Dive into Flavour: Discover Authentic Korean Seafood Specialities at Madang
If there’s one thing that defines the soul of Korean cuisine, it’s how beautifully it celebrates the sea. From spicy stews bubbling with shellfish to lightly seasoned grilled fish, every dish is designed to highlight freshness and depth of flavour. At Madang, our chefs bring this ocean-inspired tradition to Abu Dhabi with an authentic range of Korean seafood specialities — dishes that warm the heart, comfort the soul, and delight every palate.
Whether you’re a seafood lover or simply curious to explore new flavours, you’ll find a variety of Korean seafood dishes in our restaurant that blend the familiar and the adventurous in the most delicious way. Each dish tells its own story, crafted with the perfect balance of spice, sweetness, and umami — exactly how it’s enjoyed across the coastal towns of South Korea.
The Korean Way with Seafood
In Korea, seafood isn’t just an ingredient — it’s a way of life. From street stalls serving freshly grilled squid to traditional homes preparing seafood soups for family gatherings, it plays an essential role in both daily meals and festive feasts. The coastal geography of the Korean peninsula has shaped a cuisine that’s as diverse as it is vibrant.
Korean seafood dishes often combine contrasting elements: heat from chilli, saltiness from fermented sauces, and sweetness from fresh vegetables. What makes these Korean seafood specialities stand out is how they manage to be both fiery and refreshing at once. A single spoonful can deliver warmth, depth, and brightness — all in perfect harmony.
At Madang in Abu Dhabi, our chefs follow this same philosophy. Every seafood dish on the menu is made from scratch, using carefully sourced ingredients and time-honoured techniques that bring the true taste of Korea to your table.
Top 5 Seafood Dishes to Try at Madang
With an extensive seafood menu, it can be hard to decide where to begin. Here are the five standout dishes that perfectly represent the richness and variety of Korean coastal cuisine.
1. Lobster Jjamppong Jeon-Gol
If you’re looking for a showstopper, this is it. The Lobster Jjamppong Jeon-Gol is a dramatic seafood hot pot filled with lobster, mussels, squid, and vegetables simmered in a fiery red broth. It’s spicy, aromatic, and deeply comforting — the kind of dish that makes you slow down and savour every spoonful.
The broth’s heat comes from Korean gochugaru (chilli flakes), balanced by the natural sweetness of shellfish and lobster meat. Served bubbling at your table, this dish captures the communal spirit of Korean dining — perfect for sharing with family and friends.
2. Seafood Jjim
One of Madang’s signature Korean seafood specialities, the Seafood Jjim is a braised seafood platter that brings together crab, clams, and prawns in a thick, spicy sauce. It’s a dish that delights both the eyes and the taste buds.
Every ingredient absorbs the deep chilli-soy blend as it cooks, creating layers of flavour in every bite. The sauce is bold but not overwhelming, striking that ideal balance between savoury and spicy. If you’re after something hearty yet elegant, this is the dish to order.
3. Nak-Gop-Sae
For those who love trying something different, the Nak-Gop-Sae is an unforgettable experience. This dish combines octopus, shrimp, and beef intestines — a trio of textures and tastes that dance together in a rich, spicy sauce.
It’s one of Korea’s most popular comfort dishes, especially in the port city of Busan. At Madang, our chefs prepare it with authentic Korean spices, adding depth and a hint of smokiness. The result is a powerful, flavour-packed dish that captures the adventurous side of Korean cooking.
4. Han-Chi Mul-Hoe
Light, zesty, and refreshing, Han-Chi Mul-Hoe is a cold seafood salad made with squid, reef fish, and conch tossed in a spicy-sweet sauce. It’s a perfect palate cleanser and a great choice for diners who prefer something less heavy.
What makes this dish so special is its balance — the crispness of the vegetables, the chewiness of the seafood, and the tang of vinegar and chilli paste come together beautifully. It’s a dish that feels cooling and vibrant, perfect for Abu Dhabi’s warm weather.
5. Jjamppong Jeon-Gol
If you’re in the mood for something deeply satisfying, the Jjamppong Jeon-Gol is the perfect choice. This beloved Korean hot pot combines noodles, seafood, and vegetables in a spicy red broth. It’s rich, hearty, and packed with umami.
Each mouthful delivers a comforting warmth that feels like a hug in a bowl. The dish perfectly showcases why Korean seafood specialities are so cherished — every ingredient contributes its own note to a perfectly tuned symphony of flavour.
Why Korean Seafood Stands Out
Korean seafood cuisine isn’t about complexity for the sake of it. It’s about achieving harmony — a careful balance between freshness, spice, and comfort. Dishes like Jjamppong and Seafood Jjim have become popular not just because of their taste but because they evoke a sense of connection: they remind diners of home, family, and shared meals.
At Madang, our chefs uphold this same sense of authenticity. We don’t just recreate these dishes; we celebrate them. Every pot, grill, and stir-fry is prepared with the same spirit found in traditional Korean kitchens, making each dish a genuine experience of Korea’s culinary artistry.
A Taste of Korea in Abu Dhabi
For seafood enthusiasts, Madang is more than just a restaurant — it’s a journey into Korea’s coastal flavours without leaving Abu Dhabi. The menu brings together dishes that comfort, surprise, and inspire curiosity. Whether you prefer a mild, savoury stew or a bold, spicy seafood platter, you’ll find it here — cooked with passion and served with pride.
Each of our Korean seafood specialities represents a chapter in Korea’s rich food history. From the fiery pots of Busan to the cold, refreshing salads of Jeju, Madang’s menu captures it all — in a way that feels authentic, modern, and deeply satisfying.
So the next time you’re craving something unique, let the flavours of the ocean guide you to Madang. Sit down, share a pot, and discover the joy of Korean dining, one dish at a time.
Madang Korean Restaurant is one of the top-rated Korean restaurants in Abu Dhabi. Boasting of its traditional Korean interior design and style seating giving customers unique and realistic experience of Korea and its vast number of authentic Korean Cuisine.
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Ground Floor, Holiday Inn, 31st Dhafeer Street, Al Sa`Adah, Zone 1, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - +971 2 585 5441, +971 56 327 5999
