It’s been over three years since I did a west coast food trip in Taean County, but each and every restaurant is still vivid in my memory (good food will do that to you). From a restaurant specializing in ganjang gejang to a course-like meal featuring hanjeongsik, I am reminded that the best food will always be outside the big city.

Ddandduk Sikdang 딴뚝식당, located on the island of Anmyeon (called Anmyeondo in Korean), is a terrific seafood restaurant specializing in ggot-gae 꽃게 (blue crabs) and a traditional dish found only in these parts: gae gukji 게국지 (seafood hotpot). While I usually gravitate towards regional dishes, especially ones that I’ve never tried before, blue crabs weren’t in season at the time (winter) as they peak in spring and fall). And further research showed that they do other dishes exceptionally well, specifically dishes featuring oysters, which were thankfully in season.

My eating partner and I opted for the young-yang gul bab 영양굴밥 (oyster rice in stone pot) and a secret side menu gul jeon 굴전 (egg-battered oyster fritters). Both were perfectly cooked, neither skimping on the deliciously creamy, slightly milky oysters while also being hearty and flavorful. The gul jeon, available only during off-hours, were made to order so they came out piping hot. Again, delicious and addicting, especially when dipped or eaten with the accompanying salted seafood sides for a nice contrast of tastes and textures. Overall, just a wonderful dining experience with top-notch food, service, and local makgeolli called San Deodeok 산더덕. As told directly by the owner herself, no matter what the season, these same dishes are served all year round as oysters are abundantly farmed (mostly coming out of Tongyeong) and shipped all across Korea to meet their ever-growing demand.

Now that spring has officially sprung in Korea, this would be a great time to make another visit for their blue crab, which is considered a delicacy in these parts. Pictured spread is a modest 33,000 won; oyster rice at 10,000 and oyster fritters at 20,000 and makgeolli for 3,000 won.

Food: ★★★★ out of 5 stars

Service: ★★★★★ out of 5 stars

Ambiance: ★★★★ out of 5 stars

Value: ★★★★ out of 5 stars

Ddandduk Sikdang 딴뚝식당

Seungun-ri 3025-21 Anmyeon-eup, Taean County, South Chungcheong Province (충남 태안군 안면읍 승언리 3025-21)

Phone: 0507-1305-4171

Hours: Open every day 7:00 am ~ 10:00 pm

Click here for an interactive map: http://naver.me/xVsiAGgC