I have been itching to revisit Silk Road for YEARS! I LOVE their menu! One would not expect an incredibly high-quality Korean restaurant in a small South Dakotan town, but allow me to entice your
I have been itching to revisit Silk Road for YEARS! I LOVE their menu! One would not expect an incredibly high-quality Korean restaurant in a small South Dakotan town, but allow me to entice your senses.
Chae’s?
I lived full time in Vermillion while attending the University of South Dakota for five years, and soon after starting my first semester I heard about this restaurant called “Chae’s”. I began frequenting this establishment at least once a month. I would have gone more, but being a broke college student, I thought wiser than to drain what precious funds I did have.
Same great taste, new name
I have tried just about everything on Chae’s menu, and it was one of my most favorite places to eat in all of Siouxland. So, this is why my now husband and I drove up here for my birthday a couple years ago. But to our heartbroken surprise, Chae’s was gone! How could that be? Alas! It had been renamed, and moved a few store fronts down. However, to our amusement, we didn’t find this out until we were almost back home. I laugh now, but at the time, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to drive another half hour back to Vermillion, or make a special trip up there later. We decided we were too hungry, and were ready to eat right away.
Their online menu
Determined to learn more about Silk Road, I visited their website (https://silk-road-korean-restaurant.business.site/), and realized they had most of the menu options Chae’s had, and more! My heart had been won all over again.
Finally, I made it back!
Little did I realize how long it would take for me to finally return to Vermillion. I had made multiple plans to drive up there, but every time something or another needed my attention more here in town.
Resolved to make my way up there soon after my wedding, I drove up Tuesday afternoon. I truly miss Vermillion, and driving around town brings back years of memories.
Lunch buffet, chop chae and yellow curry
I was so excited to sit down in the calming atmosphere for Silk Road, and surprisingly they still had their lunch buffet out! I arrived at 1:43, and lunch ended at 1:45. I had two minutes! Trust me, I don’t need much time to compile a plate of awesomeness and enjoy myself. There was a new dish on their lunch buffet, yellow curry. Wow this stuff was good!
Even though I ate lunch there, I knew going in I would be ordering food to go. I wanted my mother-in-law and husband to try a couple dishes from their menu. Ahead of time, I made my decision to order “chop chae” which is a traditional Korean dish with glass noodles and seasoned beef. This is my all-time favorite meal; I love it more than sweet and sour chicken.
Additionally, I was so impressed with the yellow curry dish on their lunch buffet, I ordered the dinner size to go also.
All together my total came to $33.65, though I could not find the price of their lunch buffet, I’m assuming it’s close to $8.99.
Interior Design
After eating, I ordered my to go meals, and while waiting I walked around and took pictures. Being 5’9”, I found their tall tables and high stools quite comfortable, and easy to get in and out of. Normally, I like to sit in booths, but I would choose a high-top over cushioned seats all day.
Oriental ornaments and decorations lined the walls, and trinkets meticulously placed for visual appeal. With seating for large parties, secluded booths, and intimate tables for two, there’s a seat waiting for you.
Plan your visit
I truly hope you get a chance this summer to drive to Vermillion. You’ll realize it’s not just a college town. With mouth-watering culinary options, locally owned small businesses and a quaint small-town feel, you’ll come to appreciate this beautiful Siouxland community.
Hours:
Monday: Closed
Tues – Sun: 11:00 am to 9:00 pm
605-658-1923
3003 12 W Main St
Vermillion, SD 57069