Hwaseong Indian-Nepali restaurant: two curries and tandoori at Jogee

Today I visited a really special spot that's building word-of-mouth among residents of Namyang-eup in Hwaseong — Jogee Restaurant, an Indian and Nepali food specialist near Namyang Market.

Namyang Market usually brings to mind gukbap (soup with rice), Korean home-style food, or butcher's restaurants, but this place tucked into a side alley feels like stepping into a restaurant in Delhi the moment you walk in. What I tried today was the restaurant's signature, ultimate menu item: the Thali Set Special. Here's my 200% self-funded, honest review!

Inside Jogee Restaurant at Namyang Market: first impressions

You can find Jogee Restaurant by following the faint, exotic scent of spices drifting through the alleys of Namyang Market. The exterior has a cozy neighborhood-spot feel, but step inside and traditional Indian patterns blend harmoniously with local music playing overhead.

Both the owner and the chef are local Indian/Nepali residents, and they speak Korean very well and greeted me warmly — which put me in a good mood right from the entrance.

• Location: near Namyangsijang-gil, Namyang-eup, Hwaseong-si, Gyeonggi-do
• Highlight: authentic Indian-Nepali curry specialist cooked by local chefs
• Cleanliness: tables, cutlery, and spice containers all kept neat

What comes in the Thali Set Special at Jogee Restaurant?

'Thali' means a large tray in Indian languages. It's the concept of an Indian set meal served all at once on a large metal tray — curry, naan, rice, salad, samosa, lassi, and more.

Among the thali options, the 'Thali Set Special' is Jogee Restaurant's highlight dish, packed with two of its most popular curries, tandoori chicken, and a full lineup of sides.

Tasting the Thali Set Special, dish by dish

After a short wait, the Thali Set Special arrived, piled high on a large tray with a gorgeous presentation — the kind of visual that gets your mouth watering just from looking at it.

1. Naan straight from the tandoor

The first thing I reached for was the freshly baked naan. Straight out of the tandoor, it was warm with a clean, mellow aroma. The outside was crisp and the inside wonderfully chewy — I tore off pieces by hand, dipped them generously in curry, and the nutty flavor filled my mouth.

2. Two curries: chicken makhani and lamb masala

• Chicken makhani: tomato, butter, and soft cream come together for a sweet, nutty flavor. A crowd-pleaser even for those unfamiliar with spices.
• Lamb masala: a spicy kick with the distinct flavor of lamb still shining through. No gamey off-notes at all, and the meat chunks were generously sized for a satisfying bite.

3. Smoky tandoori chicken and crisp samosa

The tandoori chicken, coated in a deep red marinade, was infused with spice while staying juicy inside. Dipping it in the accompanying green chutney (cilantro sauce) added an extra layer of sharp aroma. The samosas — fried dumplings filled with potato and beans — also nailed the balance of crispy pastry and savory filling.

4. Homemade lassi to finish

Sipped between bites, the homemade lassi cleansed the palate with a well-balanced sweetness and tang — the perfect partner for cooling down the spice.

Why Jogee Restaurant stands out in Namyang-eup

• Great value: it's surprising how much you get, at this price, at a dedicated Indian restaurant.
• Spicing tuned to Korean palates: not overpowering, but still keeps its authentic character.
• Friendly service: the owner is happy to recommend dishes if you're not sure what to order.

Verdict and tips before you visit Jogee Restaurant

If you're tired of the usual Namyang Market menu, or want to taste properly authentic Indian curry, Jogee Restaurant is a choice you won't regret.

I'd especially recommend the Thali Set Special if you're visiting solo and want to sample a variety of dishes, or if you're looking for a unique date spot with a partner or friend!

• Taste rating: ★★★★★ (5.0 / 5.0)
• Would return: 200%
• Tip: the plain naan is good, but I strongly recommend paying ₩1,000 extra to switch to garlic naan!

Come enjoy a special meal at Jogee Restaurant — a hidden gem tucked in the alleys of Namyang Market!