7 Places Where Locals Love to Eat in Daegu

Dongin-dong in Daegu is also known as the ‘steamed ribs district’, where you can find sweet and spicy steamed short ribs (jjim-galbi) marinated in red sauce, which is different from the more common braised short ribs (galbi-jjim) marinated in sweet soy sauce. 

Bungle Bungle Jjim-galbi is one spot in Daegu that’s famous for its jjim-galbi, beloved by people of all ages. Thoroughly cook the steamed short ribs, then debone and eat with vegetables or rice. The sweet and spicy flavour will easily win you over.

Dangol Sikdang, or 'Favourite Restaurant' in the local tongue, is situated within Daegu’s Chilseong Market and indeed has many regular patrons, as its name suggests. A prominent grill can be seen outside this restaurant, cooking the only 2 things on the menu: grilled marinated pork slices (dwaejibulgogi) and grilled red chilli paste pork slices (gochujang bulgogi). 

The grilled marinated pork slices were made with a superb sweet and salty blend of seasoning and were smoked on briquettes, while the grilled red chilli paste pork slices kick up the flavour profile another notch with spiciness. You mustn't miss out on either. The prices are more than reasonable, so expect this place to become your 'favourite restaurant' after just one visit.

Close to Bangogae Station, Pureunhoi Sikdang offers a variety of seasoned raw fish (muchimhoi). Of the many variations of raw fish that feature spicy seasoning, the shotted halibut, known locally as mijuguri in the Gyeongsang dialect, is the most popular. 

Don’t miss out on a chance to try some seasoned raw shotted halibut wrapped in flat dumplings (napjak mandu). Another great way is to mix it with rice in a large brass bowl. However you decide to eat it, your stomach will thank you.

Nokhyang Gui’s raw beef (mungtigi) dish is made daily from the freshest meat, and the unique sauce really brings out the flavour. The bright red meat may appear to be tough, but it melts in your mouth. 

It’s a great way to truly appreciate Hanu beef, so it’s no wonder the restaurant has so many regulars who return for more. Be sure to check out other dishes made from fresh meats that Nokhyang Gui has on offer.

Samsong Bakery and Café is Daegu's own famous bakery, which is currently located in the Dongseong-ro shopping district, having originally started in Nammun Market. Their corn buns and baked croquettes, both launched in 2008, are all the rage throughout the country. 

Break open a corn bun and be greeted with whole corn kernels mixed with sweet and savoury cream. The kernels pop in your mouth, adding another layer of texture to the experience. There isn’t a hint of heaviness to their croquettes because they’re baked rather than fried, and they make perfect casual gifts.

Established in 1979, Jungang Tteokbokki is famous for its sweet and spicy stir-fried rice cakes (tteokbokki) and flat dumplings (napjak mandu), a match made in heaven. 

The stir-fried rice cakes here are made of fresh rice cake with a chewy texture unlike any other. The flat dumplings are very popular and sell out quickly, so it’s a good idea to get there early to enjoy the 2 together.