Remember Chef Choi Ji-hyung, the “White Spoon” chef from Netflix’s hit cooking show “Black and White Chef”?
He’s an expert in North Korean cuisine and now runs a stunning restaurant called Lee Buk Bang in the heart of Mapo, Seoul. This place is already a hot spot, earning a spot in the 2024 Michelin Guide Seoul, and attracting a ton of attention from celebrities and foodies alike!
📍Lee Buk Bang (리북방)
- Address: 2nd Floor, 16, Mapodaero 1-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
- Business Hours: Tuesday–Friday 12:30 PM–11:00 PM
Saturday–Sunday 12:30 PM–11:30 PM
Closed every Monday - Reservation: Catch Table App
- Instagram: @leebukbang
Lee Buk Bang is the world’s first restaurant to introduce sundae omakase, and it’s everything you never knew you needed! Chef Choi brings his culinary roots to life, inspired by recipes handed down from his grandmother, who was from the Cha-ho region in Hamgyeong Province. His dishes stay true to the essence of North Korean cuisine while showcasing creativity and a modern touch. Every dish feels like a masterpiece—unique, flavorful, and unforgettable.
The restaurant’s warm wooden interiors reflect a traditional Korean aesthetic, perfectly complementing the authentic North Korean dishes. Seating is designed around an open kitchen, letting you watch the chefs craft each dish with care. Not only that, but the chefs also introduce every dish with fascinating details, making it a truly interactive and immersive dining experience. A perfect blend of tradition and modernity, don’t you think?
💰 Pricing & Courses
Lee Buk Bang offers set-course meals, priced as follows:
- Weekday lunch: 50,000 KRW
- Weekday dinner & weekends/holidays: 78,000 KRW
This fair pricing gives you a chance to indulge in a full North Korean dining experience. Now, let’s dive into the star dishes!
🥩 Abai Sundae
Abai Sundae is a hearty dish featuring sundae (Korean blood sausage) stuffed into thick makchang (beef intestines) for a rich and bold flavor. Paired with a traditional Korean dipping sauce from Gangwon Province, it delivers the authentic taste of North Korea. The generous portions and meticulously crafted flavors make it a must-try for anyone craving a touch of home-style comfort.
🐑 Yang Sundae
Yang Sundae, one of Lee Buk Bang’s signature dishes, is an innovative spin on traditional sundae. It’s made with a mix of lamb and pork, combined with oregano, basil, and other spices to balance the gaminess of lamb. Served with intriguing accompaniments like ziran popcorn, eggplant tempura, and an apple-carrot purée, this dish is a perfect harmony of exotic and familiar flavors. Don’t miss out—it’s one-of-a-kind!
🍚 Mushroom Rice Pot
This dish is a fan favorite for a reason! A comforting mix of fresh mushrooms and tender cuttlefish is steamed to perfection in a hot pot, resulting in a deeply flavorful and satisfying dish. Seasoned just right, the rice alone is incredible, but the occasional bite of nutty cuttlefish takes it to the next level. Served with North Korean-style short rib soup and chilled boiled pork, it’s a complete meal that visitors can’t stop raving about—“Best rice pot ever!”
🥣 North Korean-Style Soup
A highlight of the course menu, this Hamgyeong-style beef soup is prepared by pouring piping hot broth over fresh raw beef, allowing it to cook right in your bowl. Served alongside savory mung bean pancakes, mushrooms, and galbi (short ribs), it’s a hearty and flavorful way to wrap up the meal. Add a bit of pollack roe for an extra kick!
❄️ Seolya Meokjeok
This visually stunning dish features skewers of premium 2++ hanwoo sirloin grilled to perfection and topped with grated radish “snow,” evoking images of a serene winter landscape. It’s not just a feast for the eyes; the tender, juicy beef melts in your mouth, leaving you with a dining experience that’s as special as it is delicious.
Lee Buk Bang isn’t just about eating—it’s about experiencing. With its creative menu, warm ambiance, and an immersive dining concept, it’s the perfect spot to make any occasion special. Whether you’re out with friends or planning a romantic date, this restaurant guarantees a memorable time. I hope you get to experience the unique flavors of North Korean cuisine that you won’t find anywhere else!🫶🏻✨
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