Many of us at South of Seoul LOVE sushi and sashimi. We love Korean, Japanese, and western-style versions of these culinary delights. Each of these styles carries its own unique quality that we crave at different points in our lives – or day.
Although our Japanese and Korean sushi and sashimi cups have runneth over since we moved to South Korea and visit Japan regularly, the style of sushi rolls made popular in the US have been harder to find. Not impossible, but harder. Thankfully we happened to live near two of Pyeongtaek’s longest running western-style sushi restaurants, Oishi Sushi and Izmir Japanese Restaurant located in the Songtan/Sinjang and Seojeongri neighborhoods of Pyeongtaek. These two Japanese themed restaurants catered to the western taste and kept us in the sushi-rolls to-which-we-had-become-accustomed while living in Seattle.
These days, however, times rapidly changing. In the last few months alone, two new Japanese themed restaurants have opened in Paengseong, Pyeongtaek near Camp Humphreys. Our lovely city now has enough delicious western-style sushi joints to write a blog for them! If you love western-style sushi rolls, go try all of these and let us know what your favorite was. You can find us moderating the Pyeongtaek Food & Fun group, by following the South of Seoul FB page, or stalking us on Instagram (South_of_seoul).
Sam’s Sushi
Paengseong, Pyeongtaek
We have been surprisingly pleased each time we have eaten at Sam’s Sushi. The flavors have a very West Coast vibe that takes us back to Seattle or Cali sushi joints we used to haunt. We love the generous fish cuts and full flavors. As an Alaskan, I’m especially in love with the salmon skill hand roll but realize it’s an acquired taste.
Oishi 2 Sushi
Seojeongri, Pyeongtaek
We have been loving Oishi for over 7 years now. The spicy salmon and tuna rolls are our addiction. The udon and tempura are also wonderful. Once again, we love their generous fish cuts and dynamic, fun flavors. Excellent for larger groups.
Izmir Japanese Restaurant
Songtan/Sinjangdong, Pyeongtaek
Izmir serves heartier, larger rolls than the rest of the western-style sushi restaurants. This makes Izmir sushi perfect for the hungry eaters out there. They also use more tasty sauce and rice than most so be ready for lots of flavor. Their udon and other dishes are also worth checking out. The space is very small with most of the seating upstairs. Not good for big groups.
Sush In Jay
Paengseong, Pyeongtaek
Sushi In Jae has been holding it down in Paenseong for years now. For a long time they were the only western-style sushi in the area. Their restaurant is very small and they cater to take-out. Their sushi is quite reliable and easy on the pallet. No big surprises. Simply reliable and fresh.
Rica Japanese Bistro
Paengseong, Pyeongtaek
The newest western-style sushi joint in town, Rica brings its own flavor to the table. They rely heavily on imitation crab and rice with the fresh fish serving as a highlight. The result is very light and simple sushi that is perfect for those that might not be super exited about sushi. Like a gateway drug. They also offer a lovely assortment of noodle dishes such as yakisoba and ramen.
How do I find the restaurants mentioned?
Addresses and contact information for all the places listed in this blog can be found in the South of Seoul app. The volunteers who manage South of Seoul chose to keep all information in a phone app so that they can update it more easily and keep things current. The FREE volunteer created app is available from the Apple App Store and Google Play.
How do I find things when Google Maps doesn’t work here?
Read this blog in order to learn more about what maps to use in Korea and how to get the most out of them
Using phone numbers instead of addresses
Best navigation apps for South Korea
Founded in 2015, the South of Seoul team consists of volunteers on three continents working together to support English-speaking people traveling or living in South Korea. South of Seoul volunteers work with organizations and individuals across South Korea to improve equitable access to information across South Korea. Much of South of Seoul’s information focuses on Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea.
Blogs published under the authorship of “South of Seoul” include blogs compiled by multiple volunteers to improve access to standardized information unrelated to individualized personal experiences.
