NYCReview
photo credit: Noah Devereaux
Her Name Is Han
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Sometimes, when we discover a great new restaurant, we like to imagine ourselves as old Hollywood agents who’ve just discovered new talent.
“Barry!” we’d say in that old very pronounced way they talk in old movies, probably while smoking a cigar. “I found a star.”
Today, that star is Her Name Is Han. And for right now, you’re going to be Barry. (Sorry about that.)
Her Name Is Han has a lot of star potential. First, a great name – the perfect trifecta of memorable, unusual, and fun to say. Second, a great look – the place looks like something between a library, an East Village apartment, and a movie studio. It totally works. Third, and most important, both the food and the overall vibe are excellent, and unlike that of any others we’ve found in New York.
Han specializes in homestyle Korean food – which means everything from seafood stews, to plates of spicy pork, to noodle soups, to pan-fried dried fish that tastes like candy. All of it feels incredibly fresh and even light, an unusual combination when you’re eating food that’s spicy and fermented. No matter what we order here, it tends to be great.
Located a block away from the heart of the bright neon lights of Koreatown, Han is relatively laid back, but everyone here always seems to be having fun. Maybe it’s the $27 bottles of grapefruit and blueberry-infused, house-brewed soju, or the $6 soju cocktails. Maybe it’s the improbably great soul/jazz soundtrack that we Shazam-ed numerous times. Either way, it’s the kind of restaurant you walk out of happy, wanting to tell all your friends about it. So Barry, when are we taking you to Han?
photo credit: Noah Devereaux
Food Rundown
photo credit: Noah Devereaux
Spicy Seafood Stew With Dumplings
photo credit: Noah Devereaux
Dukbokki
photo credit: Noah Devereaux
Spiced Pork With Gochujang
photo credit: Noah Devereaux
Beef Noodle Soup
photo credit: Noah Devereaux