Hannamdong Hanbang Tongdak (Hannam, Seoul) has gained a cult following for its unique Oriental-style roast chicken. This fame, however, comes with long wait times, so patience is essential when dining here.

We arrived on a Saturday at 5 pm, and despite my early timing, I was met with a 1 hour and 30-minute wait. The restaurant has a convenient system where you leave your name and phone number, and they’ll call you when your table is ready.

While waiting, we headed to the nearby Manseon Hof, a well-known spot for beer. This turned out to be a pleasant way to pass the time with some snacks and drinks before our meal.

Once seated, I noticed the walls lined with celebrity signatures, a testament to the restaurant’s popularity. The space itself was quite cozy, with narrow aisles between tables, something to keep in mind if you’re visiting with a larger group.

Side Dish

Hanbang Tongdak (Oriental-style Roast Chicken)  20,000 won

The star of the show was the Oriental-style roast chicken, which was crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. The chicken skin, slightly charred, was especially flavorful and addictive. It’s the kind of dish you’d love to share with friends who don’t eat chicken skin, more for you!

Inside the chicken, you’ll find sticky rice mixed with ginkgo nuts, adding a subtle nuttiness to the dish.

Kimchi (side dish)

The surprising highlight was the Kimchi. While it might seem unusual to pair Kimchi with roast chicken, it worked beautifully. The refreshing acidity of the Kimchi balanced the richness of the chicken, keeping each bite exciting.

If the chicken feels a bit heavy or dry at times, a sip of Soju complements it perfectly. The combination of Hanbang chicken and Soju is classic and elevates the dining experience.

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The Hanbang Tongdak was undeniably delicious, with its crispy skin, juicy meat, and flavorful sticky rice. However, the long wait time detracted from the experience. For me, the Kimchi was the unexpected standout, adding a refreshing twist to an already enjoyable meal.

Would I return? Yes, but only if the wait time is shorter. If you’re in the area and don’t mind waiting or can find a fun spot like Manseon Hof to pass the time, this is a fantastic place to enjoy Oriental-style roast chicken.

Address : 38 Daesagwan-ro 34-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul OPEN GOOGLE MAP

Phone : +82-2-797-8677

Operation Hours : Monday-Thursday : 16:00 - 00:30, Friday-Saturday : 16:00 - 01:30  (Sunday closed)

Instagram : Check out more photos

Source : https://blog.naver.com/sooyeon8037/223239455390

Writer : sooyeon8037

Special thanks to sooyeon8037

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