Bucheon ramen restaurant for spicy tonkotsu lunch: Gyeoretsu Ramen

During a one-night trip to Bucheon, I stopped by Gyeoretsu Ramen Bucheon University Branch (교레츠라멘 부천대점) for lunch. The two of us ordered Karai tonkotsu ramen and karaage (Japanese fried chicken), and the ramen’s spiciness was especially memorable.

Is Gyeoretsu Ramen easy to reach from Bucheon Station, and are there seats at lunch?

The restaurant is close to Exit 3 of Bucheon Station and about a four-minute walk from Bucheon University. It was near a main road, so it was not difficult to find.

I visited during the lunch peak, and the restaurant was nearly full. Luckily, two counter seats were still available. If you want a more relaxed meal, I felt it would be better to arrive a little before the lunch peak or avoid that time.

What are the seats like for solo diners or two people?

The interior felt cozy rather than cramped, more than I expected. There were solo diners and couples sitting side by side at the counter, while the back had tables for six. There was space not only for solo meals but also for groups to sit together.

Even during the busy period, one person was working in the kitchen. Since it was an open kitchen, I could watch the cooking from the counter, and it looked clean to me. When the ramen was brought out, the staff explained how to eat it and use the self-service bar, and told us to ask if we needed anything.

How do you order, and can you refill your rice?

You choose your menu items at a kiosk and pay first. After finishing the meal, we did not need to wait for a separate bill.

At the self-service bar, we could bring our own side dishes, sauces, and rice. It had minced garlic, white pickled radish, pickled ginger, and spicy mustard greens, and rice could be refilled for free without limit.

Each table had spoons, chopsticks, and water glasses. There were also red pepper powder, Japanese pepper, and kombu sauce, so we could adjust the broth to our taste.

How much is the Karai tonkotsu ramen, and how spicy is it?

When we visited, Karai tonkotsu ramen was ₩9,500 per bowl, and karaage was ₩5,500. The two of us ordered two bowls of ramen and one karaage, for a total of ₩24,500. The ramen was cooked after we ordered and brought out right away.

At other ramen restaurants, I have sometimes found that the spicy option tasted only mildly hot. The Karai ramen here had a clear spiciness to my taste. Since I ordered it expecting spicy ramen, I was satisfied.

I chose less oil and the regular salt level. I liked being able to choose options according to my preference. The noodles were firm, and the thinly sliced green onion and crunchy wood ear mushrooms worked well with them.

Instructions for eating the broth ramen and mixed ramen were posted at each seat. If ramen is unfamiliar to you, you could read the instructions before eating.

How was the karaage we ordered with the ramen?

The karaage was also fried after we ordered it, so it was warm and crisp. The sauce served with it was not overly sweet and went well with the fried chicken.

The coating did not feel excessively thick, and the meat inside was substantial. I could also taste the juices when I bit into it, and enjoyed it with the ramen.

What convenience items are available during the meal?

Hair ties and aprons were available for guests with long hair. There was also a restroom inside the restaurant, but no separate parking space.

When we visited, a notice also advertised an event offering a drink or two fried gyoza in exchange for writing a receipt review.

It was a good fit for a lunch when I wanted spicy ramen and freshly fried karaage. I also liked the counter seats, rice refills, and friendly instructions. However, it is worth noting that there were almost no empty seats during the lunch peak when I visited.