Gaggen is a portmanteau of the Chinese characters ”雅” (a) and “元” (won) pronounced Japanese-style (ga, gen). Each character is a syllable from the names of the chef couple Choi Hyun-a and Won Jin-hui, who received culinary training in Japan at the noted Tokyo restaurants Kanda and Kurogi, respectively. Seasonality, a core characteristic of Japanese cuisine, is what clearly defines Gaggen’s menu. Rare gems, including Kurogi-style somen noodles, aromatic dishes featuring freshly roasted and ground sesame seeds, and warabi mochi made with bracken starch, are a treat to the senses. Accompanied by detailed informative explanations by the chefs and their hospitality, dining here is a pure delight.