I recently visited Hayanjib, formerly known as Naju Naengmyeon, during its grand opening and tried two Korean dishes: Soy Marinated Crab (Ganjang Gejang) and Korean Seafood Pancake (Pajeon).
The restaurant was quite busy, which was understandable considering its grand opening.
Although there was a short wait before we could get a table, we were seated sooner than I expected.
What stood out most during this visit was the food, especially the soy marinated crab, which turned out to be the highlight of the meal.
Grand Opening Experience at Hayanjib Carrollton
Hayanjib Carrollton recently opened under its new name, replacing the former Naju Naengmyeon.
Since I visited during the grand opening period, the restaurant was filled with customers.
There were enough people that we had to wait briefly for a table, but fortunately, the wait was not very long.
It was clearly a busy time to visit, but getting seated relatively quickly was a pleasant surprise.
For this first visit, I decided to focus on two dishes that I was particularly interested in trying.
What I Ordered at Hayanjib Carrollton
I ordered Korean Seafood Pancake (Pajeon) and Soy Marinated Crab (Ganjang Gejang).
Both dishes left a strong impression, but for different reasons.
Korean Seafood Pancake (Pajeon)
The first dish I want to talk about is the Korean Seafood Pancake.
What immediately caught my attention was its crispy texture.
I have tried pajeon at many Korean restaurants, but the texture of this one was noticeably different from what I usually experience.
Instead of the softer texture I often find in other versions, Hayanjib’s pancake had a satisfying crispiness that made every bite enjoyable.
Personally, I really liked this difference.
The crispy texture was exactly what made this pancake memorable for me.
If you prefer a crispier Korean seafood pancake rather than a softer one, this is definitely a dish worth trying.
Soy Marinated Crab (Ganjang Gejang)
The highlight of my first visit to Hayanjib Carrollton was easily the Soy Marinated Crab, also known as Ganjang Gejang.
I have tried soy marinated crab at other restaurants around the Carrollton area, but this was my favorite among the nearby places I have visited so far.
One of the most impressive things about the crab was how full it was with roe.
For me, a generous amount of crab roe makes a big difference when enjoying ganjang gejang, and this dish certainly delivered.
Another thing I particularly enjoyed was the soy marinade.
The marinade was perfect for mixing with rice, which is one of my favorite ways to enjoy this dish.
When the soy marinade works well with rice, it makes the entire meal even more satisfying.
That was exactly how I felt about the ganjang gejang at Hayanjib.
Between the crab filled with roe and the delicious soy marinade, this dish was easily the strongest part of the meal.
Based on my personal experience with nearby restaurants, I would currently rank Hayanjib’s soy marinated crab as my favorite in the area.
What Makes Hayanjib Carrollton Worth Visiting?
For me, the biggest reason to visit Hayanjib Carrollton is the quality of its soy marinated crab.
There are other places around Carrollton where you can order ganjang gejang, but this particular version stood out because of the generous crab roe and flavorful soy marinade.
The Korean Seafood Pancake was another reason I enjoyed this visit.
Its unusually crispy texture gave it a different character from many of the other pajeon dishes I have tried.
Even though the restaurant was busy during its grand opening, the short wait did not take away from my overall experience.
My Final Verdict on Hayanjib Carrollton
My first visit to Hayanjib Carrollton was a very positive experience.
The restaurant was crowded during its grand opening, but we did not have to wait too long to be seated.
The Korean Seafood Pancake impressed me with its crispy texture, which was different from the pajeon I have eaten at many other restaurants.
However, the Soy Marinated Crab was the real star of the meal.
The crab was packed with roe, and the soy marinade tasted especially good when mixed with rice.
Among the nearby restaurants where I have tried ganjang gejang, Hayanjib currently serves my favorite version.
If you enjoy Korean soy marinated crab, I would strongly recommend giving Hayanjib Carrollton a try.
I would also recommend ordering the crispy Korean Seafood Pancake alongside it.
Based on this first visit, Hayanjib is definitely a restaurant I would consider returning to for its ganjang gejang.
Location
📍 2625 Old Denton Rd #320, Carrollton, TX 75007
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