Two selections from Dong Won, a South Korean tuna producer. I watched a video of their operation, which covered from catch to can. Obviously a promotional video, but they were putting together gift sets packaged in sampler boxes tucked inside vinyl carrying cases with Velcro closures. I figured this must be some premium stuff. A local Asian market stocks it, so I decided to take a chance, and bought a couple of cans each of the Light Standard Tuna and Hot Pepper Tuna. But, at only $2 for a 100gm. can, I didn't set my expectations too high.
Dong Won Light Standard Tuna
Initial impression upon opening the can: 3/5.
The can was fairly full. I was immediately hit with a tuna fishy aroma. Trying to pick out chunks, I was unable to do so. Just pieces, flakes. The flavor was that of an above average supermarket canned tuna. I tried a little Salsa Espinaler on it, and that perked it up a little.
Google Lens was able to translate some of the Korean verbiage to reveal it's skipjack tuna. Most of the wording on the can was too small and dense to be reliably translated.
The Gift Set
I thought maybe the stuff in the video was their "above standard" tuna, some that warranted inclusion in a "premium gift set". I watched it again, but it had 12 cans of the Light Standard, and 4 rectangular tins of something I couldn't identify. Until I found this. Unfathomably, it's ham.
At this point, I decided to just move on and try the hot pepper version.
Dong Won Hot Pepper Tuna
Initial impression upon opening the can: 4/5.
But what the heck are those white chunks in there? Potato? In tuna? Otherwise, it looked appetizing enough. The chile pepper seasoning overpowered any tuna fishy aroma. Actually, it was quite tasty, not too hot.
But I can come up with no reason why there should be any potato or even any other filler in a can of tuna. Especially considering it's not mentioned on the can (not that I can read it). I looked it up online, and there's also carrot and onion in there as well. Quite odd. I might try this one again if I happen to go to the market for something else.
Also packed in 150gm. cans. See it at Amazon.
Brand: Dong Won
Description: Light Standard and Hot Pepper Tuna
Species: Katsuwonus pelamis
Country of Origin: South Korea
Source: FAO61, Northwest Pacific
Skin/Bones: No/No
Net Wt: 3.17 oz.
Price Range: $2