Yeongcheon Yeonghwa (yukhoe bibimbap)
Recently, I’ve had a craving for Yukhoe Bibimbap (raw beef mixed rice), and many people regard Yeongcheon Yeonghwa (Cheongdam, Seoul) as one of the top spots in Seoul for this dish. It’s also a favorite among celebrities, as evidenced by its frequent appearances on restaurant TV shows and the abundance of autographs adorning its walls.
At 5 pm on Sunday, I visited Yeongcheon Yeonghwa, conveniently located near Cheongdam Station. The restaurant features two floors, and I was seated on the first.
One unique aspect of the establishment is the butcher shop-style meat preparation area, where fresh meat is displayed.
The restaurant walls are covered in autographs from well-known figures like Son Heung-min, members of BTS, and Yoo Jae-seok, making it clear that this spot is a celebrity hotspot.
Menu
While the restaurant offers a variety of dishes, including Korean barbecue, Naengmyeon (cold noodles), and Yukgaejang (spicy beef stew), I came specifically for the Yukhoe Bibimbap. Priced at 21,000 won, this dish includes a serving of Doenjang-jjigae (soybean paste stew).
Side dish
The side dishes here appear to rotate, as reviews from other diners mention different offerings. During my visit, the kimchi stood out, with the white kimchi being my personal favorite.
Yukhoe Bibimbap 21,000 won
The Yukhoe Bibimbap arrived beautifully presented, with fresh lettuce, green onions, and raw beef atop a bed of rice. The standout feature is the quality of the raw beef, which is prepared without any fat, ensuring a clean, pure protein flavor.
Fresh meat, not frozen
Unlike cheaper buffets where raw beef can be frozen and chewy, the Yukhoe here was incredibly fresh, tender, and flavorful, with no unpleasant odors.
Mixing It Up
Instead of the usual red pepper paste, the dish is seasoned with a sweet soy sauce. This subtle touch allows the natural taste of the raw beef to shine through. The balance of flavors is impeccable, with the soy sauce complementing the rice perfectly.
Doenjang-jjigae (soybean paste stew)
The Doenjang-jjigae, included with the dish, was another highlight. Rich and savory, it paired wonderfully with the Yukhoe Bibimbap and rounded out the meal.
Yeongcheon Yeonghwa's Yukhoe Bibimbap lives up to its reputation. The freshness of the beef, the perfectly balanced seasoning, and the thoughtful accompaniments make it one of the best I’ve ever had.
I now understand why this place is a favorite among Japanese tourists and why so many people rank it as the top Yukhoe Bibimbap in Korea. The sweet soy sauce seasoning may not appeal to everyone, but for me, it added a unique and delightful dimension to the dish.
Whether you’re a local or a tourist, if you’re looking to try an authentic and refined Yukhoe Bibimbap experience, Yeongcheon Yeonghwa is a must-visit.
Address : 3 Dosan-daero 90-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul OPEN GOOGLE MAP
Phone : +82-2-3442-0381
Operation Hours : All day (24hours)
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Source : https://blog.naver.com/blueglow33/223323162934
Writer : blueglow33
Special thanks to blueglow33
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