! Cooked to perfection, it’s juicy, chewy, and served on a tiny flame to keep it warm until the last bite. Even the mushrooms served alongside it had me marveling at their fragrance.
Final Thoughts
Tambok is more than just a restaurant—it’s an experience. Every dish is a testament to their dedication to quality ingredients and thoughtful preparation. The atmosphere, the flavors, the meticulous details—it all screams, “Bring your loved ones here!”
So, if you’re ever in Busan, stop debating and make your way to Tambok. You won’t regret it. Just don’t forget to reserve in advance—it’s 100% worth the effort. 💕