HanGawi

Doesn't Recommend

a281z

Joined 7 years ago

Huge Disappointment. We were looking forward to try this restaurant after reading good reviews on both citysearch and zagat. Unfortunately, it was a total disappointment for us, not sure if this is authentic Korean cuisine. Every dish was unnecessarily sweet, especially the sesame porridge. It tasted salty and sweet at the same time. The Emperor's Roll was nothing but a few bland pancakes wrapped with shreds of steamed carrots, zucchini and pepper, dipped in a sweet mustard sauce. This is probably the worst meal that we had in New York.

Recommends

angela_t

Joined 8 years ago

Good food and Atmosphere. The food is good. The porridges are a must as a side dish. Very tasty. I enjoyed the experience of trying different items, but the main dishes are not extra special. The atmosphere is serene. The staff is pleasant but sometimes difficult to understand. I like to drink a variety of teas, but I've had some here that are really weird that I would avoid next time. The price can run high. Despite this, I have been there several times and have enjoyed it, although moreso the first time (many years ago).

Recommends

suebeelin

Joined 9 years ago

An okay place.... There's nothing to complain about, but nothing to rave about. The atmosphere is serene, comfortable, quiet. Decent vegetarian food (although my "mongolian hot pot" was tasteless, everything else was pretty decent. I particularly liked my moji red bean dessert-- YUM). If you're curious about vegetarian in a relatively upscale nice atmosphere, this is a good place to visit.

Recommends

buskerdog

Joined 11 years ago

A terrific experience. I'm not sure what the problem for the last couple of reviewers was but we had a great experience. The service was attentive, polite, and unhurried, the food was subtle but creative and thoughtful, and the decor was just gorgeous. As for price, it's not cheap-cheap but this is hardly an expensive restaurant. Most main dishes are in the $15 dollar range - and well worth it.

We had early reservations (pre-theater) and had no trouble getting a table. I would suggest that if this place gets crowded later, come early and relax.

Recommends

melissa_nyc2005

Joined 8 years ago

If you're vegetarian, don't miss it .... Go to Hangawi for vegetarian fare and beautiful ambience. Service is OK, food is pricey.

Doesn't Recommend

serenecrescent

Joined 8 years ago

Never again. The service were horrible. I had to get them 2 or 3 times just to order my food. Even worst, after we got our entrees, we had to ask 4 times for 4 bowls of rice and got it 20 minutes later when we were nearly done with our dish. If I paid that much on food, it better be great food and great service. The food was average, and do I have to say more about the service?

Doesn't Recommend

parisnyc

Joined 8 years ago

Rushed, Rude Service. After arriving at Hagawi with no reservation at around 7:00 we asked for a table. When they said they had one we asked if they would need the table for a reservation that night because we didn't want to rush. That's all they did to us. Considering we ordered appetizers, main courses, and dessert you would think that we could enjoy each. The main courses came out half way through the appetizers and they proceded to ask us if we wanted the check several times starting just as they removed the dishes from our table. We even asked why we were being rushed when we asked if they need the table and got no answer. The food was good, but not better than we've had in many other places. I wouldn't subject myself to this place again.

Recommends

goondigity

Joined 10 years ago

not what i expected. My mom came to NYC from Korea and so I took her to this restaurant cuz I thought she might enjoy a nice Korean meal. When we got there however, none of the servers spoke Korean. That was really strange, but when we looked around the restaurant, we realized there were no Koreans eating in the restaurant either. This restaurant is great for vegetarians and the ambience is very serene, but it's really catered towards Non-Koreans and would probably be more interesting for tourists.

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Contributor

Joined 10 years ago

Undergo a culinary spa treatment at this restorative Korean vegetarian spot in midtown.. The Scene
Meals at Hangawi have a ritualistic air--pass through the heavy wooden doors at the entrance and a soft-spoken host gently asks you to remove your shoes. A minimalistic, serene dining space waits beyond, where patrons sit on cushions at small, sunken rows of wooden tables.

The Food
Ordering a la carte from the all-vegetarian menu can be fun, but don't be surprised if Hangawi's atmosphere makes your decision-making faculties melt away. The solution? Opt for the spectacular Emperor's Meal, a multi-course tasting menu loaded with velvet-textured pumpkin soup, mesclun greens sparked by a simple but savory sesame-soy vinaigrette, crispy sauteed tofu noodles and steamboat soup, a heady clear-broth crock of cabbage, carrots, watercress, mushrooms, walnuts, dates and cherries.

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veggielinks

Joined 9 years ago

A lost cause. Hangawi has lost its charms. I frequent Hangawi about a year back and had always enjoyed my meals. Sadly, during a recent visit, I felt that it is no longer able to live up to its charm.

The biggest complaint here is its food. Bland, tasteless, and lifeless. The avoacado salad was swimming in a pool of otherwise tasty ginger carrot dressing. The Tofu Mushroom Galore taste like a bad mix of sauce and veggies The traditional hot stone bowl (roots and greens) tasted funny like leftovers trash.

Service was poor, seemingly they can't wait to get rid of you so they can seat more people. Also it takes forever to get your water refilled.

It is sad to see an upscale restaurant stoop so low. My only concern is for the management to take vital steps to revive its glory.