Hana Okonomiyaki

I'm starting this post with a little confession that I didn't know the name of this place until I was about to write this post. The main reason is this place is right around my neighborhood, passed this place like thousands of times, but never bothered to read the name of the place. I only knew this spot as 'that-okonomiyaki-place-that-always-have-people-lining-up-for-seats'. First I thought maybe because the place is pretty small, but after I finally had the chance to try this place, I can see why.

Hana Okonomiyaki (하나 오코노미야키 야키소바 a.k.a 신촌 하나) is located in Sinchon neighborhood, in between Sinchon Station and Ehwa Station. The place is famous for their okonomiyaki and yakisoba, and I asked my Japanese friends and they said the taste is pretty good and authentic. The price is also relatively not expensive, ranging from 7,000—9,000KRW. I let my friends ordered last time so I'm not exactly sure what we ordered, but everything was delicious. We even ordered seconds too. Tips: If you come here during dinner time, come early or you'll most likely will have to wait for seats. Go during lunch time since there's usually fewer people waiting in line.

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Daimon Kitchen

Life has been crazy these past few weeks. Good crazy though. I've been doing a lot of things that I enjoy and the only downside is there seems to be not enough time to do everything, including rest I must say. Anyways, been trying to try new restaurants and cafes lately since I'm kinda required to stay mostly indoors these days with the works that I need to get done. So first one up, is Daimon Kitchen (다이몬키친), a ramen restaurant that just opened around Sinchon/Ehwa area. Their ramen, ramen broth, and eggs are pretty good, although I wish they have more meat though :) Also, I went during lunch and they have a set where you get Ramen and a small donburi with a small additional fee. That tastes good too. 

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Sinchon Samgyetang • 신촌영양센터

Samgyetang (삼계탕) is probably one of the most well known Korean food amongst the local as well as foreigners. I happened to went to a restaurant that, in my opinion, has better samgyetang than the famous Tosokchon (토속촌) samgyetang that is very well-known amongst tourists. But then again, it could be just me :) I actually ended up going to this place because one of my Korean friend took me there. The place is called Sinchon Nutrition Center (신촌영양센터). I've been here a couple of times and the two things I've ordered are the Samgyetang (삼계탕) and 삼채닭한마리 and they are both delicious. I think the thing that won me over is their broth—it's so light but tasty. Their kimchi is also good, but oh so spicy. I know Koreans usually eat these during the hot summer days to fight the hot weather, but it's even better to eat it during cold days in my opinion :) 

Sinchon Nutrition Center (신촌영양센터)

Address: 서울특별시 서대문구 창천동 13-37 1층
Telephone: 02-312-5460
Hours: 10:30 - 22:30 (Everyday)

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Pasiya's Injeolmi Bingsu

During summer, when the weather was still hot in Seoul, I went for a small bingsu quest with a friend of mine. We tried different bingsu places for almost a week everyday. I blame it on the hot weather, really. With the weather getting chillier lately, I don't crave bingsu as much, but thought I'd share a couple of shots that I got from that time. So for the first one, we went to Pasiya (파시야) near Ehwa University (이대점). The place is not too big, so it got crowded after a group of tourists came in. We ordered their Injeolmi Bingsu (인절미빙수) and Injeolmi Rice Cake Toast (인절미 찰떡토스트). I'm not a big fan of very very sweet stuff so these two menus were good. Not too sweet, very light, and refreshing. The Injeolmi Rice Cake Toast was pretty interesting too cos the toast is crunchy but the rice cake was very soft. I believe Pasiya is a franchise so you can find it on other neighborhoods as well. 

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Sinchon Hwangso Gopchang • 신촌황소곱창

Visited Sinchon Hwangso Gopchang, which apparently one of the most popular gopchang 맛집 around Sinchon area. I was looking forward trying out gopchang, but my friend who ordered for all of us ended up ordering daechang (대창) (large intestine) instead (I think). Anyway, after our order came out, we have to wait for a good while. After a couple of minutes of waiting, the ahjummoni came over to our table and pretty much cooked the whole thing. After that, it's another couple of minutes of waiting time again. I think this is probably not a good place to go when you really hungry and want to eat right away.

After they say it's all cooked and ready to be eaten, we started eating. It's my first time eating daechang and it certainly has an interesting taste. It has rubbery and chewy texture and after eating a couple of pieces, it's very oily. I'm not quite sure if I like it or hate it. I might need to give it another go :p Anyway, we also ordered the fried rice, so after we ate all the daechang, they cooked the fried rice in front of us. Next time I come here, I'll try their famous gopchang for sure. 

Sinchon Hwangso Gopchang • 신촌황소곱창

Address: 서울특별시 서대문구 창천동 52-148
Telephone: 02-337-2640
Hours: 15:00 - 03:00 (Everyday)

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