Yeonnam-dong teppanyaki: a regular tries the new monjayaki set, Jojo

What is Jojo Yeonnam Branch?

Jojo Yeonnam Branch (죠죠 연남점) is a Japanese teppanyaki restaurant in Yeonnam-dong, already famous for its okonomiyaki (savory Japanese pancake) and yakisoba (stir-fried noodles). If you're looking for a good Japanese restaurant in Yeonnam-dong, I can't leave out Jojo, my regular spot. It's always busy and lively, and I leave in a good mood every time. This time I went for the newly released monjayaki set.

One reason I like Jojo among Yeonnam-dong's Japanese restaurants is that it isn't tucked deep into the alleys, so it's easy to find. Even first-timers in Yeonnam-dong shouldn't get lost.

So, shall we get properly into the review of Jojo's monjayaki set for 2?

Jojo Yeonnam Branch opening hours and break time

Jojo Yeonnam Branch is at 255-1 Donggyo-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul, on the 1st floor, and is open daily from 11:30 to 22:00. Break time and last order differ between weekdays and weekends, so check ahead.

• Address: 255-1 Donggyo-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul (1st floor)
• Hours: daily 11:30–22:00
• Break time: weekdays 15:20–17:00 / weekends 16:00–17:00
• Last order: weekdays 14:30 / 21:10, weekends 15:10 / 21:10
• Perk: subscribe on Naver (알림받기) and get a coupon for a lunch yakisoba size-up

Is there a wait at Jojo Yeonnam Branch?

I arrived early and got in right away with no wait. Watching from my seat, I noticed lots of guests came with reservations. The place is always lively, and the staff are energetic and friendly, so the first impression is great.

Here's Jojo's menu! Check the prices and dishes.

The nickname flag you write when ordering

When you order at Jojo, you write down a nickname. When your food comes out, they bring it with your nickname on a little flag. It's a small touch, but it put me in a good mood. It looks cute in photos too.

What's in the new monjayaki set for 2?

Jojo's monjayaki set for 2 has mentaiko (spicy pollock roe) monjayaki, waterfall potato and karai yakisoba (spicy yakisoba), which made ordering really easy. With a set like this, I'd recommend it to first-timers at a Yeonnam-dong Japanese restaurant too.

What is monjayaki?

Some of you may not know monjayaki. It's a signature Tokyo teppanyaki dish: a runny flour batter mixed with various ingredients and cooked on the griddle. It's much softer and moister than okonomiyaki.

Staff cook the monjayaki for you on the griddle

At Jojo, a staff member cooks the monjayaki right on the griddle, and it was fun to watch. They stir-fry the cabbage and ingredients, pour the broth into the middle and mix it quickly, then finish it with cheese and rice cake. Even the waiting time was enjoyable.

How was the waterfall potato?

The waterfall potato I'd been wanting to try!! It's mashed potato topped with a poached egg. It's a side dish, but it definitely holds its own. It's salty, so it would go perfectly with a beer.

First bite of the mentaiko monjayaki

My first bite of the mentaiko monjayaki was mild yet the savory umami hit hard. The salty mentaiko flavor and the nuttiness of the cheese went well together, and scraping up the bits that stuck to the griddle was fun too. It was my first time trying it, and I was surprised at how much better it was than I expected.

Honestly, don't you sometimes get a bit used to okonomiyaki and yakisoba? Monjayaki is a great option then. A few monjayaki places have opened in this neighborhood lately, but I felt you could start with Jojo.

Why does everyone order the karai yakisoba?

The karai yakisoba that came with the set was satisfying too. The noodles were springy, and the sauce was familiar yet addictive. The shrimp and meat toppings were generous, so I kept reaching for more. I get why everyone has to order the karai yakisoba.

Who should try Jojo Yeonnam Branch's monjayaki?

Overall, Jojo is evenly satisfying in taste, atmosphere and service, so I can confidently recommend it to anyone looking for a Japanese restaurant in Yeonnam-dong. It's good for a date, and it also suits a casual drink with friends.

If you like okonomiyaki and yakisoba, you'll of course be happy here. And if you want something new, definitely try the monjayaki. It'll be a memorable meal among Yeonnam-dong's Japanese restaurants.