Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting 호랑이식당 - From Menu to Tips

Basic Information about 호랑이식당

Located at 1st floor, Raphael Building, 20 Bongeunsa-ro 4-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, 호랑이식당 is famous for its unique Korean-style ramen in the Gangnam area. This is a fusion ramen specialty restaurant that reinterprets Japanese ramen to suit Korean tastes, offering special menus based on a rich bone broth.

It is closer to Sinnonhyeon Station than Gangnam Station and is a popular restaurant with frequent waiting lines. As it is a well-known ramen spot that attracts new customers every day, it's advisable to gather information before visiting.

Business Hours and Location Information

Address: 1st floor, Raphael Building, 20 Bongeunsa-ro 4-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul

Business Hours: Daily 12:00 - 21:00 (Last order 20:00/20:30)

Break Time: 15:00 - 17:00

Contact: 02-508-6655

Accessibility: It is closer to Sinnonhyeon Station by foot, and also within walking distance from Gangnam Station. Parking is not provided, so it is recommended to use nearby paid parking lots or public transportation.

Menu and Price Information

The menu at 호랑이식당 is simple yet distinctive. The main menu is divided into four categories.

Main Menu

• 호면: 9,500 KRW - Signature menu of 호랑이식당 featuring spicy bone broth
• 마제면: 9,500 KRW~10,500 KRW - A unique combination of mixed ramen style with mayonnaise on top
• 백호면: Recommended for those who cannot handle spicy flavors, featuring a creamy broth ramen
• 차슈덮밥: 8,900 KRW~10,500 KRW - A hearty rice bowl topped with thick chashu and soft-boiled egg

Side Menu

• 양념차슈: 5,900 KRW~6,500 KRW
• 마라만두: Popular side menu
• 유부초밥
• 가라아게 (Japanese-style fried chicken)

You can add steamed rice as a set to the menu, and if ordered separately, it costs 1,300 KRW, so ordering as a set is more economical if you need rice.

Usage Method and Order System

호랑이식당 operates on a kiosk prepayment order system. Select your menu and complete payment at the vending machine near the entrance, then follow the staff's guidance to take your seat.

Seating Arrangement:

• Both table seats and counter seats (bar seats) are available
• Open kitchen format allows you to watch the cooking process
• Atmosphere is not intimidating for solo diners
• Maintained with a clean Japanese-style interior

Reservations are not accepted, and you must wait on-site. There may be a wait during peak hours (lunch, dinner), so it's advisable to visit with some time to spare.

Store Environment and Atmosphere

The interior of 호랑이식당 captures the unique atmosphere of a Japanese ramen shop. With an open kitchen, you can directly watch the cooking process, which gives a sense of trust, and it is well-maintained, leaving a clean impression.

The tables are spaced widely, allowing for comfortable dining, and the environment is not burdensome for solo diners. The restroom is conveniently located inside the store.

On the table, napkins, vinegar, pepper, and minced garlic are provided. Adding minced garlic to the 호면 enhances the refreshing taste, so be sure to make use of it!

Tips and Precautions

Tips

• Use of Minced Garlic: Adding a generous amount of minced garlic provided on the table enhances the refreshing taste
• Avoiding Waiting: Visiting outside peak hours (12-13:00, 18-20:00) allows for a wait-free experience
• Set Menu: If you need rice, ordering as a set is more economical than ordering separately
• Additional Toppings: You can order additional toppings like eggs, chashu, and noodles to suit your taste

Precautions

• Parking: No dedicated parking, so use nearby paid parking lots
• Break Time: Not open from 15:00-17:00, so check the time before visiting
• Payment: Only prepayment via kiosk is available
• No Reservations: Reservations are not accepted, so on-site waiting is necessary

Recommendations for Different Situations

Recommended for Solo Diners

The counter seats are well-arranged, and many people dine alone, so it's not burdensome. Sitting in front of the open kitchen adds the fun of watching the cooking process.

Date Course

It's nice to sit at a table and enjoy special ramen together in a Japanese-style atmosphere. The store is well-maintained, making it suitable for a date spot.

Spicy Taste Preferences

• For those who like spicy flavors: 호면 is recommended
• For those who can't handle spicy flavors: 백호면 is recommended
• For those wanting a unique taste: 마제면 (with mayonnaise topping) is recommended

Summary of Actual User Experiences

Compiling various user reviews reveals some common features.

Positive Reviews

The common positive point mentioned by users is the rich taste of the deep bone broth. Many reviews mention that they immediately recognize the bone base upon the first bite, and there is high satisfaction with the spicy yet refreshing broth taste.

The texture of the noodles is also praised, with the thick fresh noodles providing a unique bouncy feel different from regular ramen. Many reviews note that it retains the glossy texture like chewy noodles while maintaining the unique texture of ramen.

The soft-boiled egg is also well-received. Many reviews mention that it is served in a perfectly soft-boiled state, just before the yolk bursts, complementing the ramen well.

Areas for Improvement

There are also areas for improvement noted in various experiences. Some users mentioned that the texture of the chashu was tougher than expected, and there were reviews stating that the broth quantity was somewhat lacking, giving a thick feel.

There were also opinions that the young radish kimchi served as a side dish was not well-matched with the ramen. Several reviews suggested that side dishes like pickled radish or pickled ginger would be more suitable.

Willingness to Revisit

The willingness to revisit among actual users is mixed. While the unique charm of 호랑이식당 is acknowledged, evaluations seem to vary based on personal taste. Those who enjoy bone broth tend to have higher satisfaction.

Overall Summary

호랑이식당 is a special restaurant in the Gangnam area where you can taste unique Korean-style fusion ramen. It is an impressive place with signature menus based on deep bone broth and the harmony of bouncy fresh noodles.

Recommended for: Those who like spicy ramen, prefer the rich taste of bone broth, solo diners, and those interested in unique fusion cuisine

Points to Note: Possibility of waiting, parking inconvenience, checking break time hours

Overall, it's a place where you can experience the distinctive taste of 호랑이식당, so if you're looking for a different kind of ramen in the Gangnam area, it's recommended to visit at least once!