An authentic hidden gem worth getting messy for

By Lauren Kalinowski

Tucked away in an unassuming strip mall with covered windows on 51 Ave by Southgate Mall, is Rae Mi Hyang, a Korean-Chinese restaurant. The neighbourhood clearly knows all about it. This no-frills establishment delivers an experience that’s equally delicious and communal.

We started with the Kangfung Squid ($35), deep-fried with hot dried chilies. What arrived was nothing short of spectacular, a mountain of perfectly crispy yet chewy squid tentacles tossed in a savory sauce that maintained the ideal texture balance. It could be shared by a family for six. Not a hint of sogginess to be found. The dish came accompanied by yellow pickled radish, raw onion, and a rich brown dipping sauce that complemented the seafood beautifully.

Next was Jjam Bbong ($19), seafood noodle soup, which arrived steaming hot, a fragrant broth filled with generous portions of squid tentacles, pork strips, dwarf crabs, plump mussels, and a half-pound of shrimp. Food tastes better when you have to work for it, doesn’t it? Enthusiastically tearing apart crab legs to extract every bit of meat proved this point perfectly.

The Jajang Myun ($15),pork and noodles with dark soy bean sauce, rounded out our feast. This was my least favourite of the three, it was a suitable side dish but felt like something a person might make at home for late night comfort food. It was just sauce plopped on top of noodles that became kind of boring after the first bites. 

What struck me most was the restaurant’s atmosphere, families arriving after work with children in tow, multiple languages filling the air, and a sense that this is where people come for authentic comfort food. The portions are enormous and designed for sharing, making this place perfect for family-style dining. We definitely didn’t leave without takeout containers.

The diversity of the patrons was a testament to the authentic flavors that have clearly made this place a favorite among those seeking genuine Korean-Chinese cuisine. Huge portions appeared to be the norm, with every table loading up to go containers on the way out.

No frills, no pretense, just extraordinarily fresh, delicious food that feels luxurious despite its humble setting. Don’t be afraid to get messy; the experience is well worth it.

Rae Mi Hyang 

10625 51 Ave NW

Edmonton

S: Closed

M-S: 11:30AM to 2:30PM, 3PM-9PM