Hello seafood lovers! Recently, my review of a winter yellowtail (Bangeo) restaurant received a fantastic response, so I’m excited to share another incredible Bangeo spot with you. This time, we’re heading to Jamsil, to a restaurant renowned as the king of aged Bangeo in the area – Padojip (파도집)! Be warned, though, its popularity also means it’s infamous for long wait times. Becoming an Instagram sensation lately, I decided to visit after highlighting the positive aspects of “Hong Gildong Hoe-Susan” style promotion, and I must say, I was thoroughly impressed. Let’s dive into the delicious details!

Location and Atmosphere: Conquering the Padojip Wait

Padojip is nestled near Exit 10 of Jamsil Station, in the bustling Songpa-gu district. Specifically, you’ll find it in Bangyi Mukja Golmok (Bangyi Food Alley), slightly tucked away from the main street but easily accessible. Knowing its weekend popularity, I arrived at around 3:45 PM, well before their 5 PM opening time, and still managed to snag waiting number 2! The waiting system is quite unique – you queue upwards, starting from the 2nd-floor entrance and ascending the stairs. By 4:30 PM, the line had already stretched up to the 4th floor, showcasing its immense popularity. After the initial seating, they switch to the ‘Catch Table’ app for queue management. By 7 PM, a staggering 35 teams were still waiting! This truly highlights Padojip’s must-try status.

A Feast of Aged Seafood: Bangeo, Gwang-eo, and More

Padojip’s menu is a seafood lover’s dream, featuring a variety of sashimi options. Their main attractions include assorted sashimi, exquisite Sea Bream (Chamdome), delicate Yubiki Sea Bream, the star of the show – aged Bangeo (Winter Yellowtail), flavorful aged Flatfish (Gwang-eo), and unique Largehead hairtail sashimi (Daesamchi hoe). They also offer set menus combining these delicacies. Our group of four (one woman and three men) opted for the Bangeo and Flatfish set (medium size). In retrospect, for four people, I recommend going for the large size. We were so satisfied that we ended up ordering an additional small Assorted Sashimi platter!

Orders are taken while you wait, which is incredibly efficient. As soon as we were seated, our Bangeo and Flatfish platter arrived promptly – a welcome sight after the wait! The sashimi was generously thick-cut, beautifully aged, and garnished with various flavorful parts of the fish. Apparently, the large set is simply double the size, offering even more of this deliciousness. The aging process truly intensifies the rich, melt-in-your-mouth oily flavor of the Bangeo, perfectly complemented by the substantial, thick slices. It was an absolute flavor explosion! Even the couples who had been waiting longer than us seemed to forgive the wait instantly after their first bite. Honestly, it was some of the best aged sashimi I’ve had recently.

The Flatfish (Gwang-eo) was equally impressive, featuring the prized fin portion. The aging process enhanced its natural sweetness, and the texture was delightfully chewy, with a pronounced sweet flavor. In fact, I personally found the Flatfish’s texture and sweetness even more appealing. Confession time – I’m not a huge fan of fish fins, so I happily gifted a couple of pieces to my companions, who enjoyed them dipped in soy sauce.

Exceptional Service and Delightful Extras

Padojip goes above and beyond with its service. As complimentary dishes, we received grilled fish and grilled fish head. My friend, a coastal native from Geoje Island, identified the grilled fish as mackerel. We couldn’t pinpoint the exact fish head, but it was undeniably delicious! Adding to the generosity, we also received Yuk-sasimi (beef tartare) and Nakji Tangtangi (live octopus) as service dishes. Note: the Nakji Tangtangi was a reward for a receipt review – a clever incentive! The Yuk-sasimi presentation had a slight resemblance to Daejeon’s famous Taepyeongso Gukbap style, and it was a perfect savory bite to enjoy between sips of soju.

Feeling slightly more peckish, we ordered a small Assorted Sashimi platter to round off our meal. This platter was a beautiful arrangement – featuring Bangeo and Salmon at the center, encircled by Flatfish, Sea Bream, Yubiki, and Largehead hairtail in a clockwise fashion. It was a fantastic way to sample a variety of Padojip’s offerings, especially their signature Largehead hairtail and Yubiki Sea Bream. Every piece was thick, substantial, perfectly aged, and utterly delicious.

Final Verdict: Padojip is a Must-Visit for Aged Sashimi in Jamsil

In conclusion, Padojip is an absolute gem in Jamsil. Even with the one-hour open-run wait, the incredible taste is more than worth the effort. If you happen to miss the open-run, don’t be discouraged! Put your name on the waiting list and perhaps explore a nearby cafe or bar for a pre-dinner drink. Padojip is a must-visit for any aged sashimi enthusiast in Seoul. Highly recommended!