Tucked away in the heart of Euljiro (Seoul), Sarangbang Kalguksu is one of those places that needs no introduction, its name alone rings with old Seoul charm.

I’ve been coming here since I moved to Seoul for university over 20 years ago. And all these years later, it’s still the place I return to whenever I find myself missing the Baeksuk (steamed or boiled chicken) my grandmother used to make.

The elderly owner even reminds me of my grandmother, and something about that small resemblance brings me comfort every time I visit. This place is more than a restaurant to me, it’s filled with emotion, memory, and warmth.

Euljiro and nearby Chungmuro are full of “Nopo” (a Korean term for old, long-standing eateries), but Sarangbang Kalguksu stands out as one of the most beloved.

You’ll find not only loyal locals here, but also visitors from Japan, China, and beyond proof of just how famous this spot has become.

During lunch hours and weekends, there’s often a wait. I usually go right when they open on weekends, or on a weekday when I have some free time. Luckily, the restaurant has a second floor, so even when there’s a line, the wait is rarely more than 10–20 minutes.

The restaurant’s exterior and the vibe inside both show the marks of time, familiar, and deeply nostalgic. You know it’s a real local gem the moment you step in.

They open at 10:30 am, but we arrived a little earlier and the owner kindly let us in to eat before the official opening time. 

Menu

There are just two main dishes, Baeksuk Baekban (Steamed Chicken Set Meal) and Kalguksu (Knife-cut Noodles).

We went with three orders of the Baeksuk Baekban, one per person. It comes with half a chicken, soup and a bowl of rice.

 

Side dish

Homemade kimchi, Onions & Ssamjang (soybean paste)

 

Chojang (a sweet-sour chili dipping sauce)

Scoop some chojang onto a small plate and add a handful of sliced green onions. This is the dipping sauce for the chicken and it’s so good, you’ll find yourself going back for more with every bite.

 

Baeksuk Baekban  9,000 won

Since we ordered three Baeksuk set meals, we were served a whole chicken and a half. The chicken was perfectly cooked, so tender that it practically fell off the bone, making it incredibly easy to eat.

The soup is comforting and flavorful, you can add rice directly into the soup for a rich, warming meal.

At first, I was confused about dipping Chicken in chojang (chili paste dipping sauce). But trust me, add green onions to the chojang, dip the chicken, and you’ll never go back. It’s addictively good.

Now, even when I make Chicken (Baeksuk) at home, I find myself reaching for that chojang. It's become part of the ritual.

This is my forever spot when I’m craving a hearty, healing bowl of baeksuk especially in the colder months when the air bites and you need something to warm you from the inside out.

Sarangbang Kalguksu may not be flashy or trendy, but it’s one of Seoul’s true culinary treasures. If you're ever in Euljiro, this place is absolutely worth seeking out.

 

Address : 46 Toegye-ro 27-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul OPEN GOOGLE MAP

Operation Hours : Monday-Friday : 10:30 - 21:40

Instagram : Check out more photos

 

Source : https://blog.naver.com/achyhl87/223639870195

Writer : achyhl87

Special thanks to achyhl87

 

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