Eel lunch special in Myeonmok with oyster lettuce wraps: Cheonsangae

Whenever I'm stressed out or feeling a little run down, the first thing that pops into my head is rich, nutty freshwater eel!

This time I wanted something a bit special that would still really fill me up and restore my energy, so I went to Cheonsangae Jangeoga Myeonmok Sagajeong Branch (천상애장어가 면목사가정점), a lunch spot in Myeonmok that's famous by word of mouth.

The setting is classy, the top-grade Japonica eel is reasonably priced, and the lunch special spread is really excellent. I'd happily recommend it for taking your parents or for a get-together. Here's my honest review of a meal I really enjoyed!

Where is Cheonsangae Jangeoga Myeonmok Sagajeong Branch, and what is it like inside?

The restaurant sits on a two-lane main road, about 380 m on foot from Exit 1 of Sagajeong Station on Line 7 (also about 380 m from Exit 2 of Myeonmok Station), so it's really easy to reach by public transport. There's a bus stop for Myeondong Elementary School right in front, too.

The moment I walked in, I loved that the interior is so stylish and clean, unlike a typical eel grill place. The whole space feels upscale and neat, and I thought it was perfect for bringing parents or hosting a gathering.

The staff were very kind from start to finish, and since I came at lunchtime the place was pleasant, so it's easy to relax and just focus on eating.

• Address: 370 Myeonmok-ro, Jungnang-gu, Seoul, South Korea (1st floor)
• Hours: daily 11:30–22:00
• Lunch hours: 11:30–15:00 (last order 14:00)

What's in the charcoal-grilled snow mushroom wild ginseng eel set for 2, and how much is it?

I ordered the signature spread, the charcoal-grilled snow mushroom wild ginseng freshwater eel set for 2 (₩79,000)! Two extra-large, good-quality domestic Japonica freshwater eels came with prized snow mushrooms, healthy cultured wild ginseng root and Tongyeong salted oysters (eoril-gul-jeot), all laid out generously. I thought the value for the price was really good.

Do the staff grill the eel for you?

Yes! Another thing I liked is that the staff carefully grill the eel for you on a top-quality charcoal grill. It comes out golden and perfectly cooked, with no burnt bits, so I could enjoy lunch without any fuss, and that was satisfying.

How did the Japonica eel taste, and what did it go with?

The Japonica eel, grilled golden over charcoal, was crispy outside and wonderfully plump and tender inside, and I could really feel the nutty juices filling my mouth.

I topped the eel with the slightly bitter, fragrant cultured wild ginseng root and the prized snow mushrooms, and it had a deep flavor like a luxurious health dish. Wrapping it in lettuce with savory Tongyeong salted oysters and sharp ginger strips was a real treat, too.

Is the nurungji free?

Nurungji (scorched rice) is served free if you ask for it, so if you'd like some, be sure to request it to finish your meal!

The flavors are healthy and tidy, the kind my parents would love, so I was very satisfied throughout. With a full menu and great value, it was a really satisfying lunch in Myeonmok.

Is Cheonsangae Jangeoga Myeonmok Sagajeong Branch worth going back to?

Cheonsangae Jangeoga lacked nothing: a classy interior, a generous spread at a reasonable price, and friendly service where they grill for you from start to finish. It's a great Myeonmok eel restaurant for a hearty, restorative lunch special, and I'm planning to come back soon with my parents!

If you're looking for a place near Sagajeong Station to enjoy tasty grilled eel in a classy setting, for a get-together or a nice meal with your parents, give Cheonsangae Jangeoga Myeonmok Sagajeong Branch a visit.