Perfect for Summer Health Food! Honest Review of Hanwoo Tripe Pho at Ttam Ttam near Gangnam Station

A Health Food Restaurant Found Due to This Year's Heat

With the weather being so hot lately, I felt the need for some summer health food. A colleague kept recommending it, so I finally visited the pho restaurant 'Ttam Ttam' near Gangnam Station. I heard it was featured on Live Today, and I was curious if it was worth the hype, so I visited with a friend after work on Friday.

It's located about a 7-minute walk from Exit 11 of Gangnam Station in the Yeoksam-dong block. Some might know it as the alley behind Megabox City. It's not hard to find since it's in an alley with many famous restaurants.

Be Prepared for a Wait During Dinner Time

We arrived around 7 PM on Friday evening, and as expected, there was a wait. The waiting time was about 25 minutes, but the turnover was quick, so we got in faster than expected. It was nice to be able to look at the menu while waiting.

The interior was cozier than I expected. The tables weren't spaced widely, but it was clean and well-organized, so it wasn't uncomfortable. The staff was friendly despite being busy.

The Happy Dilemma of Choosing a Menu

The menu was so diverse that it was hard to choose. From basic pho to premium dishes with Hanwoo beef, there was a wide range of options. Since I was there, I ordered the signature dish, 'Spicy Hanwoo Tripe Pho' (24,000 KRW), and my friend chose the 'Hanwoo Premium Health Pho' (17,000 KRW).

We also added a side of Vietnamese spring rolls, which only cost an extra 500 KRW. You can't skip cha gio when it comes to Vietnamese food.

The 24-Hour Hanwoo Bone Broth, Truly Different

The food finally arrived, and it was impressive from the first impression. The bowl was large, and the portion was generous. I took a sip of the broth first, and the rich bone flavor hit me with an incredible umami taste.

The pho noodles were slightly chewier and more elastic than typical Vietnamese pho. The tripe was cooked perfectly without any odor, and perhaps because it was Hanwoo, it was very savory. The spiciness was just right, making it manageable even for someone like me who can't handle spicy food.

I also tried the health pho my friend ordered, and it had a cleaner and more delicate flavor. The Hanwoo brisket was so tender and well-extracted that it was truly a health food.

Can't Miss the Vietnamese Spring Rolls

The spring rolls were filled with fresh vegetables and shrimp, and the peanut sauce was very savory. They were perfect as a palate cleanser while eating pho. It tasted similar to what I had in Vietnam.

How's the Value for Money?

Honestly, I initially thought the price was a bit steep, but after eating, I found the portion and quality of ingredients justified it. Especially for a dish with Hanwoo beef, it seemed reasonably priced. Knowing they use domestic ingredients also gave me peace of mind.

Plenty of Nearby Places to Explore

The alley where Ttam Ttam is located is a food alley with many other famous places. Places like Insaeng Beer, Tteokdoritang, and Oreno Ramen are all nearby. After dining, you can shop at the Gangnam Station underground mall or watch a movie at CGV, making it a great date course.

Honest Overall Impression

Overall, it was a very satisfying meal. Especially as a summer health food, it was truly the best. The Hanwoo bone broth was rich yet not greasy, so I could finish it all. Although there's a wait, I felt it was justified.

However, the restaurant is a bit noisy, so if you prefer a quiet atmosphere, keep that in mind. Also, the spicy dishes are really spicy, so if you can't handle spicy food, I recommend sticking to the basic menu.

Next time, I definitely want to try other dishes. I'm particularly curious about the Pho Moi (Health Pho) and Pho Luot (Spicy Pho). I have a 100% intention to revisit!