Sanbon-dong‘s Best Value Baekban Restaurant: Eumae Hanu Sommeori
Gyeonggi Province Gunpo Located at 577 Gunpo-ro, Eumae Hanu Sommeori is a hidden gem where you can enjoy a generous baekban at an affordable price. It operates from 8 AM to 9:30 PM on weekdays, but it seems to actually close around 3 PM. It is closed on weekends and public holidays.
The lunch baekban here is particularly noteworthy, costing only 8,000 won, offering incredible value for money amidst rising prices. All side dishes are refillable, and you even get sweet sikhye for dessert. The praise for its taste is best conveyed through photos, as a table is filled with an array of neat and delicious side dishes.
Diverse Menu, Generous Portions
While the menu lists various meal options, the true charm of this place lies in its baekban. My personal favorite is the Jeyuk Bokkeum (spicy stir-fried pork), featuring thick, delicious slices of pork. The generous serving of ssam vegetables adds to the satisfaction, making me eagerly await the days it’s on the menu.
The Budae Jjigae (sausage stew) is packed with generous amounts of ham, rice cakes, tofu, and ramen noodles. You can even request an extra ramen noodle pack. Although I’ve never been able to finish it to add more, it proves how substantial the portion is.
The Yukgaejang (spicy beef soup) served in a ttukbaegi (earthenware pot) is hearty with plenty of glass noodles and beef, making for a filling meal. Additionally, the Sundubu Jjigae (soft tofu stew) is brimming with soft tofu and is so generous in portion that I often leave some behind. It’s said that on days Sundubu Jjigae is served, almost everyone orders it.
The Pork Kimchi Jjigae is also worthy of being called a ‘legend’ with its generous chunks of thick pork. You can get full just by eating the pork alone; the portion is that abundant. The Dakbokkeumtang (spicy braised chicken) has a thick broth perfect for mixing with rice, and it uses fresh potatoes, giving it a tender and savory flavor.
The Altang (spicy pollack roe stew) is packed with pollack roe and gon (fish milt), boasting a refreshing broth that rivals specialized restaurants. The Dongtae Tang (pollack stew) has a refreshing broth that makes you understand why adults love it.
There are many other delicious dishes, and the Cheonggukjang (rich soybean paste stew) is particularly satisfying with its generous amount of tofu. On days when Doenjang Jjigae (soybean paste stew) is served, grilled fish is included as a side dish, making for an even more abundant meal.
The sikhye served after the meal is perfectly sweet, making for a great palate cleanser. Other dishes, like the So Bulgogi Jeongol (beef bulgogi hot pot), which haven’t been introduced yet, are also delicious, and the addition of glass noodles makes it one of my favorites.
If you’re looking for a delicious baekban restaurant near Gunpo Station in Sanbon-dong, Eumae Hanu Sommeori is highly recommended. However, if too many people visit, the waiting time can get long, so it might be wise to visit at a less crowded time.
