Kalmat Hoetjip: grunt sold out, a pricier fish at no extra charge

This is the first place I think of when I want sashimi. It is my favorite raw fish restaurant in Busan, and I have been going for almost 20 years. I went with a friend at about 4 on a Saturday afternoon. The restaurant opens at 4, and sometimes they let you in earlier.

Ordering here is by fish, one kind at a time. They sometimes accept a request to mix, so that day I asked for striped jack (shima-aji) and grunt together. I was told the grunt was sold out. They swapped in dot-benjari and did not charge extra. The menu says dot-benjari costs 10,000 won more than grunt. I felt lucky to eat a fish I had not expected.

The two fish together came to 70,000 won.

Corn cheese is a side dish that comes as standard. Special cuts also came on a small plate.

The regular assorted sashimi is fine too. I especially like what goes into the premium sashimi, though, so I suggest the premium to anyone who goes. If you can match the hours, it is worth a visit.

I wrote about going back in July in my July visit note.