Konkuk Univ. rice bowls with friends: pork rib & cheddar katsu, Hekbap

While looking for a good place to eat around Konkuk University, I stopped by Hekbap Konkuk. The moment I walked in I felt how clean and tidy the place was, so the first impression was already great.

Hekbap Konkuk University Main Branch atmosphere: is it good for eating alone?

Hekbap Konkuk University Main Branch (핵밥 건대본점) is spacious and pleasant, with generous space between tables, so you can eat comfortably even by yourself. It also has window seats and a self-serve corner. The whole space is wide and comfortable, and the tables are far enough apart that you don't have to mind the people next to you and can have some time just for yourself.

There are even window seats made for solo diners, so you can enjoy your meal with an open view.

One side of the restaurant has a self-serve corner. If you run out of side dishes, you can go grab more whenever you like. Spoons, chopsticks and napkins were neatly arranged too, which made it really nice to use.

What's on the menu at Hekbap Konkuk University Main Branch?

The menu has rice bowls of course, plus ramen, soba, udon, tonkatsu and all kinds of set meals. Looking at the menu I was like, wow, there's such a variety. So many choices!

It was one of those happy moments of not knowing what to eat. Each item has a photo, which made choosing much easier. You can also switch to a set to make it more filling.

How to enjoy the katsu, rice bowls and ramen, as written on the menu

One side of the menu kindly explains how to enjoy the katsu. It suggests dipping it generously in Hekbap's secret sauce or eating it with the dressed cabbage salad that comes alongside. Putting the provided wasabi on top of the tonkatsu is also said to bring out a richer flavor. Little tips like these really help you enjoy the food more.

• Rice bowls (donburi): don't mix it all up; the key is to eat the toppings on top of the rice.
• Ramen: take a sip of the rich broth before eating the noodles, and when you're done, add rice to the broth for a hearty finish.

Both the rice bowl and ramen tips are explained in such detail, and thanks to them I could enjoy the food properly.

What we ordered with friends: Hanwoo daechang bowl, spicy-sweet pork rib bowl set, cheddar cheese katsu

With friends at Hekbap Konkuk University Main Branch, we ordered the Hanwoo daechang (beef intestine) bowl, the spicy-sweet pork rib bowl set and the cheddar cheese katsu. Not long after ordering, a neat spread arrived.

It came on a wooden tray with a strong Japanese home-cooking (gajeong) feel. The side dishes were neatly presented too, and just looking at it put me in a good mood.

How is the Hanwoo daechang bowl? Spicy-sweet sauce and egg yolk

This is the Hanwoo daechang bowl set my friend ordered. It comes topped with spicy daechang, fresh vegetables and an egg yolk, and the look alone made my mouth water.

Breaking the yolk and eating the daechang and vegetables together with the rice was really delicious. The spicy yet sweet sauce goes so well with the rice.

Spicy-sweet pork rib bowl set: tender and chewy

The pork rib bowl was tender and chewy, with a great texture. It's packed with onion and green onion too, which adds a crunch.

Scooping up a big spoonful with the rice was really filling. Even though I was eating alone, having such a hearty meal made me feel treated like a guest.

Cheddar cheese katsu: crispy outside, juicy inside, loaded with cheese

This is the cheddar cheese katsu. The golden-fried tonkatsu is packed with cheddar cheese inside and looked so tempting.

Taking a bite while it was hot, the rich, nutty cheddar filled my whole mouth. It was delicious dipped in the tonkatsu sauce and just as good plain. Crispy outside and moist inside, the texture was great.

The udon and fried chicken that come with the set

The udon and fried chicken included in the set at Hekbap Konkuk University Main Branch were just as good as the mains. The udon broth was clean and went perfectly with the rice bowl.

The noodles were springy and slid down so nicely. The fried chicken was crispy outside and juicy inside, a textbook example.

Is Hekbap Konkuk University Main Branch a good spot for eating alone near Konkuk University?

Hekbap Konkuk was a really good place to eat alone. The clean atmosphere, the varied menu and the taste were all perfect. It felt comfortable to eat there by myself without worrying about what others think. Thanks to the good-value dishes, I got a filling meal.

If you're looking for a place to eat solo near Konkuk University, I highly recommend Hekbap Konkuk! Next time I eat around Konkuk, I'll definitely go back without hesitating.