Songpa bar with open window views and meat dishes: Sangkai

Looking for a filling meat meal before a rushed appointment

Lately, I had been carrying so much tension in my neck and shoulders that I had booked a visit to a care center for body-shape treatment. I had a little time before the session, but I was absolutely starving and in a rush, so I looked around nearby thinking I should fill my stomach quickly first. Usually, people go to bars to drink, but I am not much of a drinker, and that day I was really craving a hearty meat meal, so I headed over without hesitation.

Even if you do not drink, everyone has a type of atmosphere they prefer. I also prefer somewhere quiet and comfortable where I can enjoy food, rather than a loud, chaotic place. I especially really dislike the atmosphere of middle-aged men gathering around, making a racket and shouting, so I look very carefully at the mood of a place when choosing one. Sangkai Izakaya Bangi Branch (산카이 이자카야 방이점), where I stopped this time, had exactly the sensibility and atmosphere I like.

Open window views, even from the second floor

It is on the second floor, but once you go in and sit by the window, it feels as though you are on the fourth or fifth floor because the view opens up so widely. The windows were wide open, and the layout let me feel the breeze, elegantly take in the view outside, and eat at the same time, so I loved both the location and the view. It was just the kind of atmospheric space I like. I could see a large raw-fish restaurant called Bangi Susan downstairs, but I am not really a seafood person—except for sushi—so I went straight up to the second floor.

Meat dishes after the special sushi sold out

I had originally planned to order the special sushi because I love sushi, but unfortunately I was told it was sold out. Time was short because of my treatment appointment and I was getting antsy, so I quickly turned to the other options and placed my order. After some thought, I chose mostly meat dishes to fill up: beef tataki, brisket and bean sprout stir-fry, plus ginkgo skewers and chicken-heart skewers on the side.

After ordering, I briefly worried that I might have ordered too much with two meat dishes plus skewers. But as soon as I saw the food arrive, that worry disappeared completely. The beef tataki came with fresh, rosy-red beef and an incredible abundance of vegetables, and I was happy just looking at it.

I usually make a point of eating vegetables, so I was truly delighted to see fresh vegetables piled up like a mountain. The brisket and bean sprout stir-fry was also generously loaded with crisp bean sprouts, vegetables, and meat, so it was quite a substantial portion.

Nutty meat, crisp vegetables, and a complete clean plate

I needed to eat quickly, but once the food arrived, I inhaled it so fast that I surprised even myself. It looked like a lot at first, but the nutty meat and crisp vegetables went so well together that I never got tired of it, and in the end I cleared every last bit. Even with time running out, I had eaten it all, and I could not help chuckling to myself at how well I can eat.

Ginkgo and chicken-heart skewers, too

The ginkgo and chicken-heart skewers I ordered alongside were also special treats. The chicken-heart skewers were wonderfully nutty and chewy, while the ginkgo skewers were nicely grilled and perfect for cleansing the palate. At first, looking at the menu, I wondered if the ginkgo skewers were a little pricey. Then I remembered seeing roasted ginkgo nuts sold for ₩5,000 at a street stall the day before. Considering street prices and ingredients these days, I thought ginkgo nuts themselves must simply be on the pricier side. Above all, Sangkai's ginkgo skewers were clean with no unpleasant smell and had a somewhat refined taste, so I enjoyed them very much.

Among the bars in Songpa's Bangi-dong food alley, Sangkai Izakaya Bangi Branch has a truly varied and generous menu, making it excellent for a meal as well as a wonderful space to talk in an atmospheric setting. With its wide-open window view and neat, delicious drinking dishes, this was such a satisfying visit that I naturally found myself wanting to return later with good company.