Her Name is Han: A Homely Korean Dining Experience in NYC

Her Name is Han

A Taste of Korea in the Heart of Manhattan

Located in the heart of New York’s Koreatown, Her Name is Han has carved out a reputation as one of the city’s most beloved Korean restaurants. Known for its home-style Korean comfort food, this spot offers a warm and inviting ambiance that makes every guest feel like they’re stepping into a cozy kitchen in Seoul.

With a menu that blends traditional Korean flavors with a modern twist, Her Name is Han delivers dishes that are both nostalgic and innovative. Whether you’re a Korean food aficionado or someone looking to try authentic flavors for the first time, this restaurant promises a meal that comforts the soul as much as it satisfies the palate.

A Restaurant with a Story

Opened in 2015, Her Name is Han was created with the vision of bringing the warmth of Korean home cooking to New York City. The name itself reflects its mission—“Han” is a common Korean name that represents the spirit of Korean hospitality and comfort. Unlike many traditional Korean BBQ spots in K-Town, this restaurant focuses on home-style dishes that reflect the everyday meals served in Korean households.

The space is designed with earthy tones, warm lighting, and rustic decor, evoking the charm of an old Korean home. The restaurant’s philosophy is simple: food should be made with love, served with warmth, and enjoyed in good company. This sentiment is deeply ingrained in its menu, where classic Korean dishes are prepared with fresh ingredients and deep flavors that remind Koreans of home, while introducing non-Korean diners to the richness of Korean cuisine.

Must-Try Menu Items

Her Name is Han offers a variety of Korean comfort dishes, but a few standouts have made this spot a must-visit destination. Here are some of the menu highlights:

1. House-made Kimchi Pancake

A crispy, savory pancake packed with aged kimchi and pan-fried to perfection. Served with a tangy soy dipping sauce, this dish is a must-order for those who love the bold and spicy flavors of fermented kimchi.

2. Spicy Braised Short Ribs (Galbi Jjim)

This dish is all about slow-cooked tenderness—beef short ribs braised in a sweet and spicy soy-based sauce until they’re melt-in-your-mouth soft. Served with vegetables and rice cakes, it’s a rich and hearty meal that embodies Korean comfort food at its best.

3. Doenjang Samgyupsal (Soybean Paste Marinated Pork Belly)

A unique take on the classic samgyeopsal, this pork belly is marinated in a deep, umami-rich doenjang (fermented soybean paste) sauce before being grilled to perfection. The slightly nutty and earthy flavor adds a new dimension to the beloved Korean BBQ staple.

4. Spicy Soft Tofu Stew (Sundubu Jjigae)

A bubbling hot pot filled with silky tofu, vegetables, and seafood or pork, served in a spicy broth that’s packed with umami. This stew is comforting, warming, and perfect for chilly days.

5. Nurungji Chicken Soup (Crispy Rice & Chicken Broth)

This dish takes samgyetang (Korean ginseng chicken soup) to the next level by adding nurungji (crispy scorched rice) for extra texture and depth. The result is a delicate yet hearty soup that’s both nourishing and flavorful.

The Experience: More Than Just a Meal

What truly sets Her Name is Han apart is the attention to detail in both food and atmosphere. The restaurant’s design features wooden tables, vintage Korean dishware, and warm, dim lighting, creating an ambiance that feels intimate and welcoming.

Beyond the food, the experience is about gathering around the table and sharing dishes with friends and family, just like in a traditional Korean home. The attentive service, thoughtfully plated dishes, and curated playlist of soft Korean indie music make the dining experience even more special.

Pairing a meal with their selection of makgeolli (Korean rice wine) or a refreshing soju cocktail makes the experience even more enjoyable. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this is a place where every meal feels like a celebration of Korean flavors and traditions.

Why You Should Visit

Her Name is Han isn’t just a restaurant—it’s an invitation to experience Korean hospitality and home cooking in one of the busiest cities in the world. With its thoughtfully crafted menu, nostalgic ambiance, and warm service, it’s no surprise that this spot has become a New York City favorite.

📍 Location: 17 E 31st St, New York, NY 10016

If you’re craving authentic Korean comfort food in a cozy, stylish setting, Her Name is Han should be at the top of your list.

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