Restaurante Dadam — Restaurant in Madrid

Stumbling upon a nondescript alleyway in the heart of Madrid, my curiosity piqued by the whispers of a Korean treasure nestled beneath the city's bustling surface. "Dadam," as it is enigmatically called, was said to be a haven for food enthusiasts seeking an authentic taste of Korea amidst the Spanish capital's culinary tapestry. This clandestine joint, cloaked beneath a veil of obscurity, promised an adventure like no other—an underground experience that Anthony Bourdain himself would have reveled in.

With the clock ticking perilously close to closing time, I dared to embark on this nocturnal escapade. Descending a flight of stairs that seemed more like a portal to a parallel gastronomic universe, I found myself in a dimly lit enclave, enveloped in the warmth of a vibrant Korean atmosphere. An enigmatic charm lingered in the air, and I knew at once that this was where locals savored the secrets of Seoul's streets without ever leaving Madrid.

As I perused the menu, I couldn't help but notice the diversity of dishes offered. From classic staples like Bibimbap and Kimchi Jjigae to lesser-known culinary gems like Haemul Pajeon and Japchae, my taste buds were tantalized with anticipation. Eager to experience the full spectrum of Dadam's culinary prowess, I ordered a medley of dishes to satiate my voracious New Yorker appetite.

To my surprise, and much to the credit of the impeccably efficient staff, my food arrived promptly despite my late arrival. The servers moved like graceful dancers, gliding between tables with an effortless finesse that belied the hectic nature of a restaurant winding down for the night. And yet, the warmth in their smiles remained genuine, as if the desire to share their culture's culinary treasures with a late-night wanderer was the ultimate reward.

First on my culinary voyage was the iconic Bibimbap, a visually stunning ensemble of vibrant colors and flavors, presented in a sizzling hot stone bowl. Mixing the elements together, the rice, vegetables, marinated meat, and a perfectly fried egg melded harmoniously, creating a symphony of tastes that sang a melodious ode to Korea's rich heritage.

Next up was the Kimchi Jjigae, a spicy and comforting stew that instantly transported me to the heart of Seoul. The fermented tang of the kimchi, combined with tender slices of pork and a deeply flavored broth, was the ultimate remedy for Madrid's occasional chilly evenings.

As the evening drew to a close, I couldn't resist indulging in the lesser-known Haemul Pajeon—a delectable seafood pancake enriched with scallions. The crispy edges and succulent morsels of seafood transported me to the bustling markets of Busan, where street food reigns supreme.

Dadam proved to be an enigmatic treasure trove that enchanted my senses and whisked me away on a magical journey through the culinary delights of Korea. A hidden prize indeed, but one that deserves to be uncovered and celebrated. I left this subterranean gem with a sense of fulfillment, not just from the flavors that had graced my palate but from the knowledge that even an hour before closing, this establishment delivered a memorable experience with unparalleled grace.

For those seeking a rendezvous with authentic Korean cuisine in the heart of Madrid, Dadam is a pilgrimage well worth the adventure. And in this unassuming basement of Dadam, simplicity took on an extraordinary...

Do not expect quality Korean food (I am Korean) if you come to this place to eat. First off, the rice (the fundament of good Korean food) was either too old or overall bad quality rice. It tased quite tasteless. Then, the stew, was flat, missed some essential ingredients and was messy altogether. The side dishes were bland and uninspired. The cold beef was OK, but the pear was too old and not tasty. Lastly, the cold noodle was the best dish out of the three (I make it at home myself, and it is not a difficult dish to make).

My guess is that the chef is non-Korean, and that by itself is fine, but man-oh-man, I would recommend the chef to go to Korea and learn how to cook some decent Korean food -...

I adore this place so much! The staff is amazing, and the food is exactly how it should be—very authentic.

I’ve tried a couple of Korean restaurants in Madrid, but nothing was better than this one. You can make reservations over the phone or order through an app. Also, when you order online, the food arrives well-packaged and hot!

Highly recommended if you like Korean cuisine.

I just wish banchan was free when you want more because it’s always delicious—but it’s only free the first time, and after that, you have to pay extra. However, the staff also makes this place feel very cozy. ❤️ Thank you! My personal favorite is -...