Front leg jokbal and furikake rice balls in Sindorim: The Jokbal

If you're looking for a great jokbal (braised pig's trotters) place in Sindorim, I'd recommend The Jokbal Sindorim Main Branch (더족발 신도림본점). It's already well known as a place that reinterprets jokbal in a hotel style, based on the know-how of a Chosun Hotel chef, and it has kept its flavor consistent for 14 years. They say they only use grade 1 domestic fresh trotters every day, so my expectations were high. When I actually visited, the hall was almost full even in the evening, and delivery orders kept coming in, so it's clearly a popular spot. This time I ordered the front leg jokbal and rice balls, and here's my review.

Location and parking at The Jokbal Sindorim Main Branch

The Jokbal Sindorim Main Branch is easy to reach from both Sindorim Station and Guro Station, so it's convenient by public transport. If you drive, you can park on level B1 of the same building, which makes it a good place for a family meal or an evening get-together.

There were tables for two and for larger groups, and even though I came early in the evening, there were already lots of customers. A wait can build up at dinner time, so if you're coming with several people, it's probably a good idea to book ahead.

A busy Guro Station restaurant, even in the evening

The hall filled up completely while we ate, and delivery orders kept coming in steadily.

Guests ranged from families to work groups, and even at the busiest time the staff were friendly and quick, so we could eat fairly comfortably. With dine-in, takeout and delivery all so active, I could really feel how popular this Guro Station restaurant is with locals.

How does the front leg jokbal taste?

What I ordered this time was the front leg jokbal. It had an appetizing sheen, and when I took a bite I could barely notice that typical jokbal smell, so it tasted clean.

The skin was chewy but not tough at all, and the lean meat was tender and moist. The seasoning wasn't too strong either, so it was easy to eat from start to finish.

The radish kimchi served alongside was crunchy and refreshing, and the chive salad was fresh and brought out the flavor of the jokbal. The cold bean sprout soup cleansed my palate between bites, and the ssam vegetables, ssamjang (dipping paste) and salted shrimp were all neatly prepared.

It wasn't only the main dish: the standard side dishes were put together cleanly too, so I was very satisfied with the meal overall.

Sindorim jokbal that goes well with rice balls

The rice balls I ordered with it were better than I expected. They weren't a plain version with just lots of seaweed; the furikake (rice seasoning) blended in, so the nutty, salty flavor really came through.

Topping the jokbal with radish kimchi and chive salad and having the rice balls alongside worked really well, and it made a filling meal. If ordering only jokbal feels like something's missing, the rice balls are a good, more substantial side.

If you're looking for a Sindorim jokbal restaurant

What stood out at The Jokbal Sindorim Main Branch was the tender front leg jokbal with no gamey smell and the clean side dish lineup. I especially recommend it to:

• Anyone looking for a great jokbal place in Sindorim
• Anyone looking for tasty jokbal near Guro Station
• Anyone who needs a restaurant with parking
• Anyone who likes tender jokbal without any gamey smell
• Anyone looking for a spot for a family meal or a work dinner

With easy access, convenient parking and a hearty, tasty meal, it's a place I'd happily come back to whenever I'm craving jokbal near Sindorim or Guro Station.