Jeonpo curry restaurant that won over a curry skeptic: Sarugak20

Everyone!!!!!! Do you like curry??? Honestly, I don't really like curry. Weirdly, it upsets my stomach every time I eat it, and it's not a dish I'd ever pay for on my own. If someone says "want to go eat curry today?" I'm like ugh,,,, kind of disappointed.

So I'm not someone who goes hunting for great curry spots, and my expectations for curry are genuinely low. But!.!.! The curry I had this time in Jeonpo was seriously so so so good!!!!! This might be the first time I've ever thought curry was THIS delicious, so I really wanted to introduce this place to you all!!!!

If I had to sum it up in one line: 🥰 scrumptious curry place + authentic Japanese vibe, that exactly.

Inside Sarugak20: a Japanese home-style curry restaurant in a Jeonpo basement

Sarugak20 is a cozy curry restaurant in a basement space on Seojeon-ro 68beon-gil in Jeonpo. The moment I walked in, I could feel the full Japanese home-style restaurant vibe. It's not a huge or flashy place, but that smallness actually made it feel warmer and more comfortable.

It felt like stumbling on a tiny curry shop while wandering down a Japanese alley?? The little props and interior details placed all around were so cute too. It didn't feel thrown together — every small detail seemed carefully thought out, so it was fun just to look around.

I kept taking photos before the food even arrived, haha. The vibe was so good I'd also recommend it as a date spot!

How varied is the menu at Sarugak20?

Sarugak20's menu was really varied! Usually at curry places it's basically the same curry with a few extra toppings, but here there were so many options I spent ages deciding. I wanted to try this, I was curious about that... the moment I looked at the menu, I already knew I'd have to come back. (Takeout is available too!)

Brisket cream curry: how the beef brisket, curry and cream taste together

After a lot of deliberation, I ordered Sarugak20's brisket cream curry. Honestly, I was a little skeptical even while ordering. Would brisket even go with curry..? And with cream added, wouldn't it be too rich?

But the moment I took a bite, my doubts completely disappeared. I never imagined brisket and curry could go this well together.. The savory flavor of the brisket matched perfectly with the rich curry, and the cream made the curry taste even softer and fuller. It wasn't just a spicy, punchy curry — it was mild yet the kind of flavor that keeps pulling your spoon back.

Brisket alone could easily feel greasy, but the curry cuts through that richness, and the cream ties the whole flavor together smoothly. Brisket, cream, and curry weren't separate elements — they blended together so naturally!!! Whoever came up with this combination is a genius;;; I never stopped moving my spoon even though I don't really like curry, so that says it all!

What makes Sarugak20's special curry different?

The special curry we ordered alongside had ground beef mixed in! After tasting it, I understood exactly why it's called "special curry." The ground beef was mixed throughout the sauce, so every bite had that savory meaty flavor and texture. It was heavier and richer than an ordinary curry — literally special.

If the brisket cream curry had a soft, savory charm, the special curry felt richer and more filling. The two had distinctly different personalities, so ordering both and sharing seems like a great idea! Hahahaha.

Usually by the middle of a curry meal I start feeling a bit tired of it or my stomach gets heavy, but this time I didn't feel that at all and enjoyed it to the last bite. If anything, finishing it made me curious what the other menu items taste like.

+ They give you kkakdugi (radish kimchi) too!

Why Sarugak20 works even if you don't like curry

At Sarugak20, it wasn't just the food that was good — the owner was really kind too! The whole place already had a warm atmosphere, and with such a friendly owner on top of that, I felt great throughout the meal. Eating delicious food in a comfortable space with a good mood — isn't that real happiness,,!

Overall, I loved the food, the atmosphere, the interior, and the kindness — everything about this place. If you already like curry, the wide menu makes for a fun time choosing; and if you're like me and don't usually like curry, I hope you give it a shot at least once. I went in with zero expectations and left with my mind completely changed about curry!

"Isn't all curry basically the same?" — past me. I regret it now..

If you're looking for a cozy restaurant in Jeonpo with a Japanese home-style feel, or want to try curry that's a bit more special than the usual, I really recommend this place!!! Next time I go, I'm definitely trying other menu items. Whether I get the brisket cream curry again or try a new one I haven't had yet — already thinking about it, lol.

And everyone.. this part especially is just insane!??!?!

So much vibe (lol) packed into such a small space! I went for the curry and ended up taking more photos of the interior than of the food — yep, that's me.

Good curry, a taste of Japanese ambience, and pretty photos too — a Jeonpo curry restaurant that's got it all! Even a curry skeptic came away impressed, so if you're in Jeonpo, definitely check it out!!!! I'm not a curry person, but I'm 200% planning to come back for this place's curry!!!

Sarugak20 hours, address and how to find it in Jeonpo

• Address: 78 Seojeon-ro 68beon-gil, Busanjin-gu, Busan, basement level 1, South Korea
• Hours: 10:00–19:30 (Sundays 10:30–16:00)
• Closed: Mondays
• Takeout available