Meshiya (めしや) is a Japanese term that means a rice restaurant. In some Japanese dramas, there is a restaurant named “Meshiya” featured in the show “Shinya Shokudo” (Late Night Restaurant).
In the Gwanghwamun area of Seoul, you can also find a restaurant named Meshiya. Although it is unrelated to the Japanese drama “Shinya Shokudo,” it is indeed a place where you can enjoy a meal.
“Royal Building Underground Mall Offering a Variety of Restaurants”
The Gwanghwamun area in Seoul is known as a prominent office district, housing various companies, including government buildings like the Seoul Metropolitan Government, foreign embassies, and offices of both large and small businesses. This area is densely populated with numerous office workers.
To meet the demand of these office workers, you can find restaurants scattered throughout the area, particularly in the underground malls of large buildings. Royal Building is one of these locations, easily accessible from Exit 1 of Gwanghwamun Station on Line 5.
“Seoul Gwanghwamun, Meshiya at Royal Building”
In the underground mall of Gwanghwamun’s Royal Building, you can find a restaurant called “Meshiya” specializing in tonkatsu (breaded and deep-fried pork cutlet). It’s a place that offers a casual and approachable atmosphere, perfect for a simple meal rather than a grand Japanese dining experience.
As the name suggests, it’s a rice restaurant where you can easily drop by for a quick meal, rather than a destination you’d intentionally seek out.
The menu at Meshiya primarily consists of tonkatsu:
- Kimchi Tonkatsu: KRW 10,000
- Sweet Potato Kimchi Tonkatsu: KRW 11,000
- Garlic Pork Cutlet: KRW 11,000
- Rosu Katsu (Pork Loin Cutlet): KRW 9,000
- Cheese Pork Cutlet: KRW 11,000
- Garlic Pork: KRW 10,000
- Katsudon (Pork Cutlet Bowl): KRW 9,500
- Kimchi Katsudon: KRW 10,000
- Curry Katsudon: KRW 10,000
- Chicken Karaage Don: KRW 10,000
- Udon (Noodles in Broth): KRW 8,000
- Udon + Rosu: KRW 11,000
- Udon + Buffalo: KRW 11,000
- Udon + Sweet Potato Cheese: KRW 11,000
Notably, Kimchi Tonkatsu is priced at KRW 10,000.
On this visit, I decided to try the Kimchi Tonkatsu. While I’m not particularly fond of tonkatsu in general, as fried foods tend to be heavy for me, I thought that incorporating kimchi might add an interesting twist and help balance out the richness.
Indeed, the tonkatsu was topped with a sauce that featured a hint of kimchi flavor. Although the kimchi taste wasn’t overpowering, it harmonized well with the tonkatsu, making it quite enjoyable.
One minor drawback was that the portion size wasn’t particularly generous. It would be even better if they provided a bit more or offered an option to add extra. Overall, Meshiya is a decent spot for a casual meal, suitable for everyday dining rather than a special occasion.
“Seoul Gwanghwamun, Meshiya at Royal Building”
- Address: 57-58, Royal Building, 19 Saemunan-ro 5-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
- Phone: 02-720-8688