The Fit Post

I figured after 24 years of ignoring my Asian roots I would finally pay homage to my inner Korean and make a few trips to K-Town.  Of course, the BBQ hole in the walls are fantastic (who knew my heritage was so delicious) but the one place that I can’t wait to go back to is HanGawi at 12 East 32nd Street. 

HanGawi, a Vegetarian Korean restaurant, embodies the principles of Um and Yang – Korean version of the yin and yang (I admit, I didn’t know this until reading their website).  The menu balances these two forces by combing green vegetables and fruits (the um foods) with roots, radishes, carrots and potatoes (the yang foods).  The flavors are rich but not overly doused in sauce, producing creative items like Kabocha Pumpkin Pancakes with Mung beans ($11), Spicy Kimchi Mushroom Pancakes ($12) and Watercress Tofu Dumplings ($9).  There is a separate menu using all organic ingredients for the die hard foodies.  Believing a nutritious meal requires thoughtful consideration to both the food and space, the HanGawi vegetarian sanctuary is dimly lit and beautifully decorated with dark wood and artifacts.  Although, I hope you’re nimble –  even I felt a little clumsy trying to lower myself onto the floor cushions without knocking over my neighbor’s silken tofu.  The entire experience was more relaxing than being in 10 minute Savasana (yoga “corpse” pose).

~ by Maggie on October 13, 2009.

Posted in Organic, Sit Down Restaurants, Vegetarian