Anyang Pyeongchon Gyokaizen - The World of Luxurious Low-Temperature Aged Tonkatsu
Discovering a Hidden Tonkatsu Gem in Anyang
Recently, I heard about a place frequently mentioned on Instagram as a great tonkatsu spot in Pyeongchon, so I decided to visit out of curiosity. It's called Gyokaizen, located about a 7-minute walk from Pyeongchon Station, in the basement of an apartment complex. Initially, I wondered if I was in the right place, but as I descended the stairs, I saw a sleek exterior. As a fan of tonkatsu, I couldn't resist checking it out!
Honestly, I was a bit surprised by its popularity, even during weekday lunchtime, with a waiting line. I heard it gained popularity after YouTubers visited. To avoid waiting, it's best to visit right after the 11 AM opening or just after the break time (15:00-17:00).
A Hidden Gem in the Basement of an Apartment Complex
Located in the basement of Gongjakbuyoung Apartment's shopping center, Gyokaizen was surprisingly spacious. The combination of an old apartment basement and sophisticated interior gave it a unique feel. Unlike typical tonkatsu places, it had an air of elegance.
Parking was convenient as I could use the apartment's parking lot. With over 1,700 units, there was ample parking space, so no worries there. Inside, there were table seats and bar seats, and since I was dining alone, I was seated at the bar. It was actually better because I could watch the chef's cooking process up close.
Exploring the World of Pig Breeds
The most distinctive feature of Gyokaizen is that you can taste tonkatsu made from various pig breeds. There was a 'pig map' at the entrance, explaining the taste characteristics of each breed. The owner posts the available breeds daily on Instagram stories, and only those with pig stickers can be ordered.
It was fascinating how the taste varied so much by breed. I had never considered pig breeds when eating tonkatsu before. There were many unfamiliar names like Berkshire K, Tamra Baekdon, and Sangroskatsu, but the staff kindly explained, making the selection process enjoyable.
The Dilemma of Menu Selection
Before ordering, I saw a variety of menu options like Special Loin, Special Tenderloin, Hire (Tenderloin) Katsu, Rosu (Loin) Katsu, and Assorted (Loin + Tenderloin). On the owner's recommendation, I chose the Assorted since it was my first visit, allowing me to experience the texture difference between loin and tenderloin at once.
Himalayan pink salt and truffle oil were provided on the table, and burdock root was served as a basic side dish. The tonkatsu sauce was served separately, and unlike regular tonkatsu sauce, it had a rich taste and aroma.
The Taste of Low-Temperature Aged Tonkatsu
Gyokaizen's tonkatsu is characterized by being cooked at low temperatures. This allowed for a completely different texture compared to regular tonkatsu. The loin had a strong chew but was incredibly juicy, preserving the meat's original flavor. The round, tenderloin was especially soft, melting in the mouth.
The combination of crispy batter and tender meat was fantastic. The batter was not thick, allowing for a light and enjoyable meal without feeling greasy. Sprinkling Himalayan pink salt enhanced the meat's flavor, and a drop or two of truffle oil added a luxurious aroma, depending on your preference.
The Chef's Passion Reflected in the Food
The biggest difference between a typical tonkatsu place and Gyokaizen is the strong presence of the chef. Usually, when we visit a katsuya, we think of it as a familiar place for a casual meal. However, at Gyokaizen, you can taste the chef's meticulously fried katsu.
The taste was on a different level from any tonkatsu I've had before. Thanks to chefs who are changing and pioneering the market, we can enjoy higher quality consumption and experiences. The taste of the tonkatsu was truly phenomenal.
Service and Price
The service was excellent. The staff explained the pig breeds in detail and guided us on how to enjoy the meal. They advised on how to use salt, sauce, and truffle oil with the tonkatsu, enhancing the dining experience.
The price is slightly higher than typical tonkatsu places, but I believe it's worth it. The Assorted Katsu costs around 25,000 won, which is reasonable considering the quality and quantity. If you love tonkatsu, it's a place worth visiting at least once.
Visiting Tips
If you plan to visit Gyokaizen, here are a few tips. First, to avoid waiting, visit right after the 11 AM opening or just after the break time (15:00-17:00). Second, making a reservation through Catch Table can make your visit more convenient. Third, since the available breeds change daily, it's good to check Gyokaizen's Instagram before visiting.
Business hours are weekdays 11:00-20:50, weekends 11:00-20:20, and closed every Monday. The break time is 15:00-17:00, so keep that in mind. Parking is available in the apartment's parking lot.
Highly Recommend Gyokaizen for Tonkatsu Lovers
Gyokaizen is not just about tonkatsu; it's a place where you can taste luxurious tonkatsu that highlights the characteristics of different pig breeds. Despite its location in an apartment basement, it offers a classy taste and atmosphere. Some even say it's better than katsu in Japan, so if you're a tonkatsu enthusiast, you must visit.
If you've been casually enjoying tonkatsu, at Gyokaizen, you can experience the differences in taste and characteristics of various pig breeds. You might discover a new world of tonkatsu like I did. It's undoubtedly the best tonkatsu place I've tried in Anyang. Next time, I want to try other breeds!
Location Information
Business Name
Gyokaizen
Address
15, Sangga-dong, Basement Floor, Suite 105, Gwanpyeong-ro 212beon-gil, Dongan-gu, Anyang-si, Gyeonggi
Phone Number
0507-1364-5221
Rating
Awards & Special Notes
Menu (4)
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