Continuing from Vol. 1, we have compiled a list of places that Chinese food lovers should visit at least once.
Giyeongak
Located between Yongdap Station and Dapsimni Station is 'Giyeongak', a Chinese restaurant opened by a chef who studied at Hongreungak. The restaurant is known for its various reservation menus. Not only are the basic menus, like Jajangmyeon, Jjamppong, and variations of fried pork and shrimp, superb, but the chef also brings in fresh seafood daily to prepare dishes like Palbochae, Jeongabok, and Paeju Frying. The menu includes reservation-only dishes such as Kkanpung and Kkanshao chicken, highlighting the chef's ability to bring out the natural flavors of the ingredients. The servings are also quite generous, making it an ideal place for groups of at least four to taste various dishes. It's highly recommended for Chinese cuisine enthusiasts.
원조홍릉각
Hongneunggak, a Chinese old-style restaurant located in Jegi-dong, has been protected by an elderly couple for many years. They moved to its current location a few years ago. The signature dish here is the meat-filled Yukmigangjajang, which can be ordered from two servings. Personally, I found it a bit bland. Additionally, the fried and stir-fried dishes, especially the sweet and sour shrimp and sweet and sour pork, are highly recommended. Although the elderly couple operates it for only about three and a half hours a day, it is a meaningful place for Chinese cuisine aficionados and is highly recommended to visit at least once.
Location: 90, Yangnyeongsi-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul
Operating Hours: 11:30-15:00, closed on Tuesdays, alcohol is sold after 14:00.
Changryong
Speaking of the best Kkanpunggi at 'Changryong', a Chinese restaurant located in Munjeong-dong. The crispy batter, reminiscent of Tanghulu, and the well-coated sauce were truly splendid. Of course, the sweet and sour pork, its sister dish, was also excellent. The use of fresh ingredients was evident in the reservation-only menu items, such as the Eight Treasures Dish and the Scorched Rice Soup, which were really good as well. If you like Chinese cuisine, I highly recommend you visit.
조광201
Located near Jang area, the Szechuan cuisine restaurant 'Jo Guang 201' greets you with a modern yet exotic space upon entering the 2nd floor without a distinct signboard. The spicy flavors of Mara Shangguo and Laziji were particularly delightful, along with a fine spicy flavor captured in other dishes featuring Sichuan pepper and chili. Although I didn't try the Dongpo pork due to not ordering from the reservation menu, the opportunity to experience authentic Szechuan flavors is a significant charm of this place. Highly recommended for those craving a unique spicy taste or authentic Chinese cuisine.
Gadam
Located near Apgujeong Station, ‘Gadam’ is an old fire pot restaurant in the area known for its high-quality dishes. Its signature menu includes deep-fried pepper pork with scorched rice, a crab meat seafood stir-fry loaded with generous amounts of crab, and Nanjing-style meatballs topped with sizeable, well-fried meatballs. The shrimp's chewy texture was memorable in the fish-flavored pork, and the beef soup noodles ordered as the last meal were also a fitting end. Although there is almost always waiting, it is highly recommended for gatherings or Chinese food lovers.
동해루
Located next to the Sewoon Plaza, the old Chinese restaurant 'Donghaeru' offers significantly cheap prices as if reflecting the aging streets around it. Jajangmyeon is priced at 6,000 won, while most dishes range between 25,000 to 30,000 won. The overall quality is not bad, especially the Yangjangpi and Kkanpunggi dishes were excellent. Sweet and sour pork comes with sauce on it by default, and those who prefer dipping must request separately. The handmade dumplings were also good. If you are in the area and like old-fashioned Chinese cuisine, I recommend you visit.
Palais de Chine
At Palais de Chine, located on the 6th floor of the L'Escape Hotel near Hoehyeon Station in Jung District, Seoul, you can enjoy signature dishes prepared with modern Chinese cooking techniques from Hong Kong. Inspired by the glamour and sophistication of 1930s Shanghai, Palais de Chine offers a range of witty dishes based on Cantonese cuisine while incorporating unique elements from Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Korea. The interior exudes a French elegance, making it the only place in the L'Escape Hotel where you can experience the flavors and beauty of the East. Although it pursues traditional Chinese tastes, it boldly adds modern colors to its dishes, reflecting various regional characteristics. Among the ordered menus, the black vinegar sweet and sour pork was the most delicious, with its crispy texture enhanced by the sweet and sour sauce of black vinegar, creating an attractive harmony with fried pork. The crunchiness and the capacity to alleviate greasiness with garlic sauce cucumber salad, which has to be ordered due to lack of side dishes in Palais de Chine, make it an excellent companion for other dishes. 🍳🍳🍳 (3.0) [Information] 📍: Palais de Chine, 2-minute walk from Hoehyeon Station, Jung District, Seoul 💰: Black vinegar Cantonese sweet and sour pork 37,000 KRW, Crab meat fried rice 30,000 KRW, Garlic sauce cucumber salad 8,000 KRW ⏰: Daily 11:30 - 22:20 (Break time 15:00 – 17:30) ⏳️: Reservation - available through Naver Places and CatchTable 📝: Visitor and blog reviews 1,624 / Rating 4.43/5 +tip: Free parking available for 3 hours at lunch and 4 hours in the evening when using the restaurant. BBQ menu requires a telephone reservation at least 2 days in advance for those who want to try Peking duck and Cantonese young pig roast.
Sinheung-Gwan
Located near Haeundae, the old Chinese restaurant 'Shinheunggwan' specializes in Sichuan cuisine based on chili oil, offering an aged interior and affordable prices. Their Kkanpunggi (spicy garlic fried chicken) might indeed be life-changing with its clean, spicy taste not overwhelmed by sweetness. Notably, the use of fresh chicken enhances the meat's texture. While the Samseon Jjamppong (seafood noodle soup) was also enjoyable, other dishes felt average compared to the outstanding Kkanpunggi. It is recommended to order the Kkanpunggi and a meal menu item.