Chinese restaurant in Yeongjong: mini tangsuyuk, Bongga Gyodong Banjeom

Craving a spicy, peppery broth, I visited Bongga Gyodong Banjeom (본가교동반점) on Eungol Cafe Street in Unseo-dong, Yeongjong. I ordered Gyodong jjamppong, jajangmyeon, and mini tangsuyuk (sweet-and-sour fried pork), and the chewy texture of the house-made noodles stayed with me most.

Is it close to Unseo Station, and is parking available?

The restaurant is on the first floor at 50-8 Hwarangmok-ro, Yeongjong-gu, Incheon. It was also close to Exit 2 of Unseo Station, and the parking area directly in front made the visit convenient.

At the time of my visit, I could park freely in front of the restaurant. There was also a notice saying that nearby parking lots could be used.

What are the opening hours and closed days?

According to the information available when the original post was written, weekday hours were 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM, with a break from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM. On Sundays, it was open from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM, and it was regularly closed every Saturday. There was also a notice that it may close early when ingredients run out.

Is there seating for families or larger groups?

The interior was bright and neatly arranged. The tables were spaced comfortably apart, so I could eat without feeling cramped.

On one side, there was a self-service bar with danmuji (pickled radish), onions, and small plates. It was kept clean and easy to use.

There were two- and four-person tables as well as larger tables. There was seating for family meals or dining with a group.

What did I order, and how much did it cost?

I ordered Gyodong jjamppong for ₩10,000, jajangmyeon for ₩8,000, and mini tangsuyuk for ₩13,000 using the kiosk. A signature item was Chodang sundubu jjamppong bap, a jjamppong rice dish said to use Chodang soft tofu from Gangneung, but I did not try it this time.

The basic tableware was individually wrapped.

Each table also had chili powder, soy sauce, and vinegar.

How were the broth and noodles in the house-made Gyodong jjamppong?

The Gyodong jjamppong had a red, rich broth with a subtle smoky wok aroma. It was spicy and peppery, matching the kind of broth I had been craving.

It also had plenty of toppings, including squid and vegetables, and the broth tasted rich.

The restaurant said it uses house-made noodles that are blended and aged in-house. The noodles were springy and chewy, and they had absorbed the broth well.

Was the jajangmyeon overly sweet or salty?

The jajangmyeon also used house-made noodles, which were chewy. The glossy sauce was neither too sweet nor too salty for my taste, and its moderate richness went well with the noodles.

I also felt that ₩8,000 was a manageable price, and I was satisfied with the taste.

Was the mini tangsuyuk enough to share as a side?

The mini tangsuyuk arrived freshly fried, warm, and crisp. Although it was a mini size, it felt like a generous portion as I ate it.

The restaurant said it uses aged batter. The coating was thin and crisp, while the meat inside was thick. It was savory without any off smell and paired well with the sweet-and-sour sauce.

There was baijiu and a country-of-origin notice on one side of the restaurant. When I left after the meal, they gave me yogurt to cleanse my palate.

I also received a green grape candy when paying. From this meal, the spicy, peppery jjamppong broth, chewy noodles, and crisp tangsuyuk were especially memorable.