​​If you’re someone who loves historic restaurants with simple menus that focus on doing a few dishes exceptionally well, Daesungjip (Dongnimmun, Seoul) near Dongnimmun Station is a must-visit.

For over 60 years, this eatery has been serving up soul-warming Doganitang (ox knee soup) and tender Suyuk (boiled tendon and beef). If I lived nearby, I’d go every week!

The sign outside proudly proclaims this as the original Daesungjip, a nod to its long-standing reputation.

Inside, the ambiance is unmistakably that of an old-school eatery, no frills, just genuine flavors. The crowd? Mostly elderly locals, a clear sign of its authenticity. When you see a place like this packed with seniors, you just know the food is going to be fantastic.

 

Menu

The menu is refreshingly straightforward, featuring just two dishes: Doganitang (13,000 won) and Suyuk (30,000 won).

 

Dogani Suyuk 30,000 won

The Suyuk was served quickly, warm and inviting. The tendon was perfectly chewy, and the beef practically melted in my mouth. The balance between domestic Korean beef and American beef didn’t compromise the quality, the tenderness was unmatched.

The best part? When you order Suyuk, you also get a free serving of Doganitang! While the portion is smaller than a regular order, they’re happy to refill it as needed.

Doganitang (regular)  13,000 won.

The soup itself was generously filled with tendon and ox knee pieces. It’s served with rice on the side, which I recommend adding to the soup after a taste.

Sprinkle in some pepper, enjoy it with kimchi and pickled garlic, and you’re in for a comforting, flavorful experience.

Cabbage kimchi, cubed radish kimchi, and pickled garlic were excellent, but the garlic pickles stole the show. These small cloves, mixed with gochujang (chili paste), were just the right amount of spicy. They paired beautifully with both the soup and the Suyuk.

The soy dipping sauce for the Suyuk was another highlight. Homemade and light, it complemented the meat without overpowering it.

The open kitchen is a testament to the restaurant’s transparency and cleanliness. Everything was spotless, reinforcing the care they put into their food.

By 6 pm, the restaurant was bustling with customers. I’ve heard it’s even busier during peak lunch and dinner hours, so arriving a bit early is a smart move.

Despite the 30-degree heat, enjoying the hot soup and warm tendon felt oddly rejuvenating. There’s something incredibly satisfying about indulging in such hearty, wholesome food. It felt like a treat for both the soul and body.

This was hands down the best Doganitang and Suyuk I’ve had in a long time. The flavors may seem simple at first glance, but they’re anything but. If you’re in the Dongnimmun area, this spot is a must-visit.

There’s another Daesung Doganitang near Yeongcheon Market, run by the son of the original owner. However, I visited this particular spot near the Dongnimmun Station intersection, and it absolutely lived up to its reputation.

 

Address : 5 Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul  OPEN GOOGLE MAP

Phone : +82-2-735-4259

Operation Hours : Mon-Fri : 10:30 - 20:00, Sat : 10:30 - 19:00 (Break : 15:00 - 17:10, Sunday closed)

Instagram : Click for more images

 

Source : https://blog.naver.com/03-26/223494619826 

Writer : 03-26

Special thanks to 03-26

 

daesungjip doganitang ox knee soup seoul

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