Dae Ga Chamchi please!


By Jennifer Izquierdo
Over the years, I have had many amazing culinary experiences in Busan. These unique experiences will never be forgotten. When I think about my favorite meal, however, only one restaurant comes to mind: the Korean-Japanese fusion restaurant Dae Ga Chamchi (대가참치)! Every payday I make the trip to Dongnae and enjoy this special, raw tuna treat. In fact, it has become quite a ritual of mine.
It’s hard to believe that Dae Ga Chamchi opened only four years ago because of its nightly bustling dinner crowd. Everyone from white-collared businessmen to happy families enjoy this decadently fresh meal. The staff is especially friendly; you are always greeted with a smile. I’ve befriended one of the chefs, Johnny, whose English is quite good and wants to move to California in the near future.




As you walk in you have the choice of sitting at a table, in a private room, or right in front of the action at the sushi bar. The private rooms are in the traditional Korean style. Guests sit cross-legged on the floor with a sliding door to ensure privacy. I highly recommend dining in front of the chef and watching your tuna cut to perfection. This is how I met Johnny. But private rooms are nice for larger groups. Did I mention I celebrated my last birthday here!
The menu ranges in price and may seem a bit steep at first until you realize it’s all-you-can-eat raw tuna or chamchi hwei (참치회). Yep, that right! All-you-can-eat raw tuna. Must I say more?! Basically, the higher prices are better cuts of fish. Or as a merry customer told me, “Grade 3 is standard. But, Grade 1 is best!”
The prices start at 20,000 won per person for a “Grade 3” tuna meal or mo deum chamchi (모듬참치). You could up your ante and go for the 25,000 won meal of seu pei sal chamchi (스페살참치). Or better yet, why not get the ro yal chamchi (로얄참치) for 35,000 won for the royal treatment. If you are ready to splurge, you can order the “Grade 1” meal, or cham da rangeo (참다랑어) for 55, 000 won. (I have yet to eat this but will most definitely before I leave Busan.)


The tuna is served on a plate of jade crystals (seriously!) and garnished with pickled ginger and garlic, edible clover, and fire-hot peppers. Numerous appetizers are served alongside this beautiful art piece of a meal including miso soup, Korean porridge, a small salad, water kimchi, and a nicely plated array of seaweed rolls and large shrimp. Raw garlic stems and gochu are served as a palate cleanser. This is a feast fit for royalty as the tuna platters are served in rounds of differing varieties. If you make it past round 3, let me know what happens! Between rounds of raw tuna, servings of vegetable and shrimp tempura, seaweed soup, roasted garlic, and fried fish are brought to your table.


What makes this raw tuna meal special is the Korean twist in the way you eat it.
We are all familiar with the typical soy sauce and wasabi combo (this is also served with the meal if you so choose this method), but you must - and this is a stern must - eat it Korean style. You would not enjoy the entire experience without doing so!
First, dip the tuna in the garlic infused oil. Let it steep for a bit. Next, grab a piece of kim (dried and lightly salted seaweed). Place your tuna on top and garnish with a few sprigs of clover and a small piece of kimchi. Carefully wrap the kim around your marinated tuna, clover, and kimchi making a personal roll. Eat in one bite! Once you’ve prepared raw tuna this way, you’ll never go back.
This meal is usually eaten with spirits such as soju (소주) or beer. But, if you’re lucky, you’ll be served the nun mul ju (눈물주) or what is literally translated as ‘the tears.’ But, there is nothing sad about this beverage! Nun mul ju is a special soju that is slowly poured out of a teapot into your glass. It is served for free to unsuspecting guests or upon request.
Overall, the dining experience at Dae Ga Chamchi is flavorful, artistic, and fun. But writing this would be a waste if I didn’t mention the health benefits of raw tuna.
Raw tuna is high in omegas 3 and 6 fatty acids which are beneficial for cardiovascular and joint health as well as eye health and long-term cognitive function. Tuna is also an excellent source of protein and loaded with vitamins such as A, B1 (thiamin), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B6, B12, C, D, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, and zinc.
Dae Ga Chamchi is owned by Chong Cheong Do (충청도) native Lee Sang Jeek (이상직). The best time to dine is in the evening after 8:00 PM. The atmosphere is lively and both chefs are available. Also if you plan on having a party of more than five people, I recommend making a reservation.


The next time you are in Dongnae, stop by. You can get to Dae Ga Chamchi by taking subway Line 1 to Dongnae Station, exit 2. Walk approximately 3 blocks down the street towards Mega Mart. Dae Ga Cham Chi is located across the street. Enjoy, and tell Johnny I said hi.