At the end of the year, it's a busy time with various gatherings. Alcohol is something you often see at bustling gatherings. Among the various alcoholic beverages, how about taking this opportunity to try “whiskey†in particular? “Whiskey†is considered a difficult liquor due to its unique strong flavor, but it has many appealing elements. It can also be enjoyed as a pairing with food, just like wine. For whiskeys with a fresh flavor, we recommend salads made from fresh vegetables, and for whiskeys that have been aged for 15 years or more and are characterized by a smooth texture, cream risotto with a similar texture. By using the unique characteristics of whiskey like this, even strong whiskeys can be enjoyed sweetly. Recently, many places have sprung up where you can enjoy friendly food and whiskey together. From gomdang shops that sell whiskey to chocolate with whiskey and Korean beef omakase to enjoy with whiskey. A special choice for the end of the year! Let's meet whiskey pairings.
1. The place in the movie, 'Cobbler' in Seochon, Seoul
Image source: seungbumkim_insta's Instagram
Image source: foodexplorer_min02's Instagram
There is a <소공녀> whiskey bar that the heroine of the movie visits every day. “Cobbler†is a whiskey bar located right in Naeja-dong Alley. Unlike the quaint exterior of a hanok, the space decorated with red lights and cupboards filled with various bottles of alcohol creates a cozy yet dreamy atmosphere. When you order whiskey, walnuts marinated in honey are served as a basic snack, and the feature is that there is no separate menu. They make food that goes well with whiskey from the ingredients brought in that day. You can enjoy a variety of menus and whiskeys that cross genres, including beef steak, seasonal seafood, and sweet homemade pies.
[Shikigami Tip]
â–²Location: 16 Sajik-ro 12-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
▲Opening hours: 19:00 — 03:00 every day, closed on Sundays
â–²Price: Hot today subject to change, Matahari 20,000 won
â–²Testimonial (Shikigami Violet): The pie was also served, and the meat came out as a service in the middle, which was amazing lol!
2. Gomsky? Gomguk soup and whiskey, Seoul Philharmonic 'Okban Sang'
Image source: comingssun's Instagram
Image source: comingssun's Instagram
The white interior and wooden furniture make you feel like you've found a cafe. You can look at the menu of famous soju from around the country, as well as segmented whiskey menus such as single malt, isley, and blended whiskey. All whiskeys are served as drinks, so you can feel free to enjoy them as an accompaniment. The signature menu is “Okban-sang gomguk soup,†which is served in a plentiful organic bowl. Put gomguk soup, boiled rice, pickled peppers, Chinese cabbage kimchi, and kakuteki neatly on a wooden tray. It is characterized by the light yet deep flavor of the broth, which combines various parts of the beef, from lean meat to entrails. The Chinese cabbage kimchi, kakuteki, and pickled red pepper served as side dishes are delicious and are a great addition to gukbap.
[Shikigami Tip]
â–²Location: 101 Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
▲Opening hours: 11:00 — 22:00 every day, B/T 15:00 — 17:00, closed on Sundays
â–²Price: Okubansang gomguk 11,000 won, today's whiskey 5,000 won
â–²Review (shikigin beer and peanuts09): It's a place where you can have a nice meal. A variety of single malt, isley, and blended whiskeys are available, so it's great to have a drink after work!
3. Korean beef omakase meets whiskey, 'Uraman' in Itaewon, Seoul
Image source: ingsang55's Instagram
Image source: ingsang55's Instagram
“Uraman†is a Korean beef specialty store popular for various anniversaries and gatherings. The “Uraman†space consists of 3 room dining rooms and 7 seat bar dining, where you can enjoy private meals. The signature menu is “Korean beef omakase,†which is prepared as a single course. A glass of whiskey recommended by the boss is included. At the same time as ordering, grill charcoal on a grill plate in the center of the table to prepare the meat for grilling. The chef prepares and serves you right in front of your eyes, and you can enjoy special parts that are difficult to touch, such as sirloin, tenderloin, and sirloin, shrimp, and swallow meat. Appetizers using beef and seasonal ingredients and yukhoe, which is finely chopped and served with a colorful plating, are also popular.
[Shikigami Tip]
â–²Location: 25 Sowol-ro 38-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
▲Opening hours: 17:00 — 23:00 every day, closed on Sundays
â–²Price: Korean beef omakase 150,000 won (variable)
â–²Review (Don't be sleepy): I think it's worth visiting. It's a restaurant where you can enjoy Korean beef omakase and single malt whiskey located at the top of Rehoi on Sowol-gil hill. It's similar to Gangnam R meat, but it has private rooms, so it's perfect for a group gathering.
4. A bite of whiskey, a bite of sushi, Dohwa-dong's “Daemul Festivalâ€
Image source: dd.foodie's Instagram
Image source: dd.foodie's Instagram
As the name of the store suggests, “Daemulshangai†is a place where you can enjoy food made from large fish such as croaker, tuna, and redfish. The shelves filled with expensive whiskeys make you feel like you've found a malt bar. The interior seats, which only have two large tables for 8 and 12 people, allow you to watch all the fish being prepared. The signature menu is “Today's Fish,†where you can enjoy a variety of food courses, from sashimi to grilled fish. Also popular is the “Daemul Sangkai Recommended Whiskey Course,†where you can enjoy whiskey recommended by the chef along with food. Three glasses of fine whiskey are prepared one after the other, and the chef will guide them directly. Please note that all meals require a 100% reservation, and the menu may vary depending on the availability of ingredients.
[Shikigami Tip]
â–²Location: 29 Saechang-ro 6-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul
â–²Opening hours: 18:00 to 23:00 on weekdays, 18:00 to 21:00 on Saturdays, closed on Sundays
â–²Price: Today's menu (per person) 70,000 won
â–²Testimonial (I'm going out to play): This is the day I experienced an 8 kg giant flounder myself! It's being dismantled right in front of my eyes!! It's so huge that each portion is served. Soon after, croaker, red snapper, and even Honmaguro's Odoro…! It's a place where alcohol begets alcohol.
5. Enjoy whiskey with curry, 'Ginza Curry' in Yeoksam-dong, Seoul
Image source: ssica___v's Instagram
Image source: jlstudio.jl's Instagram
“Ginza Curry†is a Japanese home-style restaurant. The counter and kitchen with bottles covering a variety of alcoholic beverages make you feel like you've found a whiskey bar. It is a place where you can enjoy Japanese cuisine such as sukiyaki and okonomiyaki, as well as highballs and sake, as well as Japanese whiskeys that are hard to find in regular restaurants. All alcoholic beverages are explained on the menu with pictures, and the owner will kindly explain any questions you may have. The signature menu is “pork curry,†which is made by simmering large vegetables and pork. The curry that has been aged for 48 hours or more has a deep flavor. Please note that only curry, which is a meal menu, can be ordered at lunchtime.
[Shikigami Tip]
â–²Location: 406 Yeoksam-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
â–²Opening hours: 11:30 to 24:00 every day, 17:00 to 24:00 on Sundays/holidays
â–²Price: Pork curry 7,000 won
â–²Testimonial (Look in the mirror): It's a place with a wonderful boss. The music and atmosphere are great! There are various alcoholic beverages such as curry and whiskey, so it's great for a second or third course!