Cheongna Korean restaurant for a family lunch: Samdae Cheonggukjang

Not long ago, we took a cozy family trip together for my parents’ birthdays. On the way home after the trip, we headed to Cheongna for a neat, proper lunch. Everyone in my family usually has different food preferences, but there is one menu that brings us all together without any likes-or-dislikes: hearty, nutty cheonggukjang (fermented soybean stew).

So this time, we visited Samdae Cheonggukjang (삼대청국장), a Cheongna spot known for its hearty flavor. To give you the conclusion first, it completely won over even my parents’ palates, so we were very satisfied.

A Cheongna cheonggukjang specialist visited with my parents

As soon as we entered, the woman working there greeted us so warmly and kindly that I immediately felt at ease. This kind of thoughtful service and friendliness really matter at a family meal when you are dining with your parents, you know. It was a small thing, but it made a lovely first impression from the start.

Among Cheongna residents, this Korean restaurant and cheonggukjang specialist is widely known by word of mouth as a comforting, easy-on-the-stomach home-style meal. I heard that many guests even come from far away to taste its proper homemade cooking. The interior was also kept clean and tidy, making it a very comfortable setting for chatting over a meal.

Osam Set menu and rice choices

Looking over the menu, I found that alongside individual cheonggukjang bowls, there were well-rounded set meals to enjoy. The value and selection were excellent, and I could immediately see why it is loved as a great Cheongna lunch spot by nearby residents and office workers.

• Osam Set ₩18,000 (cheonggukjang + pork-and-squid bulgogi + kongbiji)
• Samdae Set ₩16,000 (cheonggukjang + stir-fried squid + kongbiji)
• Spicy Pork Wrap Rice Set ₩15,000 (cheonggukjang + spicy stir-fried pork + kongbiji)

We ordered the popular Osam Set, which lets you taste a variety of main dishes together. I also liked that you can choose either barley rice or white rice according to your preference.

The cheonggukjang and barley-rice bibimbap combination

Once we had ordered, they brought out large glass bowls according to the number of diners. They were just the right size for adding greens and rice, then mixing everything together. The basic side dishes and seasonal greens for bibimbap looked so appetizing that they made my mouth water just looking at them.

The kongbiji (thick soybean pulp soup) that came with it was a clear yet thick soy-soup style dish packed with beans. It was nicely seasoned, so I kept spooning it up almost like broth.

We had gone swimming on the final day of our trip, so I was feeling a little chilled and tired. Once that warm, nutty broth went down, I felt my body slowly relax. The buckwheat pancake served with it was mild and exactly to my taste, while the stir-fried squid with its wonderfully spicy-sweet seasoning was also a special treat.

I chose barley rice. I put half into my bowl and mixed it briskly with the hearty Cheongna-style cheonggukjang and greens, then mixed the other half with the spicy stir-fried squid sauce. It felt like enjoying two different dishes, and it was absolutely perfect.

Thanks to the Cheongna-style cheonggukjang, which was not salty but mild and full of deep flavor, my parents kept praising how delicious it was.

Thanks to that, we got to properly enjoy a reliable Cheongna lunch menu right at lunchtime.

Why it was so satisfying for a meal with my parents

After finishing our filling meal, my stomach felt comfortable rather than heavy. From the carefully prepared side dishes to the main courses, this place had all three elements in place, and I felt we had made such a good choice for my parents’ birthday meal.

If you want a neat, thoughtfully prepared table of food made with deep homemade flavor rather than overpowering dishes, be sure to visit Samdae Cheonggukjang. With its generous selection and excellent taste, it is more than worthy of being considered a recommended Cheongna lunch spot.

I highly recommend it if you are looking for somewhere to take your parents nearby, or if you want a filling Korean meal that sits comfortably. Treat yourself to a healthy, satisfying meal with a bowl of hearty Cheongna-style cheonggukjang. It would also be a top choice for anyone looking for a substantial Cheongna lunch spot.

Experience a comforting, hearty table of food at Samdae Cheonggukjang, which was perfectly satisfying for a family gathering or meal with parents!