Heebeen Restaurant
Since it opening in 1964, Heebeen has remained an Alexandria favorite, and it has the reviews, Zagat ratings and longevity to prove it. The restaurant offers a variety of traditional Korean dishes, including sweet potato vermicelli noodles in a spicy sauce and dumpling soup, but the real reason to visit Heebeen is to sample its Korean barbecue, which chefs prepare at the table. Diners can choose from several barbecue options, including marinated short ribs, chicken tenderloins, pork belly and jumbo shrimp. All of Heebeen's main dishes come with a full complement of traditional side dishes, including pickled vegetables.
Heebeen Restaurant
6231 Little River Turnpike
Alexandria, VA 22312
703-941-3737
heebeen.com
Han Gang Restaurant
Han Gang, named after the Han river that flows through Seoul and several Korean provinces, offers diners great ambiance and an extensive menu. As soon as guests enter the spacious restaurant, which features booth-style seating and decorative blue-glass stones, they'll feel miles away from the strip malls and apartment communities along Little River Turnpike. The decor isn't Han Gang's only distinguishing feature. The restaurant's food is fresh and well-prepared, making it the perfect place to sample such Korean dishes as jorangye thuck bokkum (a stir-fried rice cake with vegetables, beef and soy sauce), kimchi jjigae (a stew with seasoned and fermented cabbage, meat, vegetables and tofu) and hwae naeng myun (a buckwheat noodle dish with raw fish, vegetables and Asian pear).
Han Gang Korean Restaurant
7234 Little River Turnpike
Annandale, VA 22003
703-256-7077
hangangkorea.com
Mandu
Mandu is one of the few area Korean restaurants located within Washington D.C., and unlike many of the area Asian restaurants, it does not offer a selection of dishes from different cultures. Instead, it focuses on offering traditional Korean fare with home-cooked appeal. It offers a menu filled with homestyle Korean food, including steamed or fried dumplings filled with a variety of ingredients, mini pancakes with beef-stuffed peppers, fish and shrimp, beef, and an assortment of rice noodle bowls. In addition to offering great food, Mandu's bar serves up delicious cocktails, including pear cosmopolitans and John Dalys (citrus vodka, triple sec, lemonade and iced tea).
Mandu
1805 18th St. NW
Washington, DC 20009
202-588-1540
mandudc.com
