It’s easy to be a (회) raw-fish junkie in Busan, and with the sea by our sides options are plentiful. Choosing which fish to devour can be tough. While it’s great to try something new, sometimes it’s nice to keep things relatively simple and go for the familiar. Raw tuna(참치회) is loaded with flavor and is one the best fish to eat raw, especially when it’s all you can eat. (Yes, I know I had you at all you can eat.) In the typical Korean fashion raw tuna restaurants are found in clumps. This particular restaurant is one of three, located in Jangsan.

Tuna restaurants have counter and table seating. Sitting at the bar will put you face to face with the chef. If you are in a group of two I suggest sitting at the bar to watch the swift strokes of the knife and the care taken in preparing the food. This time, I was in a group of four so we opted for the table. We ordered the 25,000won per person set, which as I said earlier is all you can eat. There are more expensive sets-difference being in the quality of the fish. When ordering your set also be sure to order some alcohol as it goes well with raw fish. Drinking soju with raw fish is said to kill any possible bacteria…oh Korea. You can choose Korean soju and beer or shell out the big bucks for some sake.

First we were given a bowl of죽 (Korean rice porridge). The warm porridge warms your stomach in preparation for the cool회. Next, our waitress brought out miso soup, some오뎅 soup, tofu, white kimchi and some salad. Alas the tuna arrived! The assorted tuna meat varies in color and appearance. The waitress explained the different parts of the meat-the cheek being the best! Also, she brought out a plate of rolled rice to make tuna sushi. Dried laver (seaweed) or (김) is also on the table.

Depending on which part of the fish you eating, raw tuna varies in texture and taste. The cheek part of the tuna is rather gelatinous and melts in your mouth, while the belly part is fatty which of course = delicious. Other parts taste rather than meaty. That’s what’s great about the set; you can experience a full range of taste and textures in one sitting. Don’t forget to eat some ginger between pieces, as ginger cleanses the palate-allowing optimal tasting. Pairing the meat with the sauces, kimchi and laver also create different aromas and flavor.

As you order a second or third…or fourth helping of raw tuna you will notice more side-dishes accompanying you meal. Side-dishes are meant to curb your appetite a bit, but are equally quite delicious. We were given grilled fish, sweet and sour pork and pajeon. Raw tuna is a fantastic meal loaded with healthy omega-3s, so eat up, but remember we are at a Korean all you can eat restaurant…not a Ponderosa.

To get to the Jangsan참치회 restaurants use subway exit 9. Walk straight out and then make your first left. The tuna restuarants will immediately be on your left. The one pictured and written about is the farthest one of the three.