Izawa • 이자와

Izawa (이자와) is another gyukatsu (규카츠) restaurant that is nearby Atto Gyukatsu that I've shared a couple of posts ago. This place, also in a basement, has a slightly bigger seating area compared to the other place. Gyukatsu (규카츠) is what I always order, and sometimes their Steak Don (스테이시동) if I come with a friend and we want to mix it up a bit and order to share. Their set menu comes with salad, side dishes, miso soup and rice and if you ordered their 2 persons set menu, it also comes with a choice of drink. I personally come here more often cos I like their gyukatsu slightly better. I think the beef is more tender and the stone plate grill that they use makes it easier to grill the meat (plus they change the grill plate for you quite a bit so your meat doesn't stick to the grill).

I've came here a couple of times and the place is pretty packed during lunch and dinner hours (you might have to wait in line for a bit, especially if you come in big groups more than 4 people). But Koreans usually eat pretty fast, so the wait time is not that long. Or you can always come before or after the lunch/dinner rush, like I do all the time ;)

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Izawa (이자와)

Address: 서울특별시 서대문구 연세로 29 지하 1층
Telephone: 02-322-5776
Hours: 11:00 - 22:00
Break Time: 15:30 - 16:30 (Weekdays)

Atto Gyukatsu • 아토 규카츠

Gyukatsu (규카츠) was one of the food that became 'a thing' in Seoul last year. Or at least according to my observations since I encountered quite a number of newly opened gyukatsu places around Seoul and started to see more pictures of it online afterwards. And when one of my favorite restaurant moved away from its original spot and replaced by a gyukatsu restaurant, I felt like it was a perfect time to try it out.

Atto Gyukatsu (아토 규카츠) in Sinchon (신촌) was the first place I got a taste of these delicious deep-fried breaded beef cutlets. I ordered the one person gyukatsu set meal which was served with rice, miso soup, and side dishes. The server gave me instructions on how to cook the meat according to your liking, put wasabi on top of it, dip it in the sauces and all that while putting down the tray in front of me. I followed his instructions and started eating. And man it was good. The meat was tender despite of the crunchy breading and the sauce goes well with the meat and rice. I personally feel the wasabi was unnecessary, but hey, I don't really like spicy food in general so for those who do, it might be better with the wasabi. If you are around Sinchon, this place might be worth a try. The restaurant is actually located in the basement so look out for their entrance (pictured below) and just follow down the stairs to the entrance.

p.s: There's actually another gyukatsu place that I visit quite frequently around here that I'll be sharing soon. Stay tuned! ;)

 

Atto Gyukatsu (아토 규카츠)

Address: 서울특별시 서대문구 명물길 38
Tel: 02-363-4588
Hours: 11:00 - 22:30
Break Time: 15:30 - 16:30
Subway: Sinchon Station. Exit 3.

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Hana Okonomiyaki

I'm starting this post with a little confession that I didn't know the name of this place until I was about to write this post. The main reason is this place is right around my neighborhood, passed this place like thousands of times, but never bothered to read the name of the place. I only knew this spot as 'that-okonomiyaki-place-that-always-have-people-lining-up-for-seats'. First I thought maybe because the place is pretty small, but after I finally had the chance to try this place, I can see why.

Hana Okonomiyaki (하나 오코노미야키 야키소바 a.k.a 신촌 하나) is located in Sinchon neighborhood, in between Sinchon Station and Ehwa Station. The place is famous for their okonomiyaki and yakisoba, and I asked my Japanese friends and they said the taste is pretty good and authentic. The price is also relatively not expensive, ranging from 7,000—9,000KRW. I let my friends ordered last time so I'm not exactly sure what we ordered, but everything was delicious. We even ordered seconds too. Tips: If you come here during dinner time, come early or you'll most likely will have to wait for seats. Go during lunch time since there's usually fewer people waiting in line.

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