Hongdae restaurant, jambalaya rosé vs duck cream risotto: Hey Joji

I went to Hey Joji (HEY GEORGE) in Yeonnam-dong, Hongdae, for the jambalaya rosé risotto and the duck steak cream risotto. Yeonnam-dong has so many restaurants with great atmosphere, but Hey Joji felt unique from the outside. The green awning and vintage interior really stand out, so even if you're just walking past, your eyes will catch it.

Both risottos looked so appetizing that I took photos of them. I'll walk you through the exterior, the interior and the menu in order!

What does Hey Joji look like from the outside?

Hey Joji has HEY GEORGE written in big letters on a green awning. The exterior reminded me of a vintage American restaurant.

The red window frames and green awning work together nicely, giving it a personality a bit different from an ordinary restaurant!

Inside Hey Joji: the atmosphere

Inside, green walls are decorated with all kinds of picture frames and vintage props. Stepping in, the mood from the outside carried right through the interior.

It felt classic yet cozy. Like being in America~!

What is the jambalaya rosé risotto like?

Hey Joji's jambalaya rosé risotto comes with a generous amount of rosé sauce and a grilled sausage in the middle. The orange sauce, green vegetables and red cherry tomatoes make the colors really pretty too.

The sausage in the center especially caught my eye. It was scored to make it easy to eat, which made it look even more appetizing.

A rosé risotto lets you enjoy the fresh flavor of tomato sauce together with the smoothness of cream, right? With the sausage added, it seemed like a great way to enjoy a variety of textures.

What is the duck steak cream risotto like?

Hey Joji's duck steak cream risotto has bite-sized slices of duck steak neatly arranged on top of a cream risotto. Personally, the duck steak on top was the first thing that caught my eye.

It came with arugula and cherry tomatoes, and together with the cheese-added cream sauce, it looked like it would taste rich and nutty!

Rosé risotto or cream risotto: which should you pick?

The two risottos at Hey Joji have different sauces and toppings, so each has its own charm. The jambalaya rosé risotto centers on the sausage and seemed right for anyone who wants to enjoy rosé sauce flavor.

The duck steak cream risotto, on the other hand, is defined by the combination of duck and cream sauce, so I think people who prefer a more classic, nutty style will really love it!

And above all, both dishes were so delicious 🫶

Is Hey Joji a good date spot in Hongdae and Yeonnam-dong?

Hey Joji was a place where you can enjoy tasty food as well as the vintage, sentimental interior :) From the green awning to the props inside, the whole place had a unified feel, and the food, with its distinctive risotto dishes, caught my attention too!

If you're looking for a place in Yeonnam-dong that has a distinctive atmosphere and delicious risotto rather than a run-of-the-mill restaurant, I'd recommend Hey Joji! If you're wondering where to go for a Hongdae or Yeonnam-dong date, or a meal with friends, it's worth a visit. I was satisfied with both the atmosphere and the food 💚