Mabongnim Halmeoni Tteokbokki (South Korea, Seoul)

An insta video

Tteokbokki Set For Two 11,000 KRW (S$13.75)

Mabongnim Halmeoni Tteokbokki 마복림할머니떡볶이 is a well known eatery popular for its Tteokbokki  떡볶이. Tteokbokki is a popular street snack in Korea consisting of soft and chewy rice cakes in a combination of sweet and spicy fermented sauce (Gochujang).

Mabongnim Halmeoni Tteokbokki is located next to the arched sign that states“Sindangdong Tteokbokki Town".

It is the restaurant on the left with the photo of the elderly Mabongnim. Mabongnim Halmeoni Tteokbokki was opened in 1953 by Mabongnim. It was so popular that other food establishments joined in and opened along the same stretch selling Tteokbokki. Eventually, the street became known as “Teokbokki Street”.

With its popularity, the elderly Mabongnim had been interviewed by the media.

The interior is simple. No fanciful chairs or tables. Its just wooden tables and stools. Aprons are hung along the sides for customers to wear as the sauce could splatter onto customers clothes.

Set Menu

This is the menu for ordering the Tteokbokki Set. The prices range according to the number of persons in the group. Since there was only two of us, we ordered the 2 person Tteokbokki Set which cost 11,000 KRW (S$13.75)

Menu for additional add ons

For additional add ons, there was a separate menu (for them) displayed on the wall:
Tteokbokki (Rice Cakes) 떡볶이 - 2,500 KRW
Fishcake 오뎅사리 - 2,500 KRW
Jjolmyeon (Korean Noodles) 쫄면사리 - 1,000 KRW
Ramyeon (Ramen / Instant Noodle) 라면사리 1,500 KRW
Mandu (Dumpling) 만두사리 1,000 KRW
Egg 계란사리  - 500 KRW
Beverage 음 료 수 - 1,500 KRW
Ice Cream 아이스크림 - 1,000 KRW

Tteokbokki Set For Two 11,000 KRW (S$13.75) with additional Ramen 1,500 KRW (S$1.90)

This was the Tteokbokki Set For Two 11,000 KRW (S$13.75). Did you noticed the difference between this photo and the first?

Yes, we added an additional Ramen for 1,500 KRW (S$1.90)!

The Tteokbokki Set came in a shallow pan with rice cakes, boiled eggs, instant noodles, dumplings, jjolmyeon, fish cakes, vegetables, seasoning and gochujang sauce.

Give it a good boil, let it simmer and Voilà, its ready! Do keep stirring the pan every now and then to prevent the ingredients from sticking to the bottom of the pan.

The sweet and spicy sauce was unique and does not taste like other Tteokbokki sauce in the streets. Towards the end of the meal, the sauce became more and more spicy. Despite that, the ingredients paired off so well with the sauce that we kept going for more!

We particularly like the noodles. Once the noodles were soft, they absorbed the sweet and spicy sauce and was just so addictive. The dumplings were unique as the sauce penetrated into the potatoes in it and it was like their own korean version of our local curry puffs.

Pickles

Complimentary Pickles were given. Before the meal, I saw no need for this. But during the meal, when the spiciness kicked in, this countered the spiciness and was so refreshing!

This is the Tteokbokki Style Budae jjigae! We both loved this. 

Mabongnim Halmeoni Tteokbokki 마복림할머니떡볶이 (South Korea, Seoul)
5, Dasan-ro 35-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul 
서울특별시 중구 다산로35길 5 (신당동)
Tel: +82-2-2232-8930
Opening Hours: Mon to Fri 7am - 1am
                           Sat to Sun 7am - 2am
                           Closed 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month
Directions: From Sindang Station (subway line 2 or 6) Exit 8, turn left and walk along Toegye-ro 45-gil road. Along this road, there is a fire station at your right. Continue walking about 100 meters, you will see the arched sign “Sindangdong Tteokbokki Town”. The restaurant with the picture of the elderly Mabongnim is at the left hand side of this arched sign. 

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Biya 비야 (South Korea, Seoul)

A instavideo of the food we had at Biya 비야.

Budae jjigae 부대찌개

Biya 비야 is a korean restaurant that specialises in Army Stew (Budae jjigae) 부대찌개.

Budae jjigae when translated, literally means "Army Stew". It was named this way as this dish originated during the Korean War. Back then, the Americans who assisted in the war brought their own food such as spam (canned meat), baked beans, sausages and hot dogs which was not introduced in Korea before. As the Koreans were facing a food shortage, they cooked a spicy stew which consisted of kimchi and gochujang (red chili paste) and mixed the American's surplus food into the stew. This was how the Army Stew / Budae jjigae came about. Today, this dish is popular among the locals and tourist. 

This restaurant is located at Anam. It is 5 minutes walk away from exit 2 of Anam 안암 (subway line 6) station, along the same street as Deungchon Shabu Kalguksu 등촌 샤부 칼국수 and Coffee Bean. Students studying at Korea University would likely have heard of this restaurant as this is the same route where one can get to Korea University's hostel and CJ international house!

Compared to eight years ago, Biya 비야 has opened a new outlet. Which means that they now have two outlets along the same street! I still remember during the good old days, Biya was always full of students as the Army Stew was delicious and cheap.

We visited the new outlet as it was nearer to Anam station. It is easy to spot the outlet with its black and white exterior.

We were the first customers at the restaurant as we went there early (at around 530pm) for dinner. We were there so early as we planned to sleep early and wake up at 3am to proceed to Gwanghwamun Square 광화문광장 where the World Cup Match between Russia and South Korea would be telecast (more about this at the end of the post).

Menu

The menu

Pickles

Hash Browns

Complimentary Pickles and Hash Browns (Tater Tots) with ketchup and honey mustard. Both are refillable.

The Hash Browns were disappointing as they were cold. =( .  In the past, there were served warm and we would polish this off quickly and ask for more. Maybe we were too early, but still that is not an excuse to serve these cold.

Naturally, we ordered the Army Stew (Budae jjigae) 부대찌개 and added Instant Noodle (Ramyeon) 라면 to it.

Army Stew (Budae jjigae) 부대찌개

This is how it would look like when served. Food such as kimchi, spam (canned meat), baked beans, hot dogs, ricecakes, onions, spring onions and cheese are added into the broth. Let it boil and simmer for a while and you are ready to enjoy it! This is not the best and in fact, personally, I feel that the standard has dropped. Its not as good as before. But we just had to go back and visit this place to reminisce the past!

As mentioned earlier, we got up at 3am and proceed to Gwanghwamun Square 광화문광장. The atmosphere there was electrifying. We got there before 4am and the place was already filled to the brim with people! While waiting for the match to start, it was like a concert event. At around 6am, Jaseuk and Haha came over and joined in the pre match 'concert'. I was told that the whole event was already scaled down due to the South Korean Sewol ferry disaster. The scoreline for the match was Russia 1 - South Korea 1.

It was an amazing experience. Some videos and picture below.

Jaseuk's VJ in running man.

Biya 비야 (South Korea, Seoul)
Directions: From Anam Station (subway line 6) Exit 2, turn back and walk down the street. Go straight about 110m, the restaurant is on your right at the small intersection.

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Deungchon Shabu Kalguksu 등촌 샤부 칼국수 (South Korea, Seoul)

A instavideo of the food at Deungchon Shabu Kalguksu 등촌 샤부 칼국수.

Deungchon Shabu Kalguksu 등촌 샤부 칼국수 is a restaurant chain that specialises in Shabu Shabu and Kalguksu. We visited Deungchon Shabu Kalguksu at Anam for around five times since we first got to know of the restaurant eight years ago when we enrolled in Korea University's Student Exchange Programme (SEP). #yesiamoldandiknowit

I had previously heard from friends that the restaurant had closed down. But thanks to a instagram user by the name of "Nicolettelovesyou", I manage to find out that it was still open and pin point its exact location! Thanks Nicolettelovesyou! 

The restaurant is less than 3 minutes walk from exit 2 of Anam 안암 (subway line 6) station. This is also the same station and same route where one can get to Korea University's hostel and CJ international house!

Deungchon Shabu Kalguksu is located at level 2 of this building which is opposite Coffee Bean.

You can either take the lift or climb the stairs to the second level.

Once you enter the restaurant, you would need to take off your shoes..

The restaurant only offers floor seating. Hence, wear something comfortable.

"Menu"

You will not receive any menu. Instead, the food items and prices are in Korean and listed on the walls.

 I highlighted two of the food items in blue and red. The one in blue is a set which cost 7,000 KRW (per pax) and essentially includes vegetables & mushrooms (in hotpot) + noodles/udon + rice with spring onions and egg.

The one in red (i.e. Beoseot Shabu Kalguksu) cost 9,500 KRW (per pax) and food wise it is the same as the blue one except it also includes shabu shabu; shabu shabu + spicy vegetables & mushrooms (in hotpot) + Kalguksu + rice with spring onions and egg.

We always order the set which I highlighted in red! Can't do without meat =) 

Free flow of side dish; kimchi and radish.

Soon after ordering the dishes are served.

Shabu Shaub (beef slices)

Kalguksu

The pot contains the signature spicy vegetable and mushroom hotpot.

Cover the pot up and let it boil away.

After 5 minutes you are ready to enjoy the hotpot with the Shabu Shabu beef slices and Kalguksu! Totally love this! The taste of this hotpot together with all the ingredients is a match made in heaven. The Kalguksu was smooth and soft while the beef slices tasted so fresh.

If you thought this was the best part, you are going to be blown away next!

After finishing the ingredients in the pot, and the beef slices and kalguku, there would still be some soup (essence of all the ingredients left). The staff would then proceed to fry the rice (with egg and spring onions) (remember the first photo in this post?) together with the soup that is left.

Tada!! The end result is this; special fried rice!  Amazingly delicious, this is a MUST TRY! #dontsaybojio

Taste wise, the food here still taste the same after eight years! Service was equally good too! This is a must visit if you are in Seoul (Korea).

Deungchon Shabu Kalguksu 등촌 샤부 칼국수 (South Korea, Seoul)
Address 서울 성북구 안암동5가 101-17
Tel: +82-2-929-5538
Directions: From Anam Station (subway line 6) Exit 2, turn back and walk down the street. Go straight about 60m, the restaurant is at the second level on your left(opposite Coffee Bean).
Website

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O'sulloc Tea House 오설록, Okrumong 옥루몽 (South Korea, Seoul)

Green Tea Ice Flakes 녹차빙수 14,000 KRW (S$17.50)

If you have been to Jeju Island, you have probably heard of O’sulloc 오설록 which specialises in green tea. O’sulloc 오설록 with its cafe, museum and tea plantation is a popular tourist attraction. It is so popular that it has several tea houses / cafes in Seoul at Myeongdong, Insadong, Apgujeong and Daehangno.

We visited the O´sulloc Tea House 오설록 티하우스 at Myeongdong. It is located next to McDonald's! The place was huge, occupying two floors.

Menu

Menu

The menu..

Besides selling beverages (tea) and desserts such as ice cream, tiramisu and ice flakes (aka bingsu), they also sold tea bags which tourist can buy back home as gifts for their love ones.

ps: You can find some of these tea bags at a cheaper price in the supermarkets in Seoul such as E-mart 이마트. In fact we bought S$400 worth of things in E-mart including Happy Call Pan and Neoflam Pot. =)

Although there were several empty table and chairs at level one, we decided to explore level two. Level two was quieter and had even more seating capacity. There were magazines at the side for browsing and comfortable sofas. The downside of sitting at level two was that we still had to go level one to collect our orders when the drink and desserts were ready.

Green Tea Ice Cream 녹차아이스크림, Jeju Orchid Green Tea (Hot) 제주난꽃그린티, Green Tea Cheese Tiramisu 그린티치즈티라미수

During the first visit, we ordered the Green Tea Ice Cream 녹차아이스크림, Jeju Orchid Green Tea (Hot) 제주난꽃그린티 and Green Tea Cheese Tiramisu 그린티치즈티라미수. Needless to say, everything we ordered consisted of green tea flavour.

Green Tea Ice Cream 녹차아이스크림 6,00 KRW (S$7.5)

The Green Tea Ice Cream 녹차아이스크림 6,00 KRW (S$7.5) was served with green tea (matcha) powder sprinkled on top. The ice cream was not overly sweet and the green tea flavour was distinct, but not overwhelming. Quite pricey considering that it consisted of just one scoop of ice cream.

Green Tea Cheese Tiramisu 그린티치즈티라미수 5,000 KRW (S$6.25)

We also ordered a Green Tea Cheese Tiramisu 그린티치즈티라미수 5,000 KRW (S$6.25) for sharing. The Green Tea Cheese Tiramisu consisted of mostly sweet mascarpone cheese while the top layer was generously filled with bitter green tea powder.

Jeju Orchid Green Tea (Hot) 제주난꽃그린티 5,800 KRW (S$7.25)

Jeju Orchid Green Tea (Hot) 제주난꽃그린티 5,800 KRW (S$7.25)

The Jeju Orchid Green Tea (Hot) 제주난꽃그린티 5,800 KRW (S$7.25) comes with a cover and the tea bag is attached underneath the cover. Its a good idea as it keeps the drink warm and when you feel that the flavour has been extracted, you can take the tea bag out and leave it on the cover prevent it from being dirty. You are then able to "reuse" and "refill" as many times as you wish with the self-serviced hot water provided.

Green Tea Ice Flakes 녹차빙수 14,000 KRW (S$17.50)

We made a second trip to this shop for their Bingsu aka shaved ice.

Green Tea Ice Flakes 녹차빙수 14,000 KRW (S$17.50)

The Green Tea Ice Flakes 녹차빙수 14,000 KRW (S$17.50) was huge! Green tea ice flakes, green tea ice cream with red bean puree. This is best shared between a group of people. In terms of bingsu standard, I find this average. The shaved ice was a little too hard. The best bingsu is the one from Okrumong 옥루몽 (I shall talk about this towards the end of the post).

Do note that the drinks and desserts at O'sulloc Tea House 오설록 티하우스 are pretty pricey. But I guess its okay to indulge and pamper ourselves once in a while =D.

Now back to Okrumong 옥루몽. My Korean friends bought us to this dessert place called Okrumong 옥루몽 which is located in Dongdaemun Design Plaza 동대문디자인플라자 at Basement level 2, Store 11.

Red Bean Bingsu 가마솥 전통팥빙수 and Black Sesame Bingsu

They ordered Red Bean Bingsu 가마솥 전통팥빙수 and Black Sesame Bingsu for sharing. The shaved ice were just so incredibly soft and snowy! In addition, in terms of taste it was not overly sweet! This is a must try! The address of this at Dongdaemun Design Plaza (Basement level 2, Store 11), Eujiro 7-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul. I understand that they have several branches in Seoul. 

O'sulloc Tea House 오설록 티하우스 (South Korea, Seoul)

12, Myeongdong 7-gil
Jung-gu, Seoul 
서울특별시 중구 명동7길 12 (명동1가)

Tel: +82 2 774 5460

Opening Hours: Sun to Thur 9am -1030pm
                          Fri to Sat 9am - 11pm
Website

Directions:  From Myeongdong Station (subway line 4) Exit 6, turn left onto Myeongdong 8-gil road. Go straight about 400m, until you see O´sulloc Tea House on the right.

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Myeongdong Kyoja 명동교자 (明洞餃子) (South Korea, Seoul)

Dumplings (Mandu) 만두 8,000 KRW (S$10)

If you have been to Myeongdong in Seoul, you would have probably heard about Myeongdong Kyoja 명동교자 (明洞餃子). This restaurant chain has two stalls located less than 100 metres apart along the same stretch of street in Myeongdong!

Myeongdong Kyoja established in 1966, is popular among the locals and tourist. The restaurant is famous for their knife-cut, handmade kalguksu noodles in chicken broth. In fact, they have self proclaimed themselves as the inventor of kalguksu noodles in Korea.

Myeongdong Kyoja does not offer a wide variety of items on its menu. Just 4 main dishes [Choppped Noodles (Kalguksu) 칼국수, Bibimguksu 비빔국수, Dumplings (Mandu) 만두 and Soybean Noodles (Kongguksu) 콩국수] as seen above and with Kimchi as the side dish (banchan / 반찬). 

Dumplings (Mandu) 만두 8,000 KRW (S$10)

The Dumplings (Mandu) 만두 8,000 KRW (S$10) is also another of their popular dish. You would see this dish at nearly every tables. The Kimchi given are refillable.

Dumplings (Mandu) 만두 8,000 KRW (S$10)

These dumplings are bigger and contains more filling compared to the Xiao Long Bao which you can find in Singapore/China. The outer skin is smooth and thin so much so that it is nearly translucent and you can see the fillings. Although the dumplings do not contain any broth in it, the filling which consisted of a mixture of pork and vegetable was juicy, tasty and addictive. The two of us had no issue finishing all the dumplings!

Choppped Noodles (Kalguksu) 칼국수 8,000 KRW (S$10)

This is the signature Choppped Noodles (Kalguksu) 칼국수 8,000 KRW (S$10) which is a must order!

Choppped Noodles (Kalguksu) 칼국수 8,000 KRW (S$10)

The handmade noodles cutted using a knife was served in a bowl of chicken broth filled with minced meat, small dumplings, vegetables and garlic. Both the noodles and broth taste so tasty. In addition, they would give you a small bowl of rice for you to pour into the bowl once you have finished the noodles.

ps: The soup and rice are refillable.

Soybean Noodles (Kongguksu) 콩국수 8,000 KRW (S$10)

The Soybean Noodles (Kongguksu) 콩국수 8,000 KRW (S$10);  a summer delicacy for the locals consist of cold noodles in soybean soup. The noodles are made with flour and chlorella (hence the noodles are green in colour).  The soybean soup is made by grinding black beans and big beans with a small amount of water. As the soybean soup spoil easily, they are made twice a day to ensure freshness.

Soybean Noodles (Kongguksu) 콩국수 8,000 KRW (S$10)

The Soybean Noodles (Kongguksu) 콩국수 was too exotic for us. None of us liked the taste and we could not finish it. We were too adventurous and really regretted ordering this..

The restaurant which I want to has two levels. Although there would normally be a queue during peak hours, the turnover is very fast due to their large sitting capacity. If you find the restaurant too crowded for you, you can try going down to the other branch located in the same street 90 metres away. Directions are appended below.

I have been to this restaurant chain several times over the past 7 years, it never disappoints and the quality is consistent! 

Myeongdong Kyoja 명동교자 (明洞餃子) (South Korea, Seoul)
The Main Restaurant of Myeongdong Kyoja
25-2 2-ga, Myeong-dong
Jung-gu, Seoul 
Tel: +82 2 776 5348 
Opening Hours: Daily 1030am to 930pm
Website
Directions: From Myeongdong Station Exit 8, turn left onto Myeongdong 10-gil Road. This is the alley btween Family Mart and Tous Les Jour. Go straight about 200m, the restaurant is on the right. 

The Branch Restaurant of Myeongdong Kyoja 
33-4 2-ga, Myeong-dong
Jung-gu, Seoul 
Tel: +82 2 776 3424 
Opening Hours: Daily 1030am to 930pm
Directions: Myeongdong Station (subway line 4) Exit 8, turn left onto Myeongdong 10-gil Road. Go straight about 290m, the restaurant is on the left.

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