Too Pretty To Eat
If I'm completely honest, I was hesitant to try Korean tasting menus when they became increasingly popular in New York City. Growing up eating Korean flavors, I was raised with the idea that Korean food always meant comfort and abundance. The idea of paying a large sum of money for flavors that were already familiar to me didn’t really entice me. However, as the NYC culinary scene continued to grow, more people began spotlighting Korean tasting menus as “worth the price,” and I became intrigued. Unfortunately, I had a taste once and now I can’t stop—I want to try them all. And here, we tried one of the most famous: Oiji Mi. With its fusion of modern techniques and traditional Korean flavors, Oiji Mi offers a unique dining experience that bridges authentic Korean cuisine with contemporary culinary trends.
Located near Flatiron in New York City, Oiji Mi is a contemporary Korean restaurant that quickly grabbed attention for its innovative takes on traditional Korean dishes. The name "Oiji Mi" is a playful reference to "oi" (오이), the Korean word for cucumber, which is a key ingredient in the restaurant's cucumber kimchi’s, and “mi” which translates to full of flavor, taste, and beauty. These two words perfectly summarize the goals that Oiji Mi sets for itself in creating a beautiful, delicious experience, from the restaurant's interior design to its plating.
As someone who has tried a handful of Korean tasting menus, I think Oiji Mi is a great introduction to Korean cuisine for those who are unfamiliar with the flavors. There's nothing too bold or experimental, but the flavors are light and subtle. To be honest, I’ve heard many mixed reviews and tried to approach my meal with an open, unbiased mind. My conclusion was that while this was a great meal overall, the experience (flavor-wise) was more mild and comforting than innovative—almost as if they were playing it safe in their executions. I enjoyed my meal, but it didn’t leave a lasting impression. It's a great starter before you venture into more experimental Korean tasting menus around NYC.
I don’t want to be basic, but I truly loved their signature dish: the Oiji Bowl. This beautiful bowl consists of sea urchin, spotted prawn, ikura, oiji (their cucumber kimchi), and seaweed rice. The bowl itself was small but packed, which filled me up quickly. While I loved the freshness of the seafood toppings, I found myself enjoying the seaweed rice even more. The roasted sesame added a nutty flavor that I really enjoyed and would happily eat again.
My overall favorite bites, however, were the Octopus Noodles in Wagyu Broth (incredibly comforting, and the octopus was cooked perfectly) and the dry-aged duck (the exterior was so crispy, and the overall layers of texture and flavors in the dish were an experience). I would definitely order everything again—except for the bossam and oysters. I saw all the tables ordering it so I wanted to give it a try, but aside from the presentation, there wasn’t much to the dish. I didn’t think the pairing of the boiled pork and oysters worked well because of how mild the oyster flavor was. I understand it was meant to resemble a deconstructed oyster kimchi typically eaten with bossam, but I found Oiji Mi’s execution underwhelming. That said, the pork itself was absolutely delicious and incredibly tender. In each course, they showcased their own versions of kimchi, which I thoroughly enjoyed and would happily buy if possible.
I care a lot about how a restaurant ends its course menu (aka dessert), and Oiji Mi did not disappoint. I recommend going with someone who likes to share because I highly suggest ordering multiple desserts. The bingsu was incredibly soft, not too sweet, and the addition of boba with black sugar syrup was heavenly. The chapssal donut was a great sweet and savory bite, especially with the gruyere cheese addition (and my boyfriend and I are BIG FANS of these traditional donuts). For sure, I left the meal happy and satisfied.
I totally understand why Oiji Mi stands out in New York City's competitive culinary scene, offering a fresh perspective on Korean food. The food is delicious, and I recommend it to anyone who is interested in trying elevated Korean food. Just be ready for the wild ride that comes with exploring fancy Korean tasting menus in NYC!