Sinseoldong lamb skewers & kkanpung eggplant shrimp: Yangchigi Sonyeo

A few days ago my husband and I went back to Yangchigi Sonyeo Sinseoldong (양치기소녀 신설동점). I've already written about this place on my blog several times, but somehow, after every visit, I find myself craving it again.

It's the first place that comes to mind when I want lamb, and if you're looking for somewhere good to have a drink near Sinseoldong, your feet just naturally head here. We came after work again, and the restaurant was already packed with customers. It really is a steadily loved Dongdaemun restaurant.

• Address: 13 Cheonho-daero, 1st floor, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul
• Hours: Mon–Sat 11:00–24:00 / Sun 17:00–24:00 / last order 23:00
• Groups welcome, takeout, separate men's and women's restrooms, reservations, parking

Where is Yangchigi Sonyeo Sinseoldong, and where do you park?

Yangchigi Sonyeo Sinseoldong is a 1-minute walk from Exits 6 and 7 of Sinseoldong Station. Being right in front of the station makes it really easy to reach, and there's room for about 4 cars next to the restaurant, so it's convenient if you're driving. It's a great meeting spot in Dongdaemun, so I'd recommend it for get-togethers with friends or company dinners too.

Exterior and interior atmosphere

The restaurant has a cute sheep-character sign that stands out even from far away. Even first-timers can find it easily.

The inside is much tidier than you'd expect. The chandelier lighting gives it a classy feel, and the tables are spaced generously, so you can eat comfortably. It doesn't have that stuffy feeling lamb skewer places often have, and the ventilation is good, so the smell doesn't soak into your clothes too badly, which I appreciated. Maybe that's why everyone from couples on dates to office dinner groups comes to this Sinseoldong lamb skewer restaurant.

The ₩60,000 lamb skewer set: what comes with it?

Here's what we ordered at Yangchigi Sonyeo Sinseoldong this time. It was a really generous spread. Every time we go, they're so kind!

• Lamb skewer set ₩60,000 (2 portions of lamb skewers, fried eggplant with shrimp, tomato egg soup)
• Extra garlic skewers
• Stir-fried chives and meat (free from the owner)

Side dishes that already work as drinking snacks

The side dishes at Yangchigi Sonyeo Sinseoldong are peanuts, seasoned dried tofu, salad, and cucumber glass noodle salad. They may not sound like much, but every single one tastes good.

The seasoned dried tofu in particular is nutty with a subtle spice aroma, and the cucumber glass noodle salad really woke up my appetite with its crunchy texture.

It's the perfect lineup for starting a glass of soju before the lamb is grilled! Just picking at the side dishes makes the drinks go down easily.

The charcoal makes the difference

A place with great lamb skewers starts with the charcoal.

The moment you put the skewers on the brazier packed with charcoal, they start sizzling and a savory aroma spreads. One whiff and you instantly know why this is a go-to Sinseoldong lamb skewer spot.

Two portions of lamb skewers: is there any gamey smell?

The lamb skewers at Yangchigi Sonyeo Sinseoldong come out slightly crisp outside and juicy inside. The sight of golden lamb skewers cooking never fails to make me happy. The juices burst the moment you bite, and a rich, savory flavor fills your mouth.

There's almost none of that typical lamb gaminess and the meat is tender, so I think even people trying lamb for the first time can eat it without hesitation! A light dip in cumin seasoning (zira) doubles the nuttiness and savoriness.

That moment of taking a sip of your drink and then a bite of lamb skewer is pure happiness. That's why I keep coming back to Yangchigi Sonyeo Sinseoldong. Personally, I think it's the best of the Dongdaemun restaurants for real lamb skewers!

The juices spread through your mouth the second you bite in. The lamb, lightly scented with charcoal smoke, is chewy yet tender, and the savory flavor of the fat rises the more you chew. It has that deep, rich lamb savoriness, yet almost no gamey smell, so you just keep reaching for more.

Fried eggplant with shrimp: the top pick of this visit

The fried eggplant with shrimp (ganpung gaji saeu) was the dish that really amazed me on this visit to Yangchigi Sonyeo Sinseoldong!! (Highly recommended)

The eggplant is tossed in a glossy sauce, with shrimp packed inside. The eggplant is slightly crisp outside and melts soft inside. It loosens up moist in your mouth, and the sweet, slightly spicy ganpung sauce makes you keep reaching for more.

The shrimp inside stays plump and bouncy, and gets sweeter the more you chew. You get crisp-outside, moist-inside eggplant and springy shrimp in the same bite, and the texture contrast is really great. With its sweet, slightly spicy sauce, it's perfect to eat between lamb skewers. Lamb skewers alone can get a bit greasy, but the eggplant with shrimp balances things out perfectly in the middle, which made it the best set. That dish alone is reason enough to return to this Sinseoldong lamb skewer restaurant.

Tomato egg soup: the broth you must have with lamb skewers

The tomato egg soup at Yangchigi Sonyeo is a must with lamb skewers! You really have to try it to know. It's an absolutely amazing dish. One spoonful of the broth and your stomach feels settled.

The gentle acidity of the tomato cuts right through the greasiness, and the softly cooked egg makes the broth deeper and cozier. It's rich in savory flavor yet clean, so it was perfect to sip between drinks. Lamb skewer, a spoonful of tomato egg soup, then another bite of lamb skewer. This combo is the best!!

The free stir-fried chives and meat

The stir-fried chives and meat was the dish that touched me most that day. The owner of Yangchigi Sonyeo Sinseoldong sent it out for free, and honestly, the quality was far too good to call a freebie. (I think they gave it to every table?)

The chives, quickly stir-fried over high heat, keep a strong fragrance, and the meat has a smoky wok flavor. The more you chew, the more the freshness of the chives and the nuttiness of the meat blend, and the savory flavor just explodes. I want more!! It's the perfect snack for somaek (soju mixed with beer). With an owner who generously hands out service like this, how could I not be a regular and love Yangchigi Sonyeo!!

Overall verdict on Yangchigi Sonyeo Sinseoldong

• Tender lamb skewers with no gamey smell
• Juicy, high-quality meat
• Fried eggplant with shrimp: seriously strongly recommended
• Tomato egg soup for a clean finish
• Kind owner and a tidy restaurant
• A place that gets more satisfying the more you return

If you're craving lamb skewers and somaek in Sinseoldong, there's nothing to think about. If you're looking for a Dongdaemun restaurant or a Sinseoldong lamb skewer spot, and somewhere you can be happy with both the food and the service, I can confidently recommend Yangchigi Sonyeo Sinseoldong again this time. I've been going since last year and have already visited many times, but I plan to keep coming back. It's a true regulars' favorite.