Apgujeong Sanghoe
One of the things I enjoy most when travelling is stepping away from the famous restaurants and discovering places that locals genuinely love. Tucked away in the trendy Apgujeong neighbourhood, Apgujeong Sanghoe was exactly that. It was lively, unpretentious and packed with diners, a reassuring sign that we had stumbled upon somewhere special.
The meal began with their signature perilla oil buckwheat noodles. At first glance, it looked almost too simple. One mouthful later, I understood why everyone orders it. The nutty aroma of roasted perilla oil coated every strand of chewy buckwheat noodles, while mushrooms, seaweed and vegetables added layers of texture. It was clean, fragrant and surprisingly addictive. Sometimes the simplest dishes leave the deepest impression.
The Korean fried chicken was another winner. The batter was wonderfully crisp without being greasy, while the meat remained juicy and tender. It was one of those plates that disappeared before anyone realised it. Comfort food at its finest.
We also shared a beautiful platter of sliced pork, paired with a lightly dressed salad that balanced the richness of the meat. The potato pancake was another pleasant surprise. Crispy around the edges, soft in the middle and packed with the natural sweetness of potatoes, it was perfect dipped into the accompanying sauce.
For something more adventurous, we tried the yukhoe. Fresh strips of seasoned raw beef were served with an egg yolk in the centre and surrounded by crisp, lightly battered seaweed. Mixing everything together created an enjoyable contrast of silky, crunchy and savoury textures.
The charcoal crusted pork was probably the most visually striking dish of the evening. Coated in an almost black exterior, it looked as though it had been overcooked. Instead, the crust imparted a subtle smoky aroma while the pork inside remained tender and juicy. It was unlike anything I had tasted before.
The traditional brass bowls and cups, simple side dishes and warm wooden interior completed the experience. Nothing felt overly complicated or designed for social media. It was simply honest Korean food prepared with care.
Among everything we ordered, I would happily return just for the perilla oil buckwheat noodles and the fried chicken. Those two dishes alone made Apgujeong Sanghoe one of the more memorable meals of our Seoul trip.
