Gwangjin Japanese restaurant spicy cutlet: Hekbap Konkuk Main

Hekbap Konkuk University Main Branch, great for solo dining near Konkuk University

If you are looking for a good place to eat alone around Konkuk University, Hekbap Konkuk University Main Branch is a pretty solid choice. It has an easygoing atmosphere even when you visit solo, and its varied menu of rice bowls, pork cutlets, and udon makes it great for a proper meal.

I had visited before, and it is a place that comes to mind whenever I want a simple but filling meal. The restaurant is neatly decorated, so it seemed fine not only for eating alone but also for a casual date or meal out. This time, I ordered the spicy pork cutlet and the meat-loaded rice bowl.

The spicy pork cutlet has quite a kick, so I would recommend it to people who enjoy heat, while the meat-loaded rice bowl comes generously piled with meat for a hearty meal.

With the cheese rice cakes, chicken karaage, and mini udon that came with the set, it made for a very satisfying spread. I would recommend it as a clean, convenient place for a solo meal around Konkuk University.

After finishing my workout, I did not make it here for lunch until it was already dinner time.

This is Hekbap, a great solo-dining spot near Konkuk University. I had come here to eat before, and it seemed like one of the best places nearby for a meal on your own.

It does not have to be this particular Hekbap branch, really. This brand nails that feeling of having a simple meal while still being properly fed, so I also visit other locations from time to time. The menu is very good value, too.

Even so, perhaps because this is the main branch, they put a lot of thought into the interior.

It is good for eating alone like I was, and while a blind date might be pushing it, it is more than good enough for a date.

I chose a quiet window seat. I was zoning out while watching people walk past outside, and then the food arrived right away.

Spicy pork cutlet that felt like level 3 mala tang

First up was Hekbap's spicy pork cutlet. It feels like this new menu item has been around for quite a while now, but I loved it the first time I tried it, so I make sure to order it every time I come.

I cut it into easy-to-eat pieces. I am really good at cutting pork cutlet.

The sauce is very red, and it is definitely hotter than average. On a mala tang (spicy Sichuan-style soup) scale, it felt about like level 3, so I think people who can handle a decent amount of spice should order it.

But maybe I have been stressed lately? It did not feel as spicy as it used to today.

Having it with rice or salad tones down the heat somewhat.

The generously meaty rice bowl

Next was Hekbap's signature meat-loaded rice bowl. As a gym rat who always has to think about protein, I really appreciate a menu item like this.

There is enough meat that even if you pick up several bites with your chopsticks, you will not feel like you are running short.

It also had mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, and shishito peppers, so it slightly felt like eating barbecue. Maybe because it is called Hek-bap—"bap" means rice—the rice is really delicious.

Even though it was soaked in sauce, I could still feel each grain's chewy texture, and its nutty aroma came through nicely. When you order it as a set, you can enjoy other sides as well.

Sweet cheese rice cakes and freshly fried karaage

First, the cheese rice cakes that come as a basic side are drizzled with sweet syrup. I do not normally care much for sweets, but whenever I come here, I always think of these.

Next was the chicken karaage (Japanese-style fried chicken). It was nicely crisp, and I must have timed it well today because I got to eat it freshly fried.

To finish, mini udon. They had put thought into the quality, with seaweed and fish cake, and the broth was refreshing too.

Anyway, I had another delicious meal today.