After giving some thought to healthy food options, I decided to look for a restaurant that serves tofu stew. Everyone in my group agreed to try Hwanggeum Kongbat (Gongdeok, Seoul), a restaurant known for its wholesome tofu dishes.

Within a month of my first visit, I found myself going back again because the tofu dishes were simply outstanding. The restaurant’s emphasis on healthful ingredients and natural flavors truly impressed me.

Upon entering, you’re greeted with a garden and an ambiance that feels like an old, traditional house. It’s warm and welcoming. We arrived at 5:30 pm and didn’t have to wait for a table.

 

Menu

The menu offers a variety of tempting options. We decided to order one Jjabak-Dubu (tofu stew) and one Cheonggukjang (fermented soybean stew).

 

Side dishes

 

Jjabak-Dubu (tofu stew)  36,000 won (medium)

The medium-sized Jjabak-Dubu was filled with plenty of meat. We also added rice for each person. The flavors were so incredible that I quickly finished my bowl of rice.

 

Cheonggukjang (fermented soybean stew)  13,000 won

The Cheonggukjang was rich and flavorful, without the overpowering smell some might expect.

My first experience with it was so good that I ended up recommending the restaurant to everyone I knew. I even brought my coworkers along on my next visit.

 

My Second visit

During my second visit, I noticed the side dishes had slightly changed. The addition of pickled cucumbers and chili peppers was new.

**Caution: The chili peppers are extremely spicy and can cause flushing and watery eyes, so proceed with care!**

We also took advantage of the restaurant’s wine corkage service, priced at 15,000 KRW per bottle, and brought our own wine to enjoy with the meal.

Once again, we ordered the Jjabak-Dubu. This time, I noticed that the pork pieces were slightly smaller than during my first visit. Nevertheless, the flavor remained delightful.

 

Dubu-bossam (boiled pork with tofu)  46,000 won.

The staff recommended this dish as a great pairing with wine, so we decided to give it a try. The dish came with green onion kimchi on the side. While I felt the pork could have been boiled a little longer to improve its texture, the green onion kimchi was excellent.

 

Saeng Dubu (fresh tofu)  16,000 won

The fresh tofu was the highlight of the meal. It was unbelievably creamy and flavorful, the best fresh tofu I’ve ever had.

 

Dubu Wanja (tofu pancake)  25,000 won

This Korean-style tofu pancake was another delicious choice.

 

Dubu-Jeon (pan-fried tofu)  20,000 won.

The pan-fried tofu had a delicate texture in the center that paired perfectly with the green onion kimchi. In fact, we loved the green onion kimchi so much that we asked for extra servings.

Hwanggeum Kongbat was a massive hit with its incredibly flavorful tofu dishes. Everyone in our group loved it, and two of my companions have already returned with their families. I’m planning another visit soon, this time with more friends. If you’re a fan of tofu or simply looking for a healthy yet satisfying dining experience, this restaurant is an absolute must-try.

 

Address : 9 Mapo-daero 16-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul  OPEN GOOGLE MAP

Phone : +82-2-313-2952

Operation Hours : Mon-Fri : 11:30 - 21:30, Sat-Sun : 11:30 - 21:00 (Break 15:00-17:00)

Instagram : Check out more photos

 

Source : https://blog.naver.com/piandante/223509672165

Writer : piandante

Special thanks to piandante

 

hwanggeum kongbat tofu vegan seoul restaurant

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