Yeonnam-dong donburi revisit: sake-don & tori karaage-don, Jongno

Why I came back to Jongno Donburi Yeonnam

The reason I came back to Jongno Donburi Yeonnam (종로돈부리 연남) is the sake-don I ate last time. I was walking through the alleys of Yeonnam-dong not long ago, couldn't stop thinking about that salmon bowl, and ended up back here.

I remembered being very happy with my first visit, so this time I came back with my wife for a nice lunch together.

Where is Jongno Donburi Yeonnam, and what's the atmosphere like?

Jongno Donburi Yeonnam sits in a quiet corner of a Yeonnam-dong alley. Maybe because it was my second visit, it didn't feel unfamiliar at all, more like returning to a hideout after a long time. Even before stepping inside, I could feel its calm, cute charm, and I thought, I'm glad I came back.

When I opened the door, the warm wood-toned interior was still neatly kept.

Probably because it was my second time, the friendly alley view outside the window felt even more welcoming. The cozy mood, perfect for a quiet conversation with a partner, was just as good as before. The bar table for eating quietly on your own was still tidily set, and the savory aroma filling the whole place whetted my appetite all over again.

What I ordered on my return: sake-don and tori karaage-don

Without any hesitation, I ordered the same two dishes I enjoyed last time at Jongno Donburi Yeonnam: sake-don (salmon bowl) and tori karaage-don (fried chicken bowl).

Reading the sign again, which says fresh ingredients are carefully prepared every morning at dawn, I felt once more why this place is so loved as a Yeonnam-dong Japanese restaurant. Even the wait was enjoyable, with the tidy table setting and the warm lighting.

How is the sake-don at Jongno Donburi Yeonnam?

Even on a revisit, the sake-don at Jongno Donburi Yeonnam didn't let me down; it was the best. I put a little wasabi on a thick, fresh slice of salmon and ate it, and the salmon's rich flavor and soft texture spreading through my mouth were simply art.

The seasoning soaked between the rice grains was just right too, so I never got tired of it while finishing the bowl and enjoyed it to the last bite. My wife, who loves salmon, kept praising it, saying it seemed even better than last time.

What is the fried chicken texture like in the tori karaage-don?

The tori karaage-don at Jongno Donburi Yeonnam was also still excellent, with fried chicken crispy outside and juicy inside. The harmony of sauce, cabbage and crunchy chicken together is a charm you can't easily find elsewhere.

It was my second visit, but I felt the same delight as the first time. If anything, the familiar taste made it feel even more comfortable and delicious.

Service and overall verdict on the revisit

The staff at Jongno Donburi Yeonnam were kind again this time, so I could relax and have a good time throughout the meal. Not only the delicious food but also the cozy atmosphere, just like the first time, left me satisfied with everything. After a hearty meal, I had the energy to wander around the Yeonnam-dong alleys.

If you're looking for a reliably tasty Japanese meal near Yeonnam-dong, or thinking about a nice Yeonnam-dong date course, I strongly recommend visiting Jongno Donburi Yeonnam at least once.

Once you visit, you'll surely end up coming back like me. It was a perfect dinner that let me feel again the happiness a bowl of rice made carefully with fresh ingredients can bring.

Overall) Jongno Donburi Yeonnam is a Japanese restaurant known for fresh salmon and thick tonkatsu, and the staff are so kind that you feel well looked after. Besides sake-don and hire katsu-don, the menu includes mix katsu-don, tendon and more, and thanks to the clean wood-toned interior and roomy seating, it's popular for dates and family gatherings.