A Hidden Gem at Gangnam-gu Office Station - A Perfect Day with Friends at Doritori Main Branch

The place I've been curious about because of all the skewer photos popping up on Instagram lately! A friend kept saying there’s a delicious izakaya in Gangnam, so I finally decided to check it out. We planned to meet at around 7 PM on Friday at Gangnam-gu Office Station. Coming out of exit 2 and walking behind the Starbucks, it was right there.

An Atmosphere That Captivates from the First Impression

As soon as I opened the door and stepped inside, it was cozier and had a much better atmosphere than I expected. The lighting was soft, and the interior truly felt like an authentic Japanese izakaya. There were both counter seats and table seats, and we were guided to a table. The staff kindly explained the menu to us.

The Joy of Choosing from the Menu

Looking at the menu, there were really a variety of skewers. Knowing they were grilled over a 1200-degree charcoal fire, I was already excited. My friend ordered chicken skewers and chicken karaage, while I ordered fish cake skewers and Sanuki udon. And of course, we went with Asahi beer!

Falling in Love with the Taste of Skewers from the First Bite

When the food arrived, the aroma was distinctly different. You could definitely smell the charcoal. Taking a bite of the chicken skewer... wow, this was the real deal! The outside was crispy, the inside was juicy, and the seasoning was just right. The chicken karaage was incredibly crispy too.

The fish cake skewers were truly special. They weren’t just convenience store fish cakes; they were chewy, and the broth was rich. The Sanuki udon had chewy noodles, which was exactly my style.

A Place Satisfying in Value for Money

The price per skewer was surprisingly affordable. We ate and drank to our fill, and it came to about 50,000 won for the two of us. Considering Gangnam prices, it’s totally reasonable. The portions were adequate, and the taste was great, making it excellent value for money.

Places to Explore Nearby

After leaving Doritori, I took a walk around Gangnam-gu Office Station. There were many cafes and shopping spots, which was nice. Especially with Nonhyeon Rodeo Street nearby, it seems like a great place to head for a second round.

Honest Overall Impression

It was much more satisfying than I expected. The skewers were delicious, the atmosphere was great, and the staff was friendly. The charcoal aroma was distinctly different. It’s a place I’d love to visit again. It seems perfect for gatherings with friends or even dates.

If there’s a downside, it would be better to go a bit early. It can get crowded and noisy during dinner hours. Still, overall, it’s a place I highly recommend!