Keebo Edamame
There are quite a few trendy restaurants in Namyeong-dong these days, and I recently visited Keebo Edamame (Yongsan, Seoul), a spot my girlfriend had been wanting to try.
They specialize in Japanese-style Chinese cuisine, and the owner actually appeared on The Culinary Class Wars (Netflix)!
Keebo Edamame is tucked away in one of Namyeong-dong’s bustling food alleys, and it really gives off the vibe of a cozy little restaurant you'd find in a side street of Japan.
The interior is simple and clean, not too spacious, but well-designed with a thoughtful, stylish touch.
When you visit during dinner hours, each person is required to order at least one drink.
Since the place has more of an izakaya-style vibe, it makes sense that drinks, whether alcoholic or non-alcoholic, are part of the experience.
The menu features a variety of Japanese-style Chinese dishes. Some of the highlights include mapo tofu, grilled mackerel (yakisaba), fried rice (chahan), spicy fried chicken (yurinchi), and comforting soups. Many of the dishes are the kind you’d expect to find at a good izakaya.
They offer both 2-person and 3-person set menus, so we opted for the 3-person set.
We were quite hungry, so we picked the one that came with fried rice (chahan), mapo tofu, potato salad, and spicy yurinchi. A hearty and satisfying combo!
Since it was a hot day, we ordered a cold draft beer. They even added a splash of soju to make it into a “somaek” (soju + beer) for us, perfectly refreshing!
Mentaiko potato salad 9,000 won
The first dish that came out was the mentaiko potato salad. It was much more flavorful, thanks to the mentaiko (spicy cod roe). It had that perfect umami kick and went so well with beer. Easily one of the best starters.
Yurinki (Chicken) 18,000 won
The spicy yurinchi (Japanese-style fried chicken with sauce) was cooked perfectly, crispy on the outside, juicy inside. The seasoning was spot-on, making it an ideal dish to enjoy with a cold drink. A great balance of flavor and texture.
Yakisaba Chahan 16,000 won
Next up was the Yakisaba Chahan, Japanese-style fried rice topped with grilled mackerel.
Honestly, it’s a combination that can’t go wrong. The rich, smoky flavor of the fish with the savory rice was absolutely delicious.
Mapa tofu 18,000 won
Just from the look of it, you could tell it was packed with bold flavor. It had a generous drizzle of chili oil and a rich, deep color that made it super appealing.
I asked for extra cilantro, and wow, it paired perfectly with the silky tofu and subtle spice. Everything was beautifully balanced.
Japanese cuisine is often on the saltier side, but even after trying four different dishes, nothing felt overwhelmingly salty. Everything was seasoned just right, which made the whole meal feel satisfying and well-balanced.
The prices aren’t exactly cheap, but if you’re looking for a great spot for a date or just a casual beer night in Namyeong-dong, I’d definitely recommend this place. It has charm, solid food, and just the right kind of buzz.
Address : 97-5 Namyeong-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
Phone : +82-70-8866-1140
Operation Hours : Mon-Sat : 11:30 - 22:30 (Break : 14:30 - 17:00), Sun : 11:30 - 20:30
Instagram : Check out more photos
Source : https://blog.naver.com/yonghyun0903/223894698800
Writer : yonghyun0903
Special thanks to yonghyun0903
Keebo Edamame restaurant culinary class wars netflix