Hitsumabushi eel rice bowl in Hwamyeong-dong, Busan: Shunsaikubo

Today I went to an eel rice bowl place I absolutely love, haha! I've already posted about a bunch of great Busan eel rice bowl restaurants~!

But among them, one that stuck in my memory the most — a Hwamyeong-dong favorite, Shunsaikubo Hwamyeong (슌사이쿠보 화명) — and I went back once more! So this is a revisit review, haha. And today was extra special because I brought my mother-in-law, who treats me so well~!

Shunsaikubo Hwamyeong / Daily 11:30–21:00 / Break time 15:00–17:30 / Reservations, takeout, groups, parking available

Parking and waiting: good things to know

We went during the day so the entrance looked bright and inviting~! I wondered what flavor surprise awaited us today, haha.

There's a parking lot right there, so convenient! Order just two bowls and you're already over ₩50,000, so the 1 hour free parking is basically guaranteed!

You know the Michelin Bib Gourmand, right — not just anyone gets that! Officially recognized as a top Busan eel rice bowl spot. They also got the 'Master of Living' TV award, which I'd never seen before, haha.

Rows of Blue Ribbon certificates lined up, plus a Taste of Busan selection! Truly, truly an old, established favorite!

Maybe because the wait gets long, if you wait over 45 minutes they give you half a grilled eel for free! That almost makes me want to wait longer, haha.

An atmosphere perfect for treating an elder

Let's step inside the entrance!

So this is the entrance we walked into!

The exterior is so clean and tidy~! Sleek and upscale — great for treating an elder or even for a date.

Eel grilling away deliciously, haha. Charred carefully over charcoal, with real dedication! You know that open kitchen is a signature feature of eel rice bowl restaurants, haha. Grill it up nicely~~~ ordered and took our seats, done, haha.

From the appetizer to salad and soup

As soon as we sat down, the appetizer arrived — tempura! Sweet pumpkin, lotus root, and eggplant tempura. Why is vegetable tempura so good, haha. Also, that day it seemed like all the guests were reservation-only, so the food came out really fast. You really do need to reserve!!! Catch Table app is the best.

Then the salad and soup were set down. They arrived so quickly, which was great — my mother-in-law was probably hungry! The staff were so comfortable and kind.

The meal itself came out fast too — felt like the eel arrived the moment it finished grilling. And of course, without even asking, the staff naturally served my mother-in-law's portion first — such a thoughtful touch, obviously appropriate but I really appreciated it!

A full spread with hitsumabushi and egg roll

There's a guide on how to enjoy hitsumabushi (grilled eel rice bowl) properly! My mother-in-law and I read it carefully, haha. What sets this place apart from other eel rice bowl restaurants is that an egg roll comes alongside it — eating them together is so delicious, haha.

Ta-da, mine finally came out too, haha. Isn't it just so pretty and cute? High-quality tableware, and especially that fish-shaped rice paddle — I couldn't help but laugh, so cute, haha. With the side dishes neatly arranged too, this is exactly what a refined, elder-worthy full spread looks like.

Open the lid and this beautiful spread is complete. So pretty, ha ha ha. It's almost too neat and elegant to eat — food shouldn't be allowed to look this good. It's the best. Start by sipping the steamed egg custard first!

Mix the eel with chopped green onion and seaweed flakes, chomp chomp, mmm. Sometimes add a dab of wasabi~ so delicious, haha. This is exactly why people come here.

A commemorative photo with my mother-in-law. She's so adorable. I was so relieved she said it was delicious, haha. We both cleaned our bowls completely!

Finishing with matcha pudding

Right around when we finished eating, they brought out pudding for dessert — matcha pudding, bittersweet and sweet at once, the perfect palate cleanser. My mother-in-law said it was delicious, and I felt so proud~~

Lunch date with my mother-in-law was such a success, haha. Shunsaikubo Hwamyeong is officially a true must-visit. It's quite far from our place, but it's worth the trip, haha. I'll definitely go again. If you're ever near Hwamyeong, I highly recommend Shunsaikubo — a restorative, satisfying meal you won't regret!