Cheongju restaurant for spicy shabu pho and cheese katsu: Myeonsikdang

I had some plans in Cheongju and was looking for somewhere filling but not too heavy for lunch. I visited Myeonsikdang Jiwel City (면식당 지웰시티점), already widely known among locals as a great Jiwel City spot for its wide menu selection and reasonable prices. The clean atmosphere, convenient system, and—above all—the excellent, crowd-pleasing menu lineup made this a very satisfying visit, so let me share the details!

Easy access near Bokdae-dong Jiwel City and the interior atmosphere

Myeonsikdang Jiwel City is in the lively area near Jiwel City in Bokdae-dong, Cheongju, so it was very easy to reach by public transportation or car. The tables were generously spaced, making it a great setting to relax and chat over a meal with company. Parking can be registered too, so I parked comfortably. There was plenty of space in the underground lot.

Table-pad ordering and disposable aprons

Once you are seated, you can use the table pad installed at each table to order through the kiosk system. There was no need to call over a staff member while looking at a menu: I could take my time browsing vivid photos and detailed descriptions from my seat, then complete everything from ordering to payment with just a few taps. So convenient!

When eating red-broth dishes, I often worry about splashes landing on light-colored clothes, but plenty of hygienic disposable aprons were prepared on one side of the restaurant. They felt much cleaner and more reassuring than a reusable cloth apron someone else had worn.

Hearty, warming spicy shabu pho

I usually love a warming spicy soup, and this dish had wonderfully full-bodied heat. The large bowl was generously topped with thin, tender shabu-style beef; underneath, crunchy mung bean sprouts and soft rice noodles had soaked up the clear red, spicy broth.

Even with so much meat, the broth was not at all murky or greasy. It was refreshing and deeply savory. Rather than a sharply tongue-pricking spice, it had a pleasant warming kick that seemed to clear everything right out, so I happily finished every last drop without putting down my spoon.

Mozzarella cheese katsu with a mini cold soba set

The second dish was a set of mozzarella cheese katsu and mini cold soba. Freshly fried after ordering, the mozzarella cheese katsu looked perfect: as soon as I lifted it with my chopsticks, the rich, nutty cheese stretched out long like a waterfall. The combination of a crisp, flaky coating, tender mild pork, and salty, deeply flavorful mozzarella filled my mouth with goodness.

The mini cold soba that came with the set was the perfect supporting act, neatly cutting through the richness of the pork cutlet. I mixed plenty of grated radish and fresh wasabi into the rich tsuyu broth, where little shards of ice floated, then slurped up a bite. The noodles were delightfully chewy, and the broth was chilled right to the bone—it instantly woke up my appetite. Being able to enjoy high-quality pork cutlet and soba together at a reasonable price really made its reputation as a great-value Cheongju restaurant feel well deserved.

Overall visit review

With its varied menu lineup that people of all ages can enjoy without much chance of disagreement, this is also a flawless spot for gathering with friends or enjoying a pleasant family meal.

If you want a reliably satisfying, filling meal near Bokdae-dong, or are looking for a true Jiwel City favorite that delivers both quality and friendly prices, do not hesitate to visit Myeonsikdang Jiwel City at least once.