Last Thursday (July 24th), I had a spontaneous get-together with some of my favorite colleagues and seniors from work. Wanting to find somewhere a bit different and delicious, I did some intense searching and my eyes landed on a place near Jonggak Station called “Ari Gyegok.”
Looking at the menu and photos, I could tell it was going to be popular, so I was relieved to see that Naver reservations were available. As expected, however, all the ideal time slots after work were already taken. The only option left was 5:30 PM. (Our workday ends at 5:30 PM… 😭)
On a whim, I booked the slot anyway and gave the restaurant a call. Thankfully, they were very understanding and confirmed our reservation, allowing for a slight delay. I could feel their kindness right from the start.
A Warm Atmosphere and a Happy Dilemma
Upon entering the restaurant, we were greeted by a beautiful, warm atmosphere created by soft, orange-toned lighting. The clean yet cozy ambiance made a great first impression.
When we opened the menu, we were faced with a happy dilemma. Most dishes were reasonably priced around 20,000 KRW, but the menu was filled with so many unique and appealing options that we had a classic case of “decision paralysis.” Thankfully, they had set menus. We ordered the Boyang Set (Nourishing Set for 3) for each table, and one order of the limited-edition “Jinheuk Ori Jeonbyeong” (Mud-baked Duck Pancake).
A Feast That Drew Admiration with Every Dish
#1. The Unexpected Star: Black Sesame Cucumber Salad The first dish to arrive, the Heukimja Oi Muchim, was the biggest surprise of the night. At first glance, we all thought it was an eggplant dish, but we were wide-eyed with surprise after the first bite. Its savory, nutty, yet refreshingly tart flavor seemed to perfectly foreshadow a great pairing with the meat dishes to come. This cucumber salad truly allowed us to enjoy the other dishes even more.
#2. Clean & Deep Flavor: Original Chicken Hot Pot The Wonjo Dak Jeongol, garnished with a branch of ot-namu(lacquer tree), was visually stunning. We were told the branch was just for display and to remove it before eating. Fresh, raw chicken was served on a stone plate to be cooked in the boiling broth at our table. The broth itself was superb—incredibly clean and refreshing, not at all greasy. It was a clean, delicious taste that would be a big hit with everyone.
#3. Sweet & Savory: Chicken Yukjeon & Whole Pork Fry The Dakgogi Yukjeon (Chicken Jeon) felt less like a traditional jeon and more like a bassak-bulgogi (thin, crispy grilled meat) to me, with a charming sweet and savory flavor. The Tong Dwaeji Fry (Whole Pork Fry) was another delight—not like a tonkatsu, but more like a delicious “pork chicken.” Dipping it in the provided sauce was incredible; it felt like eating just the delicious filling of a perfectly made sandwich.
#4. The Grand Finale: Mud-baked Duck Pancake (Limited Edition) And finally, the Jinheuk Ori Jeonbyeong made its entrance. It was truly the star of the show, well-deserving of its “limited edition” title. The harmony between the chewy duck skin and fat and the perfectly roasted, savory meat was so good it made us gasp. If you ever visit Ari Gyegok, this signature dish is a must-try. 👍
A Perfect Evening That Ended with Compliments
“Ari Gyegok” was impeccably clean, every dish was delicious, and the service was kind and attentive right up to the very end.
But the most satisfying part of all was when my colleagues showered me with praise, saying, “This is the best place you’ve ever picked!” As the one who organized the dinner, could there be a greater joy? 😍 If you’re looking for a successful spot for a work dinner or get-together, I strongly recommend “Ari Gyegok.”
Location
Reference
https://heavenly.tistory.com/entry/명동-성당-팥빙수-맛집-홍밀밀
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