Hangawi

This is by far my favorite restaurant in the city! It was the first place my mum and I went to on our first visit to the city. I love the atmosphere. Probably as authentic as you could get for being in NYC. The food is prepared so nicely and tastes wonderful. While it is pricey, Hangawi is totally worth the extra dollar signs. This is a great place for vegetarians with a matured palette.

Been reading rave reviews about this vegetarian restaurant over in Korean Town. Finally made a trip last week with two meat eaters. Well, I must say I am impressed by the deco. Very traditional zen and you actually leave your shoes off and sit on floors with comfty cushion. The food was nice, very different from what I am used to. But my two friends still thinks GOBO has something more to offer. I have to agree though. This is Korean temple food (as written on their website) and you don't really get this elsewhere. Still, the taste is a little lacking and most of the dishes we ordered seems to have the same sauce base, just different presentation. We get get the same Tofu with Mixed Vegetables for more than half the price in a regular veggie restaurant. The didn't want to try the prefix as it's the same food but we have to order a minimum two sets. Service was warm and nice, albeit a little too close for comfort. I didn't care for the chatty waiter either since we are here to enjoy our dinner and not to find out about his childhood. Overall, we enjoyed our meal but I don't think we will go back. It's good to experience something different but it's not as memorable as I thought.

First off... this is not Korean food. It is quite good though, and interesting... but I would never bring family or other Koreans here. And it is overpriced. But... if you want to entertain people who have never had Korean, and want to impress and put on a nice show - or if they are vegetarians... this is the place.

The place is not cheap, but the food was great and the atmosphere and service top notch. I liked the fact that the food was different from the "standard" stuff you see at most Korean places.

Koreans are not vegetarians by nature - even most of vegetarian Korean foods contain seafood suace or other meat flavors. While Hangawi sticks to the Korean cooking method, some are downright strange - which reminds me of my mom making sloppy joe style bibimbob. For those on low budget, lunch is very affordable, for instance, spinach+corn porrige with veggie bowl or tofu with brown sauce cost only $12-$15.

The first time I ate here I was alone in NY. Scarey for me in itself! The staff made me feel at home and the food was unbelievable! I went back again before leaving town. Then took my husband the next time we visited the city and he loved it. The overall atmosphere of the place takes you to another culture. Even leaving your shoes at the door! I love everything about this place! And we have tried most of the top restaurants in NYC and Hungawi is always at the top of my list.

The service and atmosphere are good here. However, the food is nothing special around other Korean restaurants around this area and not to mention about its price.