When Friday lunch rolls around, I always crave a special meal to break away from the repetitive company cafeteria menu. Whenever that craving hits, my feet inevitably lead me to my long-time favorite spot, ‘Buttumak,’ tucked away in the bustling alleys of Myeongdong and Euljiro. When you’re thinking of a rich, spicy Kimchi Jjigae, this is the place to be.
A Welcoming Atmosphere and Great Prices
‘Buttumak’ isn’t a fancy place, but it’s full of life and has a welcoming charm, packed with customers during lunchtime. On almost every table, you’ll see a bubbling pot of crimson Kimchi Jjigae. The system is incredibly efficient; as soon as you sit, a server places a pot on your table’s burner and immediately turns on the flame, which is a blessing for a hungry customer. The menu is simple, focused mainly on Kimchi Jjigae and a few add-ons. Considering the soaring lunch prices in central Seoul these days, the cost is remarkably reasonable and much appreciated.
A Feast of Flavors: The Buttumak Kimchi Jjigae
A deep pot of Kimchi Jjigae soon arrives, generously filled with well-fermented kimchi, thick cuts of pork, and tofu. As the stew begins to boil, its spicy and savory aroma is enough to make your mouth water.
Our unwritten rule is to always add an order of ramyeon noodles. There’s a special joy in fishing out the perfectly chewy noodles before the meat and kimchi have fully rendered their flavors into the broth. The noodles, having soaked up the rich stew, are a fantastic dish in their own right. By the time the noodles are gone, the pork has become tender and the kimchi has released its deep, savory flavor. The taste of the crunchy kimchi and juicy pork on a spoonful of white rice is enough to melt away all the fatigue of the week.
Final Thoughts: The Best Value You Can’t Beat
To be fair, when talking about the best Kimchi Jjigae in the Myeongdong and Euljiro area, two names usually come up: ‘Chamsutneukgan’ and ‘Buttumak.’ Both boast excellently crunchy kimchi. However, I’ve grown increasingly disappointed with ‘Chamsutneukgan’ as the portion of meat seems to shrink with every visit.
In contrast, ‘Buttumak’ has shown steadfast consistency, maintaining its generous portions of meat for years. This unchanging generosity and deep flavor are precisely why I keep coming back. If you’re looking for a hearty and delicious Kimchi Jjigae lunch in Myeongdong, I can confidently recommend ‘Buttumak’ as the absolute best choice for value and satisfaction.
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Reference
https://heavenly.tistory.com/entry/명동-저녁-회식-돼지고기-소고기-맛집-금돈옥-을지로점
