www.youtube.com/embed/5ruq2d2RYew

풍자’s Incheon ‘Ddoganjip’ Restaurant Tour: Top 3 Local Hidden Gems Revealed!

Get ready to explore the 맛집 (mat-jib, meaning delicious restaurants) scene in Incheon, South Korea, with none other than the popular food YouTuber, 풍자 (Pungja)! As a 6-year resident of Incheon, 풍자 takes us on a culinary journey to her “Ddoganjip” (또간집) – restaurants she revisits and truly loves. Forget the tourist traps; 풍자 is here to unveil the local hidden gems that even she, an Incheon insider, swears by. Join us as we uncover three must-visit restaurants in Incheon, handpicked by 풍자 herself!

Epic: Unique Pasta and Salad Pizza in Bupyeong

Our first stop is Epic, located in the bustling Bupyeong area of Incheon. This isn’t your typical Italian restaurant. Epic is known for its creative fusion dishes, particularly their signature Nurungji Pasta and Flying Pan Pizza. 풍자, who has visited Epic over 20 times, raves about the Nurungji Pasta – a creamy pasta served with a layer of crispy scorched rice at the bottom, offering a delightful textural contrast and satisfying savory flavor. The Flying Pan Pizza is just as unique, resembling a vibrant salad atop a thin crust, loaded with fresh vegetables and mushrooms, making it a “guilt-free” pizza option. According to 풍자, Epic is a true local favorite, tucked away in a hidden alley, waiting to be discovered.

Must-Try Dishes: Nurungji Pasta, Flying Pan Pizza

Location: Bupyeong, Incheon (Specific address would be added here for a real blog post)

Rating: Highly recommended by locals and 풍자’s Ddoganjip!

Ilmi Hwapyeongdong Naengmyeon: Authentic Incheon Cold Noodles

Next, we dive into the refreshing world of Korean cold noodles at Ilmi Hwapyeongdong Naengmyeon, situated in Incheon’s famous Naengmyeon Street. In the midst of winter, 풍자 confidently recommends enjoying Naengmyeon (cold buckwheat noodles in chilled broth) at this long-standing establishment. She orders the “Sesutdaeya Naengmyeon” (basin-sized Naengmyeon), highlighting the generous portion and the unlimited refills offered for only 7,000 KRW! Alongside the Naengmyeon, 풍자 insists on trying the Buchu Mandu (chives dumplings), praising their juicy filling and perfect texture. This restaurant holds a special place in 풍자’s heart as her very first “Ddoganjip” reveal, a testament to its unchanging, authentic taste that has stood the test of time.

Must-Try Dishes: Sesutdaeya Naengmyeon, Buchu Mandu

Location: Incheon Naengmyeon Street, Hwapyeong-dong, Incheon (Specific address would be added here for a real blog post)

Rating: A legendary local spot and 풍자’s personal Ddoganjip!

Namdong Fish Market: Fresh Aged Sashimi & Hearty Miyeokguk

Our final destination takes us to Namdong Fish Market, surprisingly not for a typical fish market experience, but for incredibly delicious 숙성회 (aged sashimi). Despite its unassuming 포장마차 (pojangmacha, street stall) vibe, Namdong Fish Market blew 풍자 away with its exceptional aged sashimi platter, featuring premium cuts of 참다랑어 (bluefin tuna), 방어 (winter yellowtail), 참돔 (sea bream), and 광어 (flounder). 풍자, who initially claimed to be unimpressed by sashimi in general, declared the aged sashimi here as the “best sashimi of her life!”. Adding to the charm is the complimentary Miyeokguk (seaweed soup), which 풍자 also crowned as her “number one miyeokguk,” praising its deep, rich flavor. Namdong Fish Market proves that you don’t need a fancy ocean view to enjoy top-tier seafood; sometimes, the best culinary experiences are found in the most unexpected places.

Must-Try Dishes: 모듬숙성회 (Assorted Aged Sashimi), Miyeokguk

Location: Namdong Fish Market, Incheon (Specific address would be added here for a real blog post)

Rating: 풍자’s life-changing sashimi experience and top-rated Miyeokguk!

풍자’s Incheon “Ddoganjip” tour is a testament to the city’s vibrant and diverse food scene. From innovative pasta and pizza to authentic cold noodles and life-altering sashimi, Incheon offers culinary delights that go beyond the usual tourist trails. Follow in 풍자’s footsteps and discover these hidden gems for an unforgettable Incheon food adventure!