Buzzer-served ramen and crispy gyoza in Michuhol, Incheon: Menya Seoul

I've been going to Lotte Department Store Incheon a lot lately, and honestly there are so many restaurants inside that I can never decide what to eat lol (is it just me...?). I'd been obsessed with Outback and going there constantly, but today I tried ramen for a change.

Menya Seoul Lotte Department Store Incheon Branch — location and hours

35 Yeonnam-ro, Michuhol-gu, Incheon, Basement 1F 🤍Daily 10:30–20:00 (check department store holidays)

The store is on the basement floor of Lotte Department Store Incheon, near Outback. The sign is written in English! When I looked up Menya Seoul, it turns out the main branch is a famous ramen spot in Yongsan?! There are two locations near Yongsan Electronics Market and Yongsan I'Park Mall, so it must be pretty well known. I actually had no idea until I discovered it here at Lotte Incheon haha.

The menu — three ramens, three broths

The signature dishes — dongpo pork char siu ramen, jambon char siu ramen, and lamb skewer ramen — each come in mild, spicy, or mala versions. I'd never even noticed the mala option before...? It definitely wasn't visible to me until now lol, guess I was really hungry. Now I'm curious about the lamb skewer mala ramen.....

For sides there's crispy gyoza, karaage, and sweet soy chicken rice bowl haha. There were also summer specials like king shrimp cold ramen and pork belly mazesoba, but since it was my first visit I wanted to try the basic ramen first!! There are set menus too if you need a drink — worth checking out. I'm cutting back on soda so I skipped it!!

• Dongpo Pork Char Siu Ramen ₩12,900
• Sweet Soy Chicken Rice Bowl ₩9,900
• Crispy Gyoza (small) ₩5,900

Buzzer service that's a relief when you have a baby

Our order arrived~~ You know how at Lotte Department Store Incheon you either get a buzzer after ordering or need to grab a seat before ordering...? During meal times, finding a seat in the basement food court is basically a battle,,,ㅎ,,, But there's a service where if you put the buzzer down in its slot on the table, staff bring the food to you directly — going with a baby, this was so much less chaotic, and I was so grateful,, Is this only at the Incheon branch? I love it so much ㅠㅠㅠㅠ Absolutely the best.

Dongpo pork char siu ramen — how's the mild broth?

First up, the most basic menu item — dongpo pork char siu ramen. Sipped the broth first~ It has scallions, garlic, and seaweed in it, so it was quite different and unique compared to any ramen I've had before! You wouldn't expect that, right haha. I went with the mild broth but honestly kind of regretted it,, eating it alongside the gyoza and rice bowl made me crave something spicier ㅠㅠ Toppings include dongpo pork, jambon char siu, and ajitama (seasoned soft-boiled egg), all piled on.

Dongpo pork size and topping portions

The dongpo pork was smaller than I expected. Don't picture Chinese-style dongpo pork here..? As a ramen topping it was a reasonable size. Check the photos for reference!!

The ajitama (seasoned egg) was so good~~~! If I go again I think I'll add extra ajitama. Since dongpo pork seemed like the main event, I wasn't expecting much from the jambon char siu, but there were two pieces, so the toppings felt plenty haha.

Makes me want to go to Japan....ㅎ... (Been cut off from overseas travel for a year and a half,,,,,,,,, )

Sweet soy chicken rice bowl and crispy gyoza

I wanted rice too, so I ordered the large sweet soy chicken rice bowl~ Exactly as the name suggests, it's topped with chicken karaage coated in a sweet sauce, and unusually, it comes piled high with bonito flakes! At first I wondered if it would work..? but it wasn't strange at all — it actually went together well haha. Still so much unfamiliar food world out there,,

The crispy gyoza was crunchy on top with sauce pooled underneath, giving it a soft texture — seems like it'd pair well with beer. I'd recommend this place as a solid pick for a quick lunch at the department store haha.