Hipdang-dong izakaya: first yakisoba with chahan, Lucky Dragon JCB

Today's post is about a place I've been to again and again and again. My favorite izakaya (Japanese-style pub) near Sindang Station, the Chinese-style izakaya I keep thinking about: Lucky Dragon JCB Sindang! It's a totally biased review, haha. I always leave satisfied, so if you go to Hipdang-dong (the nickname for hip Sindang-dong), I really want to recommend it.

Where is Lucky Dragon JCB Sindang, and where can you park?

Lucky Dragon JCB Sindang is within walking distance of Sindang Station Exit 4. There's no parking fee support, but there are two public parking lots nearby.

• Seongdonggo Public Parking Lot
• Sindang Sagori Public Parking Lot

Opening hours and how to book

Lucky Dragon JCB Sindang is open every day from 5pm to 2am, except Sundays when it closes at midnight, and it has no days off. You can reserve through Naver Reservation and Catch Table, for groups from 2 to 8 people.

A wood-toned "machi chuka" neighborhood diner vibe

Just like its pretty wood-toned exterior, the inside of Lucky Dragon JCB Sindang is all wood tones too. There are tables for 2 and for 4. The soft lighting is so lovely that the place comes even more alive once night falls.

This Sindang Station izakaya carries the identity of "machi chuka," which I'm told means the cozy neighborhood Chinese diner that Japanese everyday folks have loved for ages. So it's a Chinese-style izakaya with a really strong Japanese-meets-Chinese vibe. The whole aesthetic is just so my style... of course I'm going to be biased about this place!!!!!

You order with the QR code on the table. Chopsticks, small plates and all kinds of sauces are neatly set out at every table.

Lucky Dragon JCB Sindang signature dishes and prices

Lucky Dragon JCB Sindang used to serve lunch too, but now it focuses on dinner only. I spotted the dinner menu and took a photo, haha. I'll mention the signature dishes once more, as always.

• Mapo tofu 1.49
• Chuka soba 1.09
• Kuro-subuta 1.69
• Handmade yaki gyoza 0.69
• Chahan 0.89

What does the lemon beer taste like?

You can't skip the beer at Lucky Dragon JCB Sindang. I ordered the lemon beer, hahaha. It's a really charming draft beer with a lemon scent that spreads subtly. The drink selection is huge. I always go with a "dinner plus one beer" plan, but I'd love to come later when it's darker and try different drinks.

What we ordered this time: chahan, mapo tofu and yakisoba

Our food has arrived~~ On top of the duo I always order (mapo tofu and chahan), I added something new this time: yakisoba.

Chahan (Japanese-style fried rice)

First, the chahan fried rice is a dish my boss (my partner) absolutely adores. Of course I love it too, haha. I still can't forget how moved I was the first time I tried it, and even now it tastes the same, so it's a dish that gets me every time.

I've only ever had the basic chahan, but looking now, there are several kinds! I'll have to try them next time. Char siu chahan, shrimp (ebi) chahan, aged kimchi and garlic chahan, I have a strong feeling all three would be a hit,,

Mapo tofu (or switch it to mala tofu)

I can't resist the mapo tofu at Lucky Dragon JCB Sindang either. You can also switch the mapo tofu to mala tofu. Warning: both are delicious ㅠㅠ

The tofu is tasty and it's packed with meat, so rice plus mapo tofu alone makes a full meal in no time. It's a must-order, haha.

Trying the yakisoba for the first time

And now the grand finale, the yakisoba. I finally ordered it, hahaha. The looks are amazing, right?

According to the staff, it's the number one dish in Seoul, and with plenty of pork, squid, egg and vegetables, it's a perfect dish, hahaha.

The doneness was the best, I was really happy with it, and it goes great with beer!!

Is Lucky Dragon JCB Sindang worth a return visit?

Sindang-dong is a date course I visit often, and Lucky Dragon JCB Sindang is the signature izakaya I think about every time. I want it to get more famous, but I also want to keep it to myself, haha. If you happen to come across this review, it's a Hipdang-dong hot spot well worth a visit. I recommend it.