Sindang izakaya for kushikatsu and udon: Ibangin

Is this izakaya close to Sindang Jungang Market?

Ibangin Sindang (이방인 신당) is an izakaya near Sindang Jungang Market. It was close to the station, so it was easy to reach by public transit. I could check the menu at the entrance, and beyond its signature kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers), there were options including stir-fries and udon. There was also a wide variety of alcoholic drinks.

Is the space suitable for dates or group gatherings?

The soft lighting made the interior feel cozy. The owner gave me a kind welcome, which made me feel at ease from the moment I entered. There was also private group seating farther inside, which looked suitable for company dinners or larger gatherings. The restroom was indoors, making it convenient to use.

I ordered through a kiosk. As I looked around, there were already several diners there, including people quietly enjoying drinks alone. I was given snacks as a service, and after ordering, they brought water that tasted like tea. The tissues and cups were neatly arranged as well.

How were the batter and selection in the kushikatsu set?

The kushikatsu set came with nine kinds of fried items, and I added two sweet potato fritters. The batter was not thick and was crisp, with hardly any oily smell. Being able to try the different kinds one by one made it good to have with drinks.

How were the seasoning and portion of the cumin stir-fried lamb?

Since I usually enjoy cumin, I also ordered the cumin stir-fried lamb. It was savory without being salty, and the onions and garlic went well with the lamb. The dishes tended to come in smaller portions, so it did not feel like too much for a light drink on a second stop.

How were the two udon dishes served with the meal?

Was the mentaiko cream udon too salty?

The mentaiko (seasoned pollock roe) was salty when I ate it on its own, but mixing it into the cream softened the saltiness and brought out its savory flavor. The cream udon also worked well alongside the fried items and stir-fry. With the kushikatsu, cumin stir-fried lamb, and udon, it was enough for a full meal.

What did the salt yakisoba udon taste like?

The salt yakisoba udon was topped generously with katsuobushi (dried bonito flakes) and came with a fried egg. It was not overly salty for my taste, so it was easy to eat. Even though I was already somewhat full, I finished it. There were two kinds of yakisoba udon, and I would like to try the other one next time.

Overall, the dishes I tried had a good balance of flavors. It felt like a suitable place to stop by after a date near the market or for a light drink after work. The cozy atmosphere and kind service stayed with me, and I would like to return.