Yeongdong Jang-eo (grilled eel)
Let me introduce you to Yeongdong Jang-eo (Apgujeong, Seoul), a restaurant located just a 10-minute walk from both Hakdong Station and Gangnam-gu Office Station in Seoul.
This place has earned a spot in the prestigious Blue Ribbon Survey (Korea’s first restaurant guide) for four consecutive years. It has also been featured on many celebrity YouTube channels, which speaks volumes about its popularity.
I honestly didn’t expect much in terms of ambiance, but I was pleasantly surprised by the calm and classic interior. It had an understated elegance that instantly elevated the dining experience.
There are also private rooms available, making it a great spot for family dinners, small group gatherings, or even business meals.
Menu
The menu is truly diverse. It features Mud eel barbecue, Dokdo shrimp, Uni (sea urchin), Beef tartare, Tuna, and Marinated crab. Seasonal items like grilled tilefish, oysters, and pan-fried croaker are also available. Their signature dish is the grilled mud eel, but the variety is quite impressive. The alcohol selection includes whiskey, champagne, wine, soju, beer, and bokbunja.
*No corkage fee for your first bottle (up to 750ml)
Side Dish
The side dishes are well thought out. White kimchi, pickled mustard leaves, green onion kimchi, cold marinated cucumber, and shredded ginger. Each one is selected to complement the richness of the eel and cut through any greasiness, enhancing the overall flavor.
Tuna Sashimi & Caviar 205,000 won
The Tuna Sashimi & Caviar set (205,000 won) was pure freshness. Only the best cuts of tuna were used, and it was paired beautifully with Caviar de Caviari and plump scallop medallions. A luxurious and satisfying platter.
Honestly, the tuna here rivals that of many high-end tuna specialty restaurants. The thick slices give a satisfying mouthful, and when topped with a generous amount of caviar, the flavor becomes absolutely divine.
Gaejang (the marinated crab) 125,000 won
The marinated crab (125,000 won) from Seosan came with two generously sized crabs and an array of flavorful side dishes. A luxurious feast all on its own.
Mixing the rice with plenty of crab roe and meat, then wrapping it in seaweed, each bite was bursting with rich, savory flavor. Truly unforgettable.
Now for the star of the day, the mud eel. If you order at least three portions, they bring the live eel to your table before cooking it. You also get a special liquor (eel gallbladder soju) as a complimentary treat with your order.
Jang Eo (mud eel) 85,000 won (per serving)
The mud eel (450g per serving, 85,000 won) is carefully raised in clean tidal flats for over 15 days to achieve natural purification. We went with three servings.
One great thing is that the staff grills the eel for you, so you can relax and enjoy. When you compare the eel’s thickness to the staff’s hand or a piece of scallion, you realize how thick and hearty it really is.
While waiting for the eel to cook, they served some special cuts, eel liver and stomach. It was nutty and rich, totally my kind of flavor.
The thickness of the eel really added to the flavor. The outside was perfectly crisp while the inside remained juicy and tender. You could truly savor the richness of the eel.
Eel soup 22,000 won
The hot pot eel soup (22,000 won) is made with a rich broth simmered from eel bones. One bowl of this in the summer, and you’ll feel completely recharged!
Clam noodle 6,000 won
If the eel soup is rich and hearty, the mini white clam noodle (6,000 won) offers a light, clean finish. The thin noodles and gentle broth make it a perfect closing dish.
The kimchi that came with the meal was excellent, especially when paired with the clam noodles.
And even the complimentary melon at the end was super sweet and juicy. Yeongdong Jang-eo is now at the top of my list for places to take my parents on Parents’ Day.
Address : 98-8 Nonhyeon 2(i)-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
Phone : +82-2-3448-9991
Operation Hours : Monday-Sunday : 11:30 - 01:00
Instagram : Check out more photos
Source : https://blog.naver.com/dkdudrnttit/223855582627
Writer : dkdudrnttit
Special thanks to dkdudrnttit
yeongdong jangeo seoul apgujeong eel barbecue