Restaurant Overview: A Taste of Premium Yang Daechang at Ovaltan

Hello everyone! I recently visited Ovaltan (오발탄), a restaurant specializing in Yang Daechang (양대창), which is grilled beef tripe and large intestine. For those who are unfamiliar, Yang Daechang is a beloved Korean BBQ dish known for its rich flavors and satisfying textures. Ovaltan holds a special place for me as it was the first place I ever tried Daechang back in my university days. I remember being utterly amazed by its deliciousness, even though it was quite pricey even then.

Over the years, Ovaltan has expanded from its original Songpa branch and now has multiple locations across Seoul and other regions, even inside the Paradise Hotel arcade. This increased accessibility is a welcome change. While they might not be the absolute cheapest option, Ovaltan offers a consistently high-quality dining experience, making it a worthwhile choice for Yang Daechang enthusiasts.

Ambiance and Location: Conveniently Located in Chungmuro

I visited the Chungmuro branch, which is conveniently located right by Chungmuro Station, making it easily accessible by public transportation. The Chungmuro area itself is known for its vibrant food scene and traditional “Nopo” (old-style) restaurants, making Ovaltan a great starting point for an evening out.

The restaurant’s interior is comfortable with mostly sofa seating, offering a sense of privacy between tables. It’s not overly fancy but provides a clean and pleasant environment for enjoying Korean BBQ. Compared to some bustling Yang Daechang places, Ovaltan offers a slightly more relaxed and spacious setting.

Food Experience: From Premium Cuts to Delightful Side Dishes

We ordered the Ovaltan Modum (Assortment), priced at 84,000 KRW. This platter includes a mix of New Zealand Yang (beef tripe), Korean Hanwoo Daechang (beef large intestine), and American Hongchang (beef abomasum). Ovaltan also offers individual servings of these meats, along with other options like marinated ribs and sirloin, though I’ve always stuck to their specialty, the Yang Daechang.

One of the highlights of dining at Ovaltan is their generous and delicious side dishes. We enjoyed Muk-sabal (acorn jelly soup), a refreshing and slightly chilled soup that’s perfect to start with. They also serve Mashed Potatoes, which surprisingly complements the grilled meats very well, and Yang Muchim (seasoned beef tripe salad), a flavorful appetizer with a good portion of Yang. All these side dishes are refillable, and we happily requested refills of the Muk-sabal and Yang Muchim.

The staff expertly grills the meats right at your table, which is a great convenience. The Yang and Hongchang have a similar appearance when cooked, but their tastes differ. Yang offers a chewier, slightly more textured bite, while Hongchang is richer and fattier. The Daechang, sourced from Korean Hanwoo beef, is incredibly flavorful and juicy, bursting with rich fat.

To finish our meal, we ordered Yang-bap (Yang Fried Rice) (22,000 KRW). This isn’t your typical cheap fried rice; it’s made with generous amounts of Yang and is incredibly savory and satisfying. We also tried Yang-utang (Yang Beef Soup), a spicy and flavorful soup with beef innards, which was a great complement to the fried rice.

For dessert, Ovaltan offers a complimentary Patbingsu (Korean shaved ice with red beans). It might seem like an unusual pairing with Yang Daechang, but it’s a perfect refreshing end to a rich and savory meal.

Menu and Prices (as of visit)

• New Zealand Yang: 36,000 KRW
• Korean Hanwoo Daechang: 35,000 KRW
• American Hongchang: 34,000 KRW
• Ovaltan Modum (Assortment): 84,000 KRW
• Yang-bap (Yang Fried Rice): 22,000 KRW
• Yang-utang (Yang Beef Soup): Price not specified individually in text, but ordered as a soup with Yang-bap.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Delicious and high-quality Yang Daechang and other grilled meats.
• Generous and tasty side dishes (Muk-sabal, Yang Muchim, Mashed Potato).
• Comfortable and relatively spacious ambiance.
• Convenient location near Chungmuro Station.
• Complimentary Patbingsu dessert.

Cons:

• Price is on the higher side for Yang Daechang.
• Slight inconsistency in Daechang quality (initial batch was a bit tough, but improved).

Conclusion: A Recommended Yang Daechang Experience

Overall, my visit to Ovaltan Chungmuro branch was a very positive experience. While it’s not the cheapest option, the quality of the Yang Daechang, the delicious side dishes, and the comfortable atmosphere make it a worthwhile visit for anyone craving premium Korean grilled beef tripe and large intestine. If you’re in the Chungmuro area and looking for a satisfying Yang Daechang meal in a pleasant setting, Ovaltan is definitely a place to consider.

General Rating: 4 out of 5 stars (Excellent food and experience, slightly pricey)

Location: Ovaltan Chungmuro Branch (충무로점), near Chungmuro Station, Seoul.