Samgyetang with high chairs for toddlers in Sangdong, Bucheon: Oi

A record of a family meal at Oi Samgyetang, a spot known for delicious samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup) in Sangdong, Bucheon.

Why we keep going back to Oi Samgyetang in Sangdong, Bucheon

I don't eat samgyetang all that often, but it's the kind of dish that comes to mind when the weather turns hot or I'm feeling run down. Whenever that craving hits, I end up at Oi Samgyetang, a well-known samgyetang restaurant in Sangdong, Bucheon. I first found this place six or seven years ago, and it's had a long-standing reputation in Bucheon for great samgyetang. I've tried a few other places since then, but in the end Oi Samgyetang was still the best. These days I don't bother experimenting anymore — when I want samgyetang, this is just where I go.

• Oi Samgyetang — a top spot for samgyetang in Bucheon
• Address: 87 Jomaru-ro, 101–202, Wonmi-gu, Bucheon-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
• Hours: 11:00–21:00
• Parking available

Inside Oi Samgyetang: a large, comfortable dining hall

Oi Samgyetang — the name is pretty unusual. Oi and samgyetang, what a combination, I thought at first. Turns out it's not the cucumber (oi) we all think of, but a word meaning "five benefits." The restaurant itself is huge — great for group meals and just as comfortable for a family dinner.

They have baby chairs and baby dishware ready, so visiting with a little one isn't a problem at all.

What does Oi Samgyetang's herbal mung bean samgyetang taste like?

Looking at the menu, they serve samgyetang, whole boiled chicken, dak-dori-tang (spicy braised chicken), and whole boiled duck. I always get the herbal mung bean samgyetang — the mung bean gives it a really nutty flavor, and with jujube, ginseng and other ingredients in there, the broth has this clean yet deep taste that makes you feel like you're doing your body good. Really an appealing dish.

The side dishes came out first, and if you want more you can help yourself at the self-serve bar. I just took small amounts so as not to leave any behind.

The herbal mung bean samgyetang arrived bubbling away in a hot stone pot. The rich broth was full of soft, tender chicken meat.

The meat was so tender it came apart easily with just chopsticks, so picking the meat off the bone was no trouble at all.

Inside you could see jujube, ginseng and other herbal ingredients. And underneath, a generous serving of mung bean porridge.

I also asked for a taster of ginseng liquor. They give you a small amount at no extra charge, but you do need to ask specifically to have it served. I used to not be able to handle strong liquor, so I'd never thought to try ginseng liquor, but back when my husband and I were dating, he suggested we try it once — and wow, that also felt like proper tonic food in a glass. Take a sip of ginseng liquor, then a bite of samgyetang, and maybe it's all in my head, but you really do feel healthier(?). The combination of ginseng liquor and samgyetang is excellent.

Parking and the first-floor customer rest area at Oi Samgyetang

Oi Samgyetang is a great place for family groups or larger parties to visit comfortably. When you're choosing a restaurant and driving there, you inevitably have to check whether there's enough parking — but with Oi Samgyetang there's a building parking lot, so parking is never a worry.

On the first floor of the same building there's a customer rest area. It's handy to use while waiting during busy times, or to stop by for a light coffee after eating. Honestly, it's not easy for a restaurant to set aside a separate space just for customers like this, and it made me think that a place that's been loved in this neighborhood for so long really does pay attention to such thoughtful service.

Is Oi Samgyetang worth it with a toddler?

Oi Samgyetang Bucheon Main Branch is a restaurant well known in Bucheon for its samgyetang. The signature herbal mung bean samgyetang wins you over with the nutty taste of the mung bean and the tender chicken, served bubbling hot in a stone pot — finish the whole bowl and you really do feel like you've given your body a proper tonic.

The restaurant itself is spacious, so there's plenty of room, making it a good fit for group meals or family dining. With baby chairs and baby dishware on hand, visiting with a young child, like I did, was never uncomfortable. I've been coming here for years, and the place keeps its comfortable atmosphere without fail, with the same consistent taste and service.

Next time I get a craving for samgyetang, I'll be heading back to Oi Samgyetang again.