DOTZ: United Flavors of Asia
Hannam is one of Seoul’s most popular destinations for high-end and gourmet restaurants, which cater to its affluent residents and tourists. The dining options in Hannam tend to be upscale, with a focus on quality and/or imported ingredients. During my parent’s visit to South Korea, Annie and I decided to take them to a restaurant called DOTZ.
DOTZ is a trendy Asian restaurant located in Hannam-dong, South Korea. They have a well-curated selection of dishes that incorporate elements from Japanese, Korean, and Chinese cuisines. Some of our favorites include the Mala Lasagna (amazing), Katsu Sando, and HK Toast.
The ambiance is modern with upscale design and decor. Despite being so deluxe, DOTZ has a somewhat cozy and relaxing vibe. My only issue was that it was a little warm inside the restaurant so it felt very dry inside. This is probably only temporary during winter months.
Overall, DOTZ is a fun restaurant for those looking for a contemporary twist on classic Asian flavors and dishes. The prices are manageable but can be on the high side. Nevertheless, DOTZ definitely offers an experience that is worth the premium.
Cuisine: Asian
Average Price per Person: $21 USD / 28,000 WON (Food Only)
Address:
6 Itaewon-ro 55na-gil, Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea
서울특별시 용산구 한남동 이태원로55나길 6
Recommended:
Chicken Caesar Salad
Katsu Sando
Mala Cream Lasagna
Burrata Caprese Salad
Salmon Avocado Poke Bowl
HK Toast
[Did not try] - Prawn Toast
[Did not try] - Jasmine Crème Brûlée
DOTZ has modern decor with warm lighting so it sets the mood for a casual date or an intimate gathering with friends. The open space gives the restaurant a luxurious feeling.
DOTZ’s Chicken Caesar Salad is pretty solid. The Romaine Lettuce was fresh, crisp, and lightly coated in dressing. It also came with Chicken Breast, Avocado, and Egg. Rather than the usual anchovies that you find in other Caesar Salads, DOTZ’s used Myeolchi Bokkeum (Korean Stir-Fried Anchovies) instead. Overall, it was both healthy and indulgent.
(19,000 WON)
The Burrata Caprese Salad was made with Burrata Cheese, Baked Tomatoes, and Perilla Oil Vinaigrette. It’s a simple dish but the most unique aspect was the Perilla Oil Vinaigrette, which was aromatic, nutty, and refreshing. I liked it.
(17,000 WON)
The Katsu Sando is made with Domestic Sirloin Pork Cutlet. The pork tender, thick, and flavorful. I also liked that the breading wasn’t too oily. It came with Coleslaw and Homemade Tomato Pickles on the side.
(17,000 WON)
The Salmon Avocado Poke Bowl was sizable and refreshing. It also came with Cucumber and Quinoa. There was a nice bed of Brown Rice mixed with Seaweed Puree.
(21,000 WON)
The Dan Dan Noodle leaves a lot to be desired. The noodles were cooked but dry. Where was the Zhi Ma Jiang Sauce? The rest of the accoutrements were just for show and didn’t add much to the flavor of the noodles. I don’t recommend this one.
(17,000 WON)
This is the best dish at DOTZ. The Mala Cream Lasagna had this spicy Indian-style Ragu and Ma Jiang Cream, which is usually made with Sesame Paste, Garlic, Soy Sauce, Vinegar, Sesame Oil, and Sugar. The mala (peppercorn and chili) seasoning was fragrant and numbingly attractive. The spice level was actually fairly potent in this dish but I couldn’t stop tasting it.
(20,000 WON)
For dessert, we got the Hong Kong Style French Toast with Kaya Jam, Maple Syrup, and Butter. Even though it was drenched in syrup, it was nicely crispy. We cut it into a few bite-sized pieces, exposing the sweet coconut kaya jam inside. It was awesome.
(11,000 WON)