I remember the April day when family friend, Laura Ford, recommended we try a new restaurant in downtown Camas. “It’s called Hana,” she said. “And, it’s in the same location as Rice Time. They bought it from the previous owners.”
A few days later, I stopped by to check out Hana, and realized they serve Korean food. My eyes lit up. Would it be any good? Southwest Washington has brought Korean food here before, but it hasn’t measured up. Yeah, I’m a Korean food snob.
I’m happy to report that Hana is the real deal for those who know Korean food. No longer do we have to go to Portland or Beaverton for good Korean food. It’s right here!
Salivating at the menu, which offers Korean, teriyaki, noodles, bowls, combinations, and sides, I immediately ordered a Korean favorite, Bul-Go-Gi, which is thinly sliced marinated beef, stir-fried with vegetables and steamed rice. It has all the right Korean seasonings.
Eating quality Bul-Go-Gi puts me in my happy place. I married into a Korean family, and was introduced to Korean cuisine by dear friends, Pam Benzing and Jack Cleveland, back in the late ’80s as a teen. My childhood knowledge of Korean food would help me break the ice with my future mother-in-law. I knew how to talk the talk, and eat the eats.
Anyway, Hana makes it right. I couldn’t eat it fast enough. I recommend ordering any plate with the 3 Korean vegetable side, which includes kimchee.
Bul-Go-Gi (thinly sliced marinated beef), stir fried with vegetables, and steamed rice.
I make it a point to eat there once a week, and enjoy the Bi-Bim-Bap, which is steamed rice topped with assorted vegetables, egg, choice of meat (beef, chicken or tofu, or pork), and miso soup. It’s just $8.50, and again I recommend the 3 Korean vegetable side dish, for an additional $2.99.
Hana’s Korean Short Ribs (Galbi) should be something you try, and come back for more. It comes with four classic LA style beef with steamed rice. It’s $13.99.
Korean Short Ribs (Galbi).
Jap-Chae is made to perfection. The sweet potato noodles are stir-fried with assorted vegetables, served with steamed rice. I recommend you add Bul-Go-Gi for an extra buck.
Korean Sushi (Gim-Bap) is a little different from traditional sushi, and comes with pickled radish. It’s a beautiful thing.
Korean Sushi (Gim-Bap).
Korean food is known for its spicy cuisine, and the Spicey Pork doesn’t disappoint. The sweet and spicy marinated pork is stir-fried with vegetables and steamed rice.
Hana also serves a variety of Teriyaki plates, with offerings in chicken, beef, salmon, and pork. The orange chicken plate is a must. If you’re in a hurry, the bowls are a good to-go item.
About Hana’s owners and management
Phillip Park bought Rice Time from his uncle in November 2016 for his mom, Agnes Park, to operate. Agnes emigrated from Korea to the United States in 1986, bringing with her an array of great recipes. Together, with brothers Eric and Andrew, and some great staff, the Park family has converted Rice Time into Hana. They continue to make improvements to the locale, and the service is quick and friendly. Prices are reasonable.
Located at 412 NE 4th Avenue in downtown Camas, Hana is open Monday through Saturday 11 am-7:30 pm. They are closed on Sundays. 360-833-9111.
And, thank you, Laura Ford, for the tip. The Geigs are forever grateful.
The Park Family owns and operates Hana. From left: Eric Park, Agnes Park, Phillip Park, and Andrew Park.
Hana Restaurant is conveniently located in downtown Camas.
Hana’s Teriyaki Chicken comes as a bowl or plate with a side of vegetables.
by Ernie Geigenmiller
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