Mapo gimbap restaurant for family dinner: Samhyeongje Gimbap

Which gimbap did I take out for a family dinner in Sangam?

While I was in Sangam for an errand, I stopped by Samhyeongje Gimbap, Sangam branch (삼형제김밥 상암점), where I often buy food. At the shop on the first basement level of Nurikum Square, I chose three kinds of gimbap (seaweed rice rolls) for dinner for two adults and a child.

There was an introduction to the brand inside the shop. It said the shop carries on the flavor of Haenam Wonjo Gimbap, a 40-year tradition that began at Nambu Market in Bangbae-dong. Since it is a brand I have eaten for a long time, I chose it again expecting a familiar taste.

What kinds of gimbap are available, and how much do they cost?

There were many choices, from yubu gimbap (fried tofu gimbap) to spicy options and mini gimbap. These were the prices I saw during my visit.

• Original yubu gimbap ₩5,000; ham and crab stick gimbap ₩5,300
• Cheese gimbap, tuna gimbap, spicy chili pepper gimbap, and wasabi tuna gimbap ₩5,500 each
• Assorted gimbap, kimchi tuna gimbap, spicy fish cake gimbap, and crab meat salad gimbap ₩6,000 each
• New jinmichae yubu gimbap ₩6,500
• Mini yubu gimbap and mini ham yubu gimbap ₩4,000 each
• Mini cheese and ham gimbap and mini tuna gimbap ₩4,500 each
• Samhyeongje Tteokbokki ₩6,400

The tteokbokki takes about four minutes to prepare, so it would be best to order it in advance if you want to eat it with your gimbap.

I chose tuna yubu gimbap, spicy chili pepper yubu gimbap, and mini yubu gimbap. The total was ₩15,000, which did not feel too expensive for dinner for two adults and a child.

How do ordering and takeout work?

After paying at the kiosk, you pack your order yourself if the gimbap you ordered is on the display shelf. If it is not there, a staff member prepares it right away when you ask. I remembered the notice saying that, while payment and packing are self-service, the staff can focus on making gimbap.

What did the tuna, chili pepper, and mini gimbap taste like?

Was the tuna yubu gimbap dry?

The tuna was not dry, and it went down smoothly with the gentle sweetness of the fried tofu. There was not too much rice, so the ingredients came through well. It was my favorite of the three.

How spicy was the chili pepper yubu gimbap?

My husband liked the spicy chili pepper yubu gimbap best. The sharp flavor of Cheongyang chili pepper balanced the sweetness of the fried tofu, so it did not feel rich. It suited his preference for spicy gimbap.

Was the mini yubu gimbap easy for my child to eat?

The mini yubu gimbap was small enough for my child to pick up and eat by hand. Its flavor was not overpowering, and my child ate it well.

Was it enough food for a family dinner?

My husband and I each ate half a roll of spicy chili pepper gimbap and tuna gimbap. Even with one roll each, we felt full. Our child ate the mini gimbap, so we were able to make a meal out of the options each of us liked.

The shop also says group orders and corporate breakfast delivery are available. I picked up dinner for my family this time, but it could also be worth asking about when you need food for a meeting or workshop.