“What should I have for lunch today?” It’s the eternal question for every office worker. On days when I’m craving a crispy pork cutlet, there’s one place I head to without hesitation: “Buja Donkatsu,” a long-standing favorite in Euljiro.
As you’d expect from a popular spot, it’s always bustling with customers during lunchtime, a true testament to its reputation.
Good Prices and Surprising Speed: The Virtues of an Office Worker’s Lunch
In this era of high prices, the menu at “Buja Donkatsu” feels quite reasonable. But its real virtue is its speed. The miraculous speed—it feels like the food arrives just 5 minutes after ordering—is the biggest advantage for office workers who need to make the most of their short lunch break.
The Real Charm of This Place: The Addictive Mustard Sauce
The pork cutlet (donkatsu) itself is delicious, but what makes this place truly special is the sauce. The cabbage salad dressing and tartar sauce are good, but the absolute best is the combination of the donkatsu sauce and mustard.
You can create a uniquely charming sauce, unlike any other, by mixing the house donkatsu sauce with the pungent Korean mustard (gyeoja) provided at each table. The sharp tang of the mustard added to the sweet and savory donkatsu sauce perfectly cuts through any potential greasiness from the fried cutlet and continuously stimulates the appetite. This addictive charm of the “mustard sauce” is the real reason I keep coming back.
It’s Hectic, But That’s Why You Know It’s Good
To give an honest summary, “Buja Donkatsu” at lunchtime is hectic. But even amidst the bustle, a basic level of cleanliness and order is maintained, and despite how busy they are, the staff never feels unfriendly. While the service isn’t overly warm and attentive, it’s more than satisfactory when you consider the price, the taste, and the speed.
Personally, I think “Buja Donkatsu” is the most satisfying place for a pork cutlet lunch in Euljiro. If you’re looking for a spot that’s fast, delicious, and has a special sauce, I highly recommend you check it out.
