K-Restaurant Review: DONGNE The Town in Delhi (Korean Cafe)

Written by: Aayushi Mishra and Vedansh Varshney, Delhi

Edited By: Khushi Vaid, Delhi

Nestled in the lively alleys of Humayunpur, Safdarjung Enclave in New Delhi, which has recently taken the spotlight as an emerging hotspot for Korean cuisine enthusiasts owing to the rising number of Korean cafes and restaurants in the locality, DONGNE the town exudes its distinct charm. This cozy café boasts beautiful, aesthetic interiors and a tranquil atmosphere, with friendly and attentive staff offering a varied menu of Korean dishes and refreshing drinks. DONGNE the town is an ideal haven for satisfying your craving for authentic Korean cuisine.

AMBIENCE

DONGNE the town boasts of a picturesque interior with its beige and brown colors and wooden-tiled walls, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The dim lighting adds to the cozy vibe. Outside, a big neon sign and a charming seating area with cute plants welcome you. Inside, a flower-adorned mirror and neon sign offer great photo spots, complemented by a lovely artificial tree. Each table is set with adorable mugs holding cutlery, including spoons, forks, and chopsticks. The café also provides board games to enjoy while waiting for your order. Ideal for small meetups or capturing cute pictures, it’s perfect for delicious Korean cuisine.

FOOD

Jjajangmyeon 

Jjajangmyeon is a popular Korean dish featuring chewy noodles coated in a rich black bean sauce called ‘chunjang’ (춘장), generally prepared from fermented wheat flour, soybeans, salt, and caramel sauce. This sauce often includes vegetables like onions, cabbage, zucchini, and cucumber, and the non-vegetarian version might consist of diced pork or seafood. Regrettably, the Jjajangmyeon that we ordered at the café was underwhelming. The dish felt a bit dry and could have benefited from more sauce to enhance its flavor and make it easier to eat. Although the flavor was acceptable, the portion size was only sufficient for one person. 

Our rating: 6/10

Veg Tteokbokki 

Another well-known and must-have Korean dish that features chewy and stir-fried rice cakes cooked in a red-colored sweet and spicy sauce is known as Tteokbokki. The broth is often cooked with vegetables like carrots and cabbage, while the non-vegetarian version of the dish can additionally include eggs, chicken, and seafood. The cheese version of Tteokbokki (known as Cheese Tteokbokki) is also quite popular across many Korean restaurants in India. We were pleasantly surprised by the flavor of the Veg Tteokbokki, as it was delicious and enjoyable. The sauce was well-balanced, not overly sweet or spicy, and the rice cakes were just the right amount of chewy, and all the flavors complemented each other. Our team would recommend trying the Veg Tteokbokki when visiting this café.

Our Rating: 8/10

Vegetable Pajeon

Jeon refers to foods that have been pan-fried or battered. So, vegetable jeon is a Korean vegetable pancake made with various vegetables like onions, red, yellow, and green bell peppers, making it very colorful and appetizing with good portions. As appetizing as it looked, it was soft, chewy, and crispy at the same time. The dish was served with soy sauce, which elevated its taste. If you’re exploring vegetarian options beyond the usual tteokbokki, kimbap, and ramen, this dish comes highly recommended. 

In conclusion, DONGNE the town stands out as a charming and cozy café in the heart of Humayunpur, offering an authentic Korean culinary experience. With its warm ambiance, friendly staff, and varied menu, it’s the perfect spot for both casual visits and special meetups. The interiors are beautifully designed with cozy lighting and charming outdoor seating, making it a welcoming place to relax and enjoy a meal. 

While some dishes like the Jjajangmyeon may not have fully met our expectations due to its dryness and portion size, others like the Veg Tteokbokki and Vegetable Pajeon were truly delightful and would be highly recommended from our side. The Veg Tteokbeokki’s well-balanced flavors and perfect texture, along with the colorful and appetizing Vegetable Pajeon, stood out as must-tries.

Whether you’re a Korean cuisine enthusiast or simply looking to try something new, DONGNE the town is worth a visit for its unique and flavorful offerings. Its aesthetic setting and delicious menu make it a memorable destination. Our team would love to visit this place again in the future to try more dishes!

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