Four years ago when my dear friend Diff took me to this restaurant I wasn't quite sure about it. I was new to Korea, but was also up for new adventures so I went with it and boy am I glad I did!! This restaurant may not be anything pretty to look at, but the FOOD, OMGosh, THE FOOD ~ D E L I C I O U S ! ! The Mackerel Lady Restaurant (I have no idea what the real name of this restaurant is) quickly became a favorite for Hubby and I. We would meet for lunch here at least once a week and if we look into our family history books I'm pretty sure Hubby ate here at least 2-3 times each week, maybe more.
I know, I know, not much to look at from the outside and most of you might run off screaming and never enter. Poor you - that's all I can say.
I know, I know, not much to look at from the outside and most of you might run off screaming and never enter. Poor you - that's all I can say.
This what the outside of the Mackerel Lady Restaurant looks like. You will always see the Mackerel Lady sitting out front cooking Mackerel.
The inside. If you sit at a table you don't have to take your shoes off. If you sit on the floor you remove your shoes before stepping up to the floor tables.
I get to have lunch with two of my favorite people on earth!
The Mackerel Lady: Isn't she precious?
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Check it out, all of this for 6,000 WON!! (She increased her prices by 1,000 won from the last time I was here -but still totally worth it!) And if you run out of any of the sides you get more - FOR FREE.
This is my favorite side dish she offers (Odeng, AKA - fish cakes), although all of her sides are YUMMY!
I prefer to put a wrap a little rice (bap) & mackerel (godeungeo) in seaweed paper (kim). The combination just melts in your mouth. (Thanks for teaching me the right way so many years ago Diff!)
Now the hard part.....directions. This restaurant is in the Samgakji area. I am going to tell you how to get there from Dragon Hill Lodge Gate (forgive me; I haven't learn the gate numbers, as they all changed while I was gone...). Exit DHL gate - when you get to the main road turn left. Go all the way down past the Korean Ministry (on your left), all the way to the end of the War Memorial (on right). You will be at a traffic light - make a left here. Then make an immediate RIGHT (ally type street) You will see these trophy shops on your left:
Go to the first alley (Hangang-daero 62na-gil) and take a left. This is what it looks like:
The Mackerel Lady Restaurant is on the left. You will see the sweet little old lady sitting out front grilling Mackerel - just walk in and find a place to sit. If you go at lunch time she is typically very busy and you may have to wait OR you might actually get to sit in her house - which is a totally fun experience! Have a seat (but don't forget to grab your water bottle and water cups before you sit!) and the ladies working will bring food to you - there is no need to order as there is only one thing on the menu... Get ready for a GREAT meal!