On the 800 block of Denman Street in Vancouver’s West End, is Damso Modern Korean Restaurant, a small, stylish restaurant serving its own take on Korean cuisine.
Billy and I randomly choose Damso one evening after an aborted attempt to visit another more traditional Korean restaurant. Damso was a pleasant surprise, the tiny spot has barely room for more than a couple dozen patrons, but its bright interior and simple decor make it appear spacious.
The cocktail menu includes a small selection of Asian and local beers, wines and a selection of Korean liquor and cocktails. Billy suggested we try the Yogurt Soju on the menu, a unique Korean cocktail of Soju, yogurt drink and 7-Up/Sprite. Although it sounds slightly odd to my Western palate it made for a light, fresh tasting pre-dinner drink.
For our meals we started with Topokki with Chicken, a dish of rice cakes and chicken in a flavourful, spicy sauce.
As an entree I choose the Lettuce Wraps; a big plate of grilled pork belly and saanjang sauce with crispy lettuce leaves to wrap it in. The hearty pork belly and spicy sauce contrast nicely with the cool greens.
Billy choose a Spicy Tofu Soup; a stone bowl of light broth, filled with vegetables, tofu, pork (chicken and beef are also options) served with rice. The slices of chili peppers ensured the soup was as hot as the stone bowl kept the temperature.
Everything we ordered was nicely presented and flavourful, there were many more items on the menu we look forward to trying on a future visit.
Damso Modern Korean is located at 867 Denman Street, Vancouver
Phone: 604.632.0022