With season 1 of Black and White Chef wrapped up and season 2 already stirring up excitement, the buzz around the show hasn’t died down just yet. Many restaurants from the show are still trending, and with the holiday season here, they’re hotter than ever. Today, let me introduce you to Yido Yongsan, a restaurant run by Chef Lee Seung-joon, also known as “Health Kitchen” on the show.
Although Chef Lee didn’t make it to the top 20, his restaurant has gained a reputation for its loyal customer base. So much so, that dropping by on a Friday or weekend without a reservation can be quite the challenge!
Yido Yongsan is a modern Korean dining bar located in the trendy Yongridan-gil area. Chef Lee, a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America (CIA) and a former Michelin restaurant chef in New York, brings a creative twist to traditional Korean cuisine, offering fusion dishes paired with a wide variety of drinks.
📍 Yido Yongsan
- Location: 1st floor, 14, Hangang-daero 50-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
- Transport: 217 meters from Samgakji Station, Exit 3
- Hours: Daily 11:30 AM–11:00 PM, Saturdays 11:30 AM–1:00 AM (Break time 3:00 PM–5:00 PM)
- Reservations: CatchTable app
- Instagram: @yido_yongsan_official
The easiest way to find Yido Yongsan is by starting from Samgakji Station, which is served by subway lines 4 and 6. From Exit 3, walk straight for about 200 meters along the main road, then turn left into the alley—you’ll find Yido Yongsan on your right.
At Yido Yongsan, traditional Korean cuisine gets a modern twist, showcasing the creativity and attention to detail of Chef Lee Seung-joon. Ready to explore what makes this spot so special? Let me introduce you to some of its most popular dishes!
Myeongran Gamja Jeon (Pollack Roe Potato Pancake)
Forget the basic potato pancakes you know. At Yido Yongsan, the Myeongran Gamja Jeon takes things to the next level. Thinly sliced potatoes are fried to a crispy perfection and topped with fresh arugula and spicy chili peppers for a balance of refreshing and zesty flavors. Beneath the potato lies a layer of savory pollack roe mayo that pairs beautifully with the crunchy texture. Its pizza-like presentation adds a playful vibe, making it a hit with both your taste buds and your camera!
Changnanjeot Deulgireum Pasta (Salted Pollack Roe Sesame Oil Pasta)
Changnanjeot Deulgireum Pasta is a unique fusion dish where the umami-packed salted pollack roe meets the nutty aroma of sesame oil. The combination creates a rich and flavorful pasta experience. The thin, soft noodles are elevated with subtle hints of perilla leaves, showcasing the harmony between Korean and Italian cuisines. This dish is perfect for adventurous foodies looking for a sophisticated twist on familiar ingredients.
Gochujang Yukhoe (Korean Beef Tartare with Chili Paste)
A signature dish at Yido Yongsan, the Gochujang Yukhoe reimagines traditional beef tartare with a modern flair. Cubed beef is mixed with crunchy pear slices, mustard seeds, and scallions, topped with black sesame aioli and a luscious egg yolk. The chili paste-based marinade adds a kick, creating a flavor profile that’s truly one-of-a-kind. Don’t forget to wrap a bite in the accompanying seaweed for an extra layer of umami!
Yido Ramen
The Yido Ramen is another crowd-favorite signature dish, featuring a miso-based broth paired with chewy fresh noodles. The broth’s deep, hearty flavors, combined with a hint of spiciness, make it a perfect bowl for chilly weather—or even a hangover cure! If you visit during lunch, they’ll throw in a free bowl of rice so you can enjoy the broth to the last drop. Talk about comfort food goals!
Spicy Hanwoo Beef Soup
The Spicy Hanwoo Beef Soup is a hearty and satisfying choice, with a rich broth filled with tender slices of premium Korean beef and a generous helping of bean sprouts. The soup strikes a balance between being spicy and refreshing, making it both flavorful and comforting. Served with rice already mixed in, it’s the perfect dish for a filling, soul-warming meal.
So, there you have it—some of Yido Yongsan’s must-try dishes. Can you feel Chef Lee Seung-joon’s creativity and attention to detail in every dish? Once you try it, you’ll understand why people keep coming back for more. If you’re someone who loves exploring new flavors or planning a special dining experience, Yido Yongsan should be on your list. You won’t regret it—this place promises a culinary adventure like no other!
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