Savoring Premium Korean Beef and Ballantine’s 30 Year Old at Seolroin Dining, Sinsa-dong

Recently, I had an extraordinary dining experience at Seolroin Dining in Sinsa-dong, Seoul, indulging in a Hanwoo beef course perfectly paired with the prestigious Ballantine’s 30 Year Old whisky. This visit, supported by Ballantine’s, was an exploration of exquisite flavors and a luxurious culinary journey.

Ballantine’s Whisky and the Exclusive Ritual Kit

Before diving into the delectable meal, let’s talk about Ballantine’s. As one of the world’s most renowned whisky brands, Ballantine’s originates from Speyside, Scotland. For whisky enthusiasts, a distillery tour in Scotland is a must-do, offering an immersive experience into the art of whisky making. While overseas travel is currently challenging, I hope to visit Scotland for a distillery tour someday.

Ballantine’s recently introduced a special Ritual Kit designed for their 30 Year Old whisky. This unique kit, a limited edition masterpiece with only 25 sets worldwide (8 in Korea), was crafted by the celebrated glass artist Simone Crestani. Known for his exceptional glass artistry, Crestani’s Instagram showcases fascinating creations. This Ritual Kit employs an infusion method, enhancing the whisky’s aroma and flavor profile, making it even more complex and enjoyable.

The fact that Korea received a significant portion of these limited kits speaks volumes about Ballantine’s view of the Korean market, where it is their top-selling market. In fact, four kits were placed in prominent Seoul bars (Get All Right, Alice, Soko Bar, Pushfoot), and two sets were sold for 5 million KRW each last year. Seolroin Dining, along with Ura Man, are the exclusive restaurants where you can experience this Ritual Kit with their Hanwoo course.

The Art of Pairing: Hanwoo Beef and Ballantine’s 30 Year Old at Seolroin Dining

Steak and whisky – a classic pairing that reaches new heights at Seolroin Dining. The richness of the Hanwoo beef, with its bursting umami, harmonizes beautifully with the smooth, aromatic notes of Ballantine’s whisky. A sip of whisky between bites of perfectly cooked beef cleanses the palate and enhances the overall flavor experience, preventing any hint of heaviness.

Seolroin Dining, located in Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, offers an intimate and sophisticated dining ambiance. While situated between Sinsa and Apgujeong stations, it’s easily accessible by public transport and offers valet parking. The restaurant features a bar-style seating arrangement, creating a lively yet refined atmosphere. The ventilation system is excellent, ensuring a smoke-free and comfortable dining experience.

The dinner course at Seolroin Dining, priced at 190,000 KRW (lunch course at 100,000 KRW), is a culinary journey through various cuts and preparations of Hanwoo beef. The restaurant boasts an in-house aging and butchering process, showcased by the impressive display of beef bones. The menu, specially curated for the Ballantine’s 30 Year Old pairing, is available by the glass, making this exclusive whisky experience more accessible.

A Glimpse into the Hanwoo Course

1. Welcome Bites: A refreshing glass of homemade Cheongju (refined rice wine) and Hanwoo beef salami to start.
2. Mini Hanwoo Burger: Pancake bun, cheddar cheese sauce, and a Galbi (rib) patty – a delightful miniature burger packed with flavor.
3. Hanwoo Jerky and Ham: Cheakkat (sirloin tip) jerky with cheese, and Chadolbagi (brisket) ham on perilla seed crackers – savory and aromatic bites.
4. Aron Satae Yukhoe (Beef Tartare): Delicate Aron Satae tartare with a sea urchin sauce, offering a unique umami depth.
5. Salchisal Yukhoe (Marbled Beef Tartare): Lightly torched Salchisal tartare with mustard and parsley, showcasing a different texture and flavor profile.
6. Sungchae Mandu (Cabbage Dumplings): Cabbage dumplings filled with beef tongue and pickled vegetables – a flavorful and comforting dish.
7. Beef Head Meat Pyeonyuk (Pressed Meat): Beef head meat Pyeonyuk with Siraegi (dried radish greens) and a crispy seaweed cracker.
8. Buckwheat Crepe Stew: Buckwheat crepe filled with beef stomach stew in tomato base, topped with cheese and vegetables.
9. Ansim (Tenderloin): Perfectly grilled tenderloin, incredibly juicy and tender, best enjoyed with Ballantine’s 30 Year Old.
10. Chaekkat Deungsim (Sirloin): Unique sirloin cut with crispy tendons, offering a delightful textural contrast.
11. Neukgan Sal (Short Rib): Short rib with a slightly rich flavor.
12. Upjinsal Wellington (Beef Belly Wellington): Beef belly Wellington with flaky pastry, rich and savory.
13. Sujunggwa Sorbet (Cinnamon Punch Sorbet): A refreshing palate cleanser.
14. Aron Satae Jajangmyeon Style (Black Bean Sauce Noodles): Aron Satae with a Jajangmyeon-inspired dish using shallots instead of noodles.
15. Jin Galbi (Short Rib): Grilled short rib with green tea infused broth, rich and flavorful.
16. Sagol Guk (Beef Bone Broth): A deeply comforting and rich beef bone broth.
17. Kkori Gomtang Bap (Oxtail Soup Rice): Oxtail Gomtang risotto-style rice with braised oxtail.
18. Kumquat Dessert
19. Makgeolli Dessert (Rice Wine Dessert)
20. Juak (Korean Donut)

Final Thoughts

Seolroin Dining offers an exceptional Hanwoo beef course, elevated by the rare Ballantine’s 30 Year Old Ritual Kit experience. The quality of the beef, the innovative dishes, and the sophisticated ambiance make it a highly recommended destination for fine dining in Sinsa-dong, Seoul. If you’re looking for a place to enjoy premium Korean beef paired with world-class whisky, Seolroin Dining is a must-visit.

Seolroin Dining Location: Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea (Near Sinsa Station & Apgujeong Station)

General Rating: Highly Recommended