Seocho katsudon restaurant with lotus root kushikatsu: Kosi Gyodae

Today I want to introduce Kosi Gyodae Branch, a Japanese restaurant near Gyodae Station, where I went with a friend who just wrapped up a busy lecture schedule and, even while holding down a regular job, keeps throwing herself into all kinds of new challenges. 🍜

A different friend once raved about this place, saying "the udon and katsu here are the real deal," and I'd had it saved on my map ever since. I finally got the chance to visit. 😆

What is on the menu at Kosi Gyodae Branch: add katsu, add mini udon

At Kosi Gyodae Branch, after picking a main dish, you can add katsu or a mini udon depending on your taste. That means even a single udon order can turn into a full, filling meal. I really liked how easily you could build a hearty spread to your own liking.

Tori-ten bukkake udon with tonkatsu added: how did it taste?

The tori-ten bukkake udon at Kosi Gyodae Branch comes with chewy, well-tightened udon noodles topped with a big, golden-fried chicken (tori-ten). Adding the tonkatsu on top made it look, and feel, seriously filling!

Texture & flavor balance: The first taste, once you pour in the tsuyu, is clean and savory, with a briny tang that freshens the palate. As time passes, the fried chicken's oil and crunch melt into the tsuyu, and the broth turns richer and deeper — that's really the charm here! The fried chicken soaks up the tsuyu until it's chewy on the outside and tender inside. Just when it starts feeling like something's missing, one bite of the tonkatsu — crisp coating, juices locked in — doubles the satisfaction. The inari sushi (fried tofu rice) on the side pulled its weight too, packed with rice and plump tofu skin!

How much food is katsudon plus a set udon at Kosi Gyodae?

My companion ordered the katsudon at Kosi Gyodae Branch — rice soaked in a sweet-salty sauce, topped with thick katsu and soft egg. Adding a warm side udon on top made for a genuinely generous spread.

Honest impression: After finishing off the udon too, my companion said, "Wow, eating the udon on top of everything really fills you up!" and looked completely satisfied. The warm udon that came alongside had a subtle, distinctive depth unlike a typical bonito broth — a character-filled flavor that kept pulling the spoon back in.

The side to order: lotus root kushikatsu with thick minced meat

The lotus root kushikatsu (skewered fried lotus root) at Kosi Gyodae Branch comes fried with a thick patty of minced meat pressed onto crunchy lotus root. Usually "fried lotus root" means thin slices fried on their own, so this felt refreshingly different! One bite gives you the crisp crunch of lotus root and the rich juiciness of the meat at once — I'd strongly recommend it as a side.

My favourite combination and tips for eating it at its best

With the tori-ten bukkake udon, eat half the fried chicken right away while it's crispy, and let the other half soak in the tsuyu before eating it. Roll the now-moist chicken up with the chewy noodles for one bite, then pair it with the savory tonkatsu topped with a touch of wasabi for a perfect balance.

Every table has Naver receipt review guidance and easy payment options set up, so be sure to check for the receipt photo review event or payment reward perks when you visit — don't miss out on the extra benefits!

How to walk to Kosi Gyodae Branch from Gyodae Station, and the mood inside

Access: Coming out of Gyodae Station Exit 14 and walking into the alley, it's just 3-4 minutes on foot — very convenient as a meeting spot.

Atmosphere & convenience: The clean, tidy interior makes it great for solo dining as well as relaxed conversation with coworkers or friends.

Who will enjoy Kosi Gyodae Branch most

• Japanese food fans who want properly aged, springy self-made bukkake udon noodles
• Office workers and students near Gyodae Station looking for thick, crispy-outside-tender-inside tonkatsu

Revisit intent: 100%! I'll be back the moment I crave that combo of cold, chewy udon and crispy tonkatsu on a hot day.