Menu of DaOn Korean Restaurant in Christchurch, New Zealand

Menu Overview

DaOn Korean Restaurant, nestled on Cranford Street in St Albans, Christchurch, offers a deeply authentic Korean dining experience that resonates with both locals and Korean food enthusiasts alike. The menu is a carefully curated balance of traditional marinades, fiery stir-fries, and interactive BBQ dishes, each crafted with fresh ingredients and bold flavors that capture the essence of Korean cuisine.

Starting with the Marinated section, the Beef Bulgogi stands out as a masterclass in tender, juicy beef slices infused with soy sauce, garlic, and sesame oil. The rich marinade not only permeates the meat but also grills to a caramelized finish, delivering a perfect umami punch. Equally impressive are the LA Galbi, grilled short ribs bathed in a sweet-savory Korean BBQ sauce, offering melt-in-the-mouth texture and depth of flavor that speaks to authentic Korean barbecue traditions.

For those drawn to bold and spicy flavors, the Stir Fried dishes excel. The Dalggalbi, featuring chicken thigh pieces stir-fried in a vibrant gochujang sauce with cabbage, carries a fiery heat balanced with a subtle sweetness, making it a true Korean favorite. The OSam Bulgogi combines pork and squid in a rich chili sauce, marvelously marrying tender pork with chewy squid for a multi-textural delight. The Ojingeo Bokkeum, a spicy stir-fried squid with vegetables, continues this theme of layered textures and robust seasoning, highlighting the kitchen’s command over traditional chili-based sauces.

The BBQ offering of Back to Soon, Korean-style pork belly sizzling tableside, adds an interactive and social element to the meal. The pork belly is succulent and richly flavored, perfectly complemented by the seasoned scallion salad and pickled vegetables, which provide a refreshing tang to balance the richness.

What really distinguishes DaOn Korean Restaurant is not only the meticulous attention to authentic flavor profiles but also the generous portions and the complimentary side dishes (“banchan”) that accompany every meal. These sides are heralded by many customers for their freshness and variety, adding layers of texture and flavor to the dining experience. The consistency of quality and hospitality is evident in glowing reviews from patrons like Mark Cohen who cherish the restaurant as a worthy successor to cherished Korean eateries and Yeeun who praises DaOn as the top Korean restaurant in Christchurch, emphasizing authenticity, cleanliness, and portion size.

Personally, I found the hot stone bibimbap to be a highlight—a harmonious blend of warm stone heat, mixed vegetables, and perfectly cooked rice that resonates with comfort and authenticity. The gamjatang, or pork backbone stew, is another standout, a rich and hearty dish that warms both body and soul, capturing the very feeling of a Korean home-cooked meal.

In summary, DaOn Korean Restaurant is a remarkable destination for authentic Korean cuisine in Christchurch. Whether you seek the lively spice of stir-fries, the savory depth of marinated meats, or the conviviality of Korean BBQ, every dish here tells a story of tradition executed with care. The warm, inviting service and the well-maintained, clean environment only enhance the experience. For anyone craving the true flavors of Korea, DaOn promises a heartfelt, satisfying journey at an excellent value.