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Discover Seoul’s Hidden Gem: Exquisite Lamb Omakase at Lamb Culture near Sookmyung Women’s University Station

Hello, food enthusiasts! Today, I’m excited to introduce you to a unique dining experience in Seoul, specifically near Sookmyung Women’s University Station: Lamb Culture (양식 문화). While I’ve enjoyed my fair share of lamb dishes, this was my first time experiencing a lamb omakase, and it was truly exceptional. Let’s dive into the review!

Location and First Impressions

Lamb Culture is nestled in the “Shepherd Alley” of Namyeong Station, conveniently located between Namyeong and Sookmyung Women’s University Stations. You can make reservations through Catch Table or by phone. Upon arrival, I was immediately struck by the restaurant’s sophisticated and inviting ambiance. It felt like stepping into a place dedicated to culinary artistry.

While the menu offers various options, I highly recommend opting for the Yangsik Course (양식 코스) at 43,000 KRW per person. This omakase course is the best way to experience the full spectrum of flavors Lamb Culture has to offer. To kick things off, I ordered a refreshing beer – the perfect accompaniment to the rich lamb dishes to come.

The Omakase Journey: A Lamb Lover’s Dream

Premium Cuts: French Rack and Lamb Ribs

The culinary journey began with the star of the show: French Rack and Lamb Ribs. I learned that French Rack is the most premium cut of lamb, known for its tenderness due to its location on the back where muscles are less used. The chef meticulously explained each cut before grilling, starting with the French Rack and Lamb Ribs. The sight of the grill filling up with these prime cuts was a feast for the eyes.

The staff expertly grilled the lamb to perfection, ensuring we didn’t have to worry about overcooking these precious cuts. This allowed for relaxed conversation while anticipating the deliciousness. They even used the lamb fat dripping from the grilling to cook kimchi, garlic, and mushrooms – a brilliant touch! The kimchi cooked in lamb fat was a revelation, offering a uniquely savory and slightly addictive flavor.

The French Rack was incredibly tender, living up to its reputation, and completely devoid of any gamey smell. The lamb ribs, also known as shoulder ribs, were equally delightful. The chef explained the different parts of the lamb rib – the top salccisal (chuck flap tail), the rib cage part (늑간살), and the sirloin in the middle – all combining for an explosion of flavor and texture in each bite.

Once perfectly grilled, the lamb was served piece by piece, ready to be enjoyed with a selection of accompaniments: British salt, soy sauce, wasabi, and pickled radish. It was a taste that truly explains the allure of lamb – once you’re hooked, you’ll keep coming back for more.

Korean Twist: Lamb Fat Kimchi and Coriander

The lamb fat kimchi was an absolute highlight. Whether enjoyed on its own or wrapped around the lamb, it was a fantastic pairing. For those who enjoy coriander (cilantro), it’s available upon request. I tried it with lamb for the first time and was surprised at how well they complemented each other. The potentially clashing exotic flavors surprisingly harmonized beautifully, and I ended up asking for multiple refills of coriander!

Tender Loin and Savory Ribeye

Next up was the loin, thinly sliced boneless meat from the lamb ribs, offering a different texture from the previous cuts. Unlike the chunkier lamb ribs, the loin was grilled in larger pieces, allowing for maximum flavor and juiciness. Grilled alongside bean sprouts, it was a refreshing and palate-cleansing course, perfect as a side dish.

The ‘Dish of the Day’ turned out to be ribeye. Herb oil was brushed onto the ribeye as it grilled, infusing it with aromatic notes that prevented any potential monotony in the lamb flavors.

Unique Lamb Bulgogi and Lamb Spam

The Lamb Bulgogi was another standout. Made with lamb brisket, marinated in a special sauce, and flame-grilled with torches for that irresistible smoky flavor. Served on soft, slightly sweet buns reminiscent of flower buns, this lamb bulgogi slider was a truly unique and delicious dish. Adding coriander to the slider elevated it even further.

Moving onto the meal course, we were treated to Sotbap (솥밥, pot rice) which had been cooking beside us throughout the meal, accompanied by handmade Lamb Spam. Regular spam is a classic rice companion, but lamb spam was a fascinating twist! The perfectly grilled lamb spam was neatly placed atop the rice, with generous and fair portions. The remaining scorched rice in the pot was then transformed into Ochazuke with green tea, offering a comforting and warm finish to the rice course.

The lamb spam had a distinct texture compared to regular spam – firmer and leaner, making it an excellent and appreciated addition to the meal.

Finishing with Lamb Shabu Shabu

The grand finale was Lamb Shabu Shabu, featuring udon noodles, fish cakes, and lamb neck and shoulder meat in a flavorful broth. You can choose between a spicy red broth or a mild white broth. The chef advised a quick dip for the lamb neck and shoulder to maintain its tenderness. It was the perfect, comforting, and savory end to the omakase, and another great pairing with Soju.

Final Verdict: A Must-Try Lamb Omakase in Seoul

Overall, my lamb omakase experience at Lamb Culture was fantastic. It’s a highly recommended spot for friends and couples looking for a cost-effective yet high-quality dining experience. If you’re a lamb lover or looking to explore new culinary horizons in Seoul, Lamb Culture is a must-visit. I’m already looking forward to my next visit!

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Restaurant Information:

• Name: Lamb Culture (양식 문화)
• Location: Shepherd Alley, Namyeong Station, near Sookmyung Women’s University Station, Ji-dong, Seoul, South Korea
• Cuisine: Lamb Omakase
• Price: Yangsik Course 43,000 KRW per person (Recommended)
• Rating: Highly Recommended (Based on positive review and value for money)

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