The sweet and spicy aroma of charcoal-grilled pork ribs, grilled fish that caught the smell of savory fish oil, chewy pig's feet, a chicken that can be used as an accompaniment and relaxation at the same time, and the spicy stir-fried octopus that hits your tongue. What they all have in common is that Seoul has a food alley called “○○ Alley.†These streets, which originated from the supply and demand of ingredients and the fact that they began popping up one by one around popular houses, are still bustling today because of the low prices, flavors, and unique atmosphere created by bustling customers. Here are some of the best restaurants in Seoul's leading food alley that have been loved for a long time with their individuality from a variety of shops.
1. “Cheongjukgol†in Seongsu-dong, a rib alley with a strong smell of charcoal-grilled ribs
Image source: Shikigami Contents Team
Image source: Shikigami Contents Team
“Cheongjukgol†is a rib alley that draws attention to the savory smell of cooked meat. The signature menu, “King Pork Ribs,†is a relaxing meal where ribs are fully cooked using bamboo charcoal and served after being served. The sweet and spicy soy sauce is deeply soaked between the meat with the scabbard, so you can feel the moist texture of the meat. The method of wrapping ribs in spicy and sour “bibimbap noodles†and eating them in one bite is also popular.
2. Light and savory grilled fish flavor, Jongno 5-ga “Honam Restaurantâ€
Image source: Shikigami Contents Team
Image source: Shikigami Contents Team
“Honam Houseâ€, located in a grilled fish alley, has a history of about 40 years from 1974 until now. The signature menu is “grilled fish,†which is grilled over an open fire over a briquette fire and has a mild aroma. A rich menu is prepared together, including a rich bowl of rice, savory miso soup, and 4 types of handmade side dishes. In order not to impair the original flavor of grilled fish, it is attractive for its light yet mild flavor by using less salt.
[Shikigami Tip]
â–²Location: 5, Jong-ro 40ga-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
▲Opening hours: 06:00 — 21:00 every day, closed on Sundays
â–²Price: Mackerel 8,000 won, Spanish mackerel 8,000 won
â–²Testimonial (Kim Ha-san): The boss is very kind, so I always go here when I want to eat grilled fish! The fish isn't salty, so it's great to eat it with soy sauce! If you eat grilled fish and stir-fried meat, you'll eat both of the rice in a flash. hehe
3. Pig's foot alley, 'Mapoyu Ga court pig feet' in Gongdeok-dong
Image source: Shikigami Contents Team
Image source: Shikigami Contents Team
“Mapo Yuuga Gungjung Jokbal†is located at the entrance of Pig's Foot Alley near Gongdeok Station. The signature menu, “pig's foot,†is fresh raw leg boiled with various vegetables and 10 kinds of medicinal ingredients without any ingredients. The chewy collagen part and the soft texture of the lean meat blend harmoniously in the mouth. When you order pig's feet, everything from drinks to tteokbokki, sundae, and sundae soup is provided as a service, so you can enjoy a hearty meal.
[Shikigami Tip]
â–²Location: 19, Mallijae-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul
▲Opening hours: 09:00 — 02:00 every day, closed every other week on Sundays
â–²Price: Pig's foot (small) 27,000 won, boneless Buddha 38,000 won
â–²Testimonial (Shikigami Yeonjikonji ><): A friend who lives in Gongdeok recommended a restaurant. I made it the size of a pig's foot, and it comes in a variety of sides. There are plenty of foods to eat, so it's perfect for a drink. ^^
4. The popular star of Chicken Hanmari Alley, Dongdaemun 'Jinokhwa Halmaewonjo Chicken Hanmari'
Image source: Shikigami Contents Team
Image source: Shikigami Contents Team
“Jinokhwa Halmae Wonjo Chicken Han Mari†is the place that first introduced a chicken menu. The signature menu is “Chicken Hanmari,†which catches the eye with its unique visual appearance of a potato stuck in the middle of the chicken. The rich soup made using broth made by putting hundreds of chickens in one go is excellent. You can make a sauce by adding sauce, soy sauce, vinegar, and mustard to your liking, and eat it with chicken.
[Shikigami Tip]
â–²Location: 18, Jong-ro 40ga-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
▲Opening hours: 10:30 — 01:00 every day
â–²Price: 22,000 won for one chicken, 1,000 won for rice cake
â–²Testimonial (I need to get out of work): When I first saw the visuals, was this tasty? That's what I thought. But after taking a bite of the soup, this place is real! That's what I thought. The soup itself has a soothing flavor, so it's great to eat as a side dish!
5. Spicy octopus alley to relieve stress, Seongnae-dong 'Jukkuzukkuzukumi'
Image source: the_biggest_happiness's Instagram
Image source: the_biggest_happiness's Instagram
On weekday evenings and weekends, there is always a long queue at “Zuku Zuku Zuku Zukkumiâ€. The signature menu, “Zusamsae,†offers stir-fried octopus mixed with spicy sauce, pork ribs, and shrimp all at once. I recommend dipping the plump octopus in mayonnaise and then wrapping it in sesame leaves before eating it. The aroma of mayonnaise neutralizes the spiciness, and the sesame leaves finish the aftertaste nicely.
[Shikigami Tip]
â–²Location: 96 Cheonhool-gil, Gangdong-gu, Seoul
▲Business hours: 15:00 — 02:00 every day
â–²Price: Zucksamsae 13,000 won, Zukkumi 11,000 won
â–²Review (Shikigin Cool Guy): Definitely the number one stir-fried octopus restaurant I've eaten in the past! Once you try it, it's an addictive flavor that comes back to mind again and again. I definitely come here when I'm stressed and looking for spicy food! It's the best combination to eat pickled octopus and stir-fried rice!