Jung, Seoul cooking pub for an invitation gathering: Hey Jinny

I went to Hey Jinny (을지로 헤이지니) for a friend’s invitation gathering. After sending my friend several options, we chose this place because we liked the atmosphere and food.

Is the atmosphere suitable for a blind date or invitation gathering?

My first impression was the vintage atmosphere characteristic of Euljiro. I felt it would suit not only gatherings with friends, but also blind dates or dates.

The restroom was near the entrance, with hand cream and hair ties beside the door. Even before going in, I got the impression that they paid attention to small details.

The interior lighting was warm and cozy. It was not excessively dark, yet bright enough to face the person across from me without feeling uncomfortable. The tables were spaced appropriately, so we could talk comfortably.

How was the window seat for conversation?

I reserved in advance and was shown to a window seat. I am not sure whether it had been prepared because of the reservation, but it was an unexpected and welcome seat. Looking out the window made it easy to talk without feeling self-conscious.

What food and drinks did we order?

The menu was more varied than I expected. There were whiskey, beer, highballs, and soju, as well as soft drinks, so I thought it would be easy for a group with different preferences to choose.

• Eohyang gaji (fried eggplant in fish-fragrant sauce)
• Osaka niboshi shrimp oil pasta
• Two peach highballs
• An additional bourbon Coke

My friend who arrived was hot and using a small fan to cool down, and the owner brought us a table fan. Even though we were seated in a corner, I remember that they checked on us.

What did the peach highball taste like?

The peach highball arrived first and quickly. It was served in a clear glass with a lemon slice and a stainless-steel straw. Sweet, fresh peach aromas were joined by the refreshing fizz of carbonation.

To me, the sweet fruit aroma stood out more than the alcohol. It also went well with the food.

What was good about the Osaka niboshi shrimp oil pasta?

Of the main dishes, the Osaka niboshi shrimp oil pasta arrived first. It was topped with seaweed flakes, scallions, crisp fried dried shrimp, and plump shrimp.

The clean oil pasta had a deep savory flavor from niboshi and shrimp. The noodles were cooked just right and retained their texture, with a salty, nutty shellfish flavor.

I also liked the contrast of chewy shrimp and crisp dried shrimp. It is a dish I would choose again for a gathering where food and drinks are enjoyed together.

How was the eohyang gaji as a drinking snack?

The second dish was eohyang gaji. I usually like eggplant dishes and had been looking forward to it; I liked the combination of the crisp coating and moist interior.

The fried eggplant was generously topped with sweet-spicy fish-fragrant sauce and garnish. Beneath the crisp exterior was tender eggplant, and the sauce’s savory flavor worked well with the eggplant’s nutty taste.

The sauce cut through the richness of the fried coating, so I enjoyed it through the last piece. It also paired well with a highball as a drinking snack.

After having a peach highball, my friend ordered an additional bourbon Coke. It contained bourbon whiskey, cola, and lemon, and was darker in color than the peach highball.

What stood out after the invitation gathering?

There were candies in front of the payment counter. From the amenities beside the restroom to the table fan, I appreciated the attentive touches during our visit.

I was satisfied with both the food and the space at this gathering. I especially remember comfortably talking by the window while sharing the pasta and eohyang gaji. We visited for a friend’s invitation gathering, but considering the lighting and seating atmosphere, I felt it would also suit a blind date or date.