Hello! This is Moongdara, your trusted neighbor and local guide in Daegu Innovation City. If you are an expat living nearby or a regular shopper at the Daegu Innovation City Costco branch, you have likely looked for a clean, flavorful place to grab lunch or dinner after a long shopping trip. Today, I want to introduce you to A-sha (에이샤), a premium Asian fusion restaurant that brings together the best flavors from Vietnam, Taiwan, and Thailand. It is a place where the atmosphere is sophisticated, the parking is effortless, and the menu is diverse enough to satisfy everyone in your group.
📍 Essential Information
- Name: A-sha Daegu Innovation City (에이샤 대구혁신도시점)
- Address: 171, Vision Square, 322 Innovalley-ro, Dong-gu, Daegu (대구 동구 이노밸리로 322 비전스퀘어 171호)
- Hours: 11:00 AM - 8:30 PM (Break time: 2:30 PM - 4:00 PM / Last order: 8:00 PM)
- Parking: Very spacious lot available on floors 2–4 of the Vision Square building (3 hours free parking provided).
A Sophisticated Vibe for Every Occasion
The first thing you will notice about A-sha is its calm and toned-down interior, which feels much more upscale than your average noodle shop. The restaurant spans two floors; the first floor is perfect for couples or solo diners looking for a quiet meal, while the second floor is spacious enough to accommodate larger groups and social gatherings. It is a "Yes-Kids Zone," which is a huge plus for young families living in the Innovation City area. Whether you are hosting a business lunch for colleagues from the nearby public institutions or having a family dinner, the atmosphere here strikes the perfect balance between casual and formal.
How to Order: The High-Tech NFC Experience
Ordering at A-sha is a bit of a high-tech adventure that might surprise you. Instead of a traditional paper menu, you simply turn on the NFC function on your smartphone and place it on a designated spot at the table. A digital menu will immediately pop up on your screen, allowing you to browse photos, select your dishes, and even pay directly from your phone. Of course, if you find this a bit complicated, the friendly staff is always available to take your order in person. This modern system is particularly convenient for busy office workers during the peak lunch rush when every minute counts.
Must-Try Menu: A Journey Across Asia
1. A-sha Pho (Taiwan-Style) - ₩11,000
While most people associate Pho with Vietnam, A-sha offers a Taiwanese-style Pho that was my absolute favorite. The broth is deep, heavy, and incredibly savory, reminiscent of a clear Beef Noodle Soup (Woo-yuk-myeon). Unlike Vietnamese Pho, it has a milder scent with fewer aggressive spices and no cilantro, making it very approachable for those who are new to Asian cuisine. The brisket toppings are generous, and the overall flavor profile is perfectly tailored to the Korean and international palate—comforting, warm, and deeply satisfying.
2. Com Rang Bo (Vietnamese Fried Rice) - ₩12,000
If you prefer rice over noodles, Com Rang Bo (껌랑보) is a fantastic choice. This Vietnamese fried rice is cooked with beef, seafood, and a savory XO sauce that hits that perfect "salty-sweet" note. The texture of the rice is excellent, with every grain seemingly individually coated in flavor. While the portion isn't massive, it is incredibly addictive; when sharing among four people, this is always the first dish to disappear from the table. It is the kind of familiar yet exotic comfort food that keeps you coming back for "just one more bite."
3. Poo Phat Pong Curry (Thai Curry) - ₩28,000
For a bit of luxury, you cannot miss the Poo Phat Pong Curry. This Thai classic is famous for its soft, creamy texture and rich coconut milk base. A-sha's version features both fried and steamed crab, providing a wonderful variety of textures in every spoonful. While 28,000 KRW might seem higher than other menu items, it is actually quite a bargain compared to other Thai restaurants in Korea. The sauce is so smooth and savory that you will find yourself scraping every last bit onto your rice. It is the perfect centerpiece dish for a group to share.
Moongdara's Local Tips
If you are planning to visit during weekday lunch hours (12:00 PM – 1:00 PM), reservations are highly recommended as the place fills up quickly with employees from the nearby government buildings. Also, here is a savvy parking tip: since Vision Square offers 3 hours of free parking, you can park here, enjoy a relaxed meal at A-sha, and then walk over to Costco for your grocery shopping. This saves you from the stress of the often-crowded Costco parking lot. Lastly, the tea served at the table is a mysterious, refreshing blend—I still can't tell if it's Jasmine or Corn silk tea!
Final Thoughts
A-sha is like a "Gift Set" of Asian cuisine where you can travel from Vietnam to Thailand without leaving your seat. The combination of high-quality ingredients, a sophisticated atmosphere, and convenient parking makes it a standout choice in Daegu Innovation City. If you are tired of the same old dining options, give their Taiwanese Pho a try—it's enough reason on its own to revisit this local gem. Happy dining!
Have you tried Taiwanese-style Pho before? What is your favorite Asian dish? Let's chat in the comments!