Han River

Hailed by many as perhaps the best Korean restaurant in the Wellington region, Han River is certainly worth the trip to the Hutt Valley. Named after the iconic river that snakes its way through the heart of Seoul, a visit here will certainly immerse you in the finest that Korean cuisine has to offer.

Just a stone’s throw from Queensgate Shopping Centre in the Lower Hutt city centre, Han River presents a cosy, contemporary dining experience. The fitout is clean, minimalist, and spacious, largely thanks to a recent expansion that has practically doubled the restaurant’s size. Korean artwork - both traditional and modern - hangs neatly in frames along the walls. On a busy set of shelves in one corner, Korean snacks sit alongside rows of soju, makgeolli, and other beloved Korean beverages.

The best Korean menus are as expansive as they are mouthwatering, and Han River certainly sets the standard, inviting you on a culinary journey through Korea's rich gastronomic heritage. Start your meal with the crispy and flavorful kimchi pancake, a perfect introduction to the bold tastes that await. For mains, the dolsot bibimbap - a sizzling stone pot filled with rice, assorted vegetables, and your choice of protein, all topped with gochujang sauce - is a must-try.

Seafood lovers will delight in the haemuljeon, a savoury pancake brimming with fresh seafood and green onions, and you can’t go wrong with a serving of Korean fried chicken. Your meal is topped off with an array of traditional banchan (side dishes), including kimchi, seaweed salad, and fish cakes, offering a harmonious balance of flavours and textures.

A humble and unpretentious outfit that’s forged an enviable reputation in Lower Hutt’s dining scene, Han River has something for all lovers of Asian food. The recipe behind its success is straightforward: a singular focus on crafting timeless, authentic food, and doing it well.