Alright SO, if you haven’t eaten at Da Rae Won yet, you are high key missing out. They’re known for their Korean-Chinese cuisine, and it’s one of the handful of places my parents ask me to take them when they visit. Easily the best jjajangmyun in the DMV area IMHO.
So, let’s talk jjajangmyun to start. Our go-to is their No 1. It’s $8.99, and you get a huge bowl of fresh noodz with their delicious pork & black bean sauce. This alone could fill you up, BUT try and save room because there are a few other must tries as well.
PS. I also love that they have a window to their noodle making room, lol. You can watch their chefs in action, slapping noodz to make the magic that you’re going to undoubtedly fall in love with. It can be a pretty loud process so don’t be startled =P
Now, No 21 and 30 are ELITE! The former’s their beef tangsuyuk (aka fried beef with sweet and sour sauce). This is one of my mom’s favorite dishes, and they do it so well here. They offer it in med & large ($16.99 and $22.99 respectively), and you’ll have leftovers so ask for sauce on the side. Then you can air fry your beef (or pork) and enjoy it at home like it was *almost* made fresh!
As for 30, that’s their kkanpunggi aka fried chicken with garlic sauce. Their shrimp version of this is also delicious, but the chicken will forever be a personal favorite. There’s just something so special about the way this is made. It’s uber crispy, like it tastes like the exterior was caramelized? And the sauce is crave-worthy.
I also need to mention No 16 because it’s another one of my mom’s favorite dishes. This is their yoosamsuel aka shredded sea cucumber with sauteed shrimp and pork. I wasn’t a huge fan of this dish as a kid, but it’s grown on me over the years. And I have yet to meet an older Korean person that doesn’t love this dish, lol.
If you haven’t been yet, I recommend going with a group of friends so you can try different dishes and share! Definitely let me know what you think guys when you go. Happy eating, Nomsters!
📍5013 Garrett Ave, Beltsville, Maryland