Songpa Japanese bar for abalone pasta and beef tataki: Motokurashi

Not long ago, I had to go over to Songpa for a body-care appointment. But I had mixed up my Naver reservation and only realized later that it was scheduled for another day, not today. So I ended up having to come back again today—what a letdown—but since I was already all the way in Songpa, I decided to make the most of it with a delicious meal and some work at a nearby café.

Motokurashi, found on a day I was craving beef in Songridan-gil

Maybe because I have been eating so much seafood lately, even though I do not usually eat it that often, I somehow felt unsatisfied. I guess I am more of a hearty-meat person than a seafood person. Sushi is the exception—I absolutely love it—but that day I was desperately craving tender beef, so I headed to Motokurashi (모토쿠라시), an izakaya, or Japanese-style bar, known as a great food-and-drink spot in Songridan-gil.

I ordered the abalone innards pasta to fill up on carbs, the beef tataki as the main dish, and mochiri tofu, which I had been curious about.

First impressions at the entrance and bar seats

The entrance was a little confusing. I do not know if the two places have the same owner, but there are two storefronts. It is the one on the right. I almost naturally walked into the one on the left, haha.

And when I went in, the female staff member smiled so brightly that I almost fell for her, haha. I thought she was someone I knew… She seems like such a lovely person!! The kind of person who smiles easily even at strangers, almost like someone from overseas.

The rich, nutty cream sauce of the abalone innards pasta

The abalone innards pasta arrived first, and its appearance immediately caught my eye. It was packed with fresh abalone, while the innards melted deliciously into a smooth cream sauce.

Ah, looking at it up close, was it a little shaky…? I will take better photos next time.

The sauce was so rich and nutty that I honestly wanted to lick the plate clean. But I was sitting at the bar, so I had to preserve some dignity—I can only regret that I could not do it. The deep flavor of that cream sauce was truly impressive.

Sitting at the bar also meant I could watch the manager carefully cooking right in front of me, which was a treat for the eyes too. As we chatted, I was told that this place is already in its ninth year. I had assumed it was a newly opened spot because of its sleek, clean interior, so I was surprised to learn that it has been loved in the same location for such a long time.

Beef tataki, lightly seared on the outside

Next came the beef tataki, lightly seared only on the outside and incredibly tender. Rather than having the raw feel of yukhoe (Korean beef tartare), it had the texture of beef that had been lightly and perfectly cooked. As I tasted the soft, tender meat, I could not help thinking, “Beef really is the best.”

Should I start carrying around a mini tripod or something? Hmm...!!

My first mochiri tofu and the date-night atmosphere

Trying mochiri tofu for the first time was such a fresh and fun experience—it had a texture like chewy, bouncy tofu. It was subtly addictive enough that I searched Coupang on the way home to see whether there was something similar. If you would like to enjoy it as a special treat at home, ordering it online could be a good option.

As I ate, I also noticed men and women on a blind date at one of the tables farther inside. With the soft lighting and its distinct, atmospheric mood, it felt like an izakaya that would be great for a date, a blind date, or simply sharing a pleasant drink.

If you are looking for a good food-and-drink spot in Songridan-gil, I definitely recommend visiting Motokurashi, which gets both the atmosphere and the food right. I think I will be back soon once I start missing these flavors.