While pork rice soup is typically known for its unclear broth, these days you can find versions with a more transparent broth in various places. Located in a small alley near Hapjeong Station in a residential area, “Okdong Sik” is a restaurant that, despite its small size, has gained popularity for its specialty – pork rice soup.
“Seoul Hapjeong Pork Rice Soup, Okdong Sik”
The menu at Okdong Sik is incredibly simple, featuring only one item – “Pork Rice Soup.” It’s said that they sell only 100 bowls of it per day. Usually, by the time lunch hours have passed, all 100 bowls are sold, making it impossible to dine there in the evening.
The pork rice soup at Okdong Sik differs from what you’d find elsewhere. It’s characterized by a clear broth with pieces of pork on top. The unique presentation in a brassware pot gives the impression of a refined meal. It’s a place where you can experience something different from the usual.
“Pork Rice Soup: Regular, Special, Jansul – Only Three Menu Options”
While Okdong Sik offers only one menu item – “Pork Rice Soup” – there are two, or rather, three choices you can make. You’ll have to decide if you want the regular-sized pork rice soup or the special-sized one.
The special-sized portion contains twice as much meat compared to the regular-sized. However, it comes with a higher price tag.
Jansul, one might guess, refers to a simple drink to accompany the meal.
“A Small, Cozy Restaurant”
Okdong Sik isn’t a large establishment. It’s more aptly described as a small eatery. It has around 10 seats, limiting the number of people who can dine at once.
However, what sets it apart is the open kitchen. With the central kitchen and counter-style seating, it feels somewhat like dining in a small restaurant in Japan. This gives a unique sensation of dining abroad.
“They Close When 100 Bowls Are Sold for the Day”
While the restaurant appears to be perfect, it does have a significant downside. Being a restaurant that sells only 100 bowls per day, once those 100 bowls are sold, regardless of operating hours, they promptly close.
In fact, it took the author three visits to finally taste the food.
“Listed in the Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand”
Okdong Sik is a restaurant listed in the Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand. When you visit restaurants listed in the Michelin Guide, you can often find various differences that set them apart from typical eateries. This place is no exception.
It might make you wonder if “Pork Rice Soup” as we commonly know it can really be served like this, and whether you’ll be once again impressed by the taste.
“Seoul Hapjeong Pork Rice Soup, Okdong Sik”
- Address: 1F, 44-10 Yanghwa-ro 7-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul
- Phone: 010-5571-9915
- Operating Hours: Daily 11:00 AM – 10:30 PM (May close early if ingredients run out) (Mon-Fri Break Time) 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM (No Break Time on Sat-Sun)