The thick‑cut samgyeopsal here really shines. Juicy, well‑marbled and grilled to a perfect char. Garlic and onions on the side add that extra punch of flavour. What made the meal even better was the staff stepping in to handle the grilling so all we had to do was sit back and enjoy when the meat was ready. A modern and comfortable BBQ spot that makes K-BBQ feel effortless and delicious.
📍DooKupSam
11-1 Chungmuro 2(i)-ga Jung-gu Seoul
https://naver.me/F93Wokan
Golden crust with a soft, fluffy center. This bun was filled generously with garlic butter and truffle cream. The fragrance was the first thing that stood out. It was herby, garlicky and earthy all at once, making it inviting even before the first bite.
Even after sitting overnight in the cold, the bread still carried its charm. The cream had cooled, giving each bite a unique texture, almost like a savoury chill inside bread. Fragrant, flavourful and memorable, it was proof that this garlic bread holds up beautifully even the next day 》₩5,300
📍GARLIC BOY
2-1 Yeji -dong Jongno-gu Seoul
https://naver.me/xy75vzmg
Grilled squid with just the right chew, smoky tentacles that keep me hooked and dips that switch things up. The peanuts and raisins on the side were a quirky touch, almost like a snack break between bites. Simple, tasty and made for beer nights 》₩17,000
📍Daily Beer Myeong-dong Branch
199-40 Euljiro 2(i)-ga Jung-gu Seoul
https://naver.me/5kP2NNJq
What makes this pancake special isn’t just the flavour but the setting. Gwangjang Market has been serving bindaetteok for generations. If not for the name, I wouldn’t have guessed this was mungbean. The texture felt closer to a potato fritter or croquette. The outside was golden and crisp, while the inside stayed soft and filling. Bits of squid, prawns and clams gave each mouthful a briny lift 》₩10,000
📍Gwangjang Market
2-1 Yeji -dong Jongno-gu Seoul
https://naver.me/IxsiuTsF
This bowl of mandu kalguksu is pure cold-weather comfort. The knife-cut noodles are thick and chewy with that handmade irregularity that makes each bite satisfying. The broth is clear yet full of depth, light enough to sip endlessly but warming with every spoonful. Dumplings add a hearty layer, their juicy filling melting into the soup to make it richer as you go. A sprinkle of seaweed lifts the flavour, giving balance to the warmth. On chilly days, it’s the kind of dish that feels like a hug in a bowl 》₩8,000
📍Gwangjang Market
2-1 Yeji -dong Jongno-gu Seoul
https://naver.me/IxsiuTsF
The famous Netflix auntie stall at Gwangjang Market is all about the experience. Squeezing in at the counter, hearing the chatter of the crowd and watching dumplings being steamed nonstop. The half-half mandu plate brings the best of both worlds. Both the pork and kimchi dumplings carry a juicy pork filling but the kimchi version adds that tangy edge. More than just a bite, it’s the feeling of being part of the market’s rhythm that makes it unforgettable 》₩7,000 / 6 Pcs
📍Gwangjang Market
2-1 Yeji -dong Jongno-gu Seoul
https://naver.me/IxsiuTsF
The abalone porridge here was thick and hearty, almost like a Korean style congee. Smooth and filling, it carried a gentle briny depth from the abalone liver, while the slices of abalone added a tender chew. Stirring in the egg yolk and sesame seeds gave each spoonful extra richness and warmth.
The squid kimchi was the perfect counterpoint. Bright, spicy and tangy with just the right chew from the squid. It had that addictive balance of heat and freshness that kept the meal lively. Together, the soothing porridge and punchy kimchi made for a pairing that felt complete and deeply satisfying 》₩24,000
📍Seowonjuk
62-8 Chungmuro 2(i)-ga Jung-gu Seoul
https://naver.me/GEdfROKH
The chicken chop was tender with a slight char, topped with savoury brown gravy that gave it that classic coffeeshop taste. The fries were crisp, baked beans added sweetness and the soft bread roll rounded out the plate. It’s old‑school western food done simply, hearty and still very affordable. Be prepared for a bit of waiting during peak hours. It’s a comforting neighbourhood favourite that delivers on flavour and nostalgia 》$7.50
The chicken was tender and smooth with a nice bite to the meat. The rice portion was generous (more than I’d usually finish) and the chilli was so good it kept me going, pairing perfectly with both the chicken and the rice. With the clear soup and fresh garnishes on the side, the set felt complete and satisfying 》$10 / 2 Pax Portion
📍925 Yishun Hainanese Chicken Rice | #01-51
21 Hougang Street 51, S538719
The spread came with pork belly, pig skin, intestines, tofu puffs, fish cake and eggs all braised in a rich soy‑based sauce. The flat rice noodles (kway) were smooth and easy to slurp, soaking up that same savoury broth. I liked how clean and tender the ingredients were. The intestines were well‑prepared and enjoyable. Ordering the large kway made the meal feel generous and satisfying, with enough to share. It may not be the very best kway chap around but as a neighbourhood option it’s sufficiently good, hearty and comforting 》$11 / 2 Pax Portion with 2 Large Kway
📍SK Kway Chap
The yam XLB is always a highlight for me after dining here. Each dumpling is delicate and generously filled with a smooth yam paste that carries a gentle sweetness. It’s the kind of treat that rounds off the meal perfectly. I also appreciate that it’s vegetarian so my friends can enjoy it too 》$10.50 / 10 Pcs
We tried the fried rice with vegetables for the first time because someone at the table needed a vegetarian option and it turned out better than expected. The rice was fluffy and fragrant, with each grain distinct, while the chopped greens added freshness and a light crunch. It was surprisingly a dish that felt easy to enjoy without being heavy 》$13
