Chungang Galchi Restaurant: My Go-To Braised Cutlassfish Spot in Namdaemun Market (A Personal Review)
Namdaemun Market is famous for its diverse food alley, and among them, the Cutlassfish Alley is always bustling with people.
I visited Chungang Galchi Restaurant, a place I've been wanting to revisit.
Chungang Galchi Restaurant
Address: 22-12 Namdaemunsijang-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
Hours: Daily 08:30 - 21:00
The aroma of grilled cutlassfish wafts through the narrow alleyways, and the steam rising from the kitchen truly captures the authentic atmosphere of a market eatery.
Banners with cutlassfish signs are densely hung everywhere, and the alleys are crowded with customers – it's a truly vibrant atmosphere.
The old-fashioned and cozy vibe of Chungang Galchi Restaurant, along with the aged sign, embodies the taste of time.
This restaurant has been featured on several TV food programs and is a braised cutlassfish specialty restaurant with 50 years of tradition.
The deliciously grilled fish looked so appetizing! This is my second visit to this place. I tried it once before and it was so delicious that I came back while visiting the area.
Even though it was Monday afternoon around 2:30 PM, almost all the tables were full. However, the turnover rate is fast, so I was able to enter after waiting only about 5 minutes.
The market's unique vibrancy and warm hospitality make even the wait enjoyable. I really love this kind of old-fashioned vibe.
Chungang Galchi Restaurant Menu
<Ordered Menu>
Braised Cutlassfish (1 serving) + Assorted Grilled Fish (1 serving): ₩28,000
I ordered one serving of braised cutlassfish and one serving of assorted grilled fish. Basic side dishes are served, along with complimentary fried cutlassfish, steamed egg, and grilled seaweed. This is the generosity of a market eatery!
It's served in a tin pot with plenty of broth.
Mixing rice with the braised cutlassfish broth and wrapping it in seaweed creates a truly perfect meal.
The braised cutlassfish contains 4 pieces of cutlassfish, and there's also plenty of radish simmered in the sauce.
The slightly spicy and salty sauce goes so well with rice. A bowl of rice disappears quickly!
Rice is unlimited, so you can eat as much as you want without feeling self-conscious. One bite fills your mouth with a rich and deep flavor!
The assorted grilled fish includes croaker and other varieties, grilled to a golden-brown and crispy exterior with a moist interior. It was clean and enjoyable with no fishy smell at all.
Wrapping rice with the seaweed provided and dipping it in soy sauce is also a great combination. It's simple but addictive.
And, of course, you can't forget the steamed egg! From the moment it comes out bubbling, the savory aroma spreads.
The fluffy and soft steamed egg perfectly balances the spicy braised cutlassfish. One spoonful when your mouth is spicy is truly heavenly.
If you want a hearty meal that's not too heavy, I highly recommend Chungang Galchi Restaurant in Namdaemun Market!
No comments yet.
