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Discover Ilsan’s Hidden Gems: A Foodie’s Tour of Must-Visit 칼국수 and Pizza Restaurants

Welcome to Ilsan, a vibrant city in Gyeonggi-do, South Korea, just a stone’s throw away from Seoul! Often praised for its livability and green spaces, Ilsan is also a treasure trove of culinary delights. In this blog post, we’re diving deep into two exceptional restaurants that locals rave about – a traditional 칼국수 (knife-cut noodle soup) house and an award-winning Neapolitan pizza place. Get ready to explore some truly delicious “또간집” (Ddoganjip) – places you’ll want to visit again and again!

First Stop: 일산 칼국수 – The Undisputed King of Kalguksu in Ilsan

Our first culinary adventure takes us to 일산 칼국수 (Ilsan Kalguksu), a restaurant that has earned the title of the best 칼국수 spot in Ilsan, according to local connoisseurs and our own taste buds! Forget chain restaurants; this is the real deal, a 본점 (original location) serving up a bowl of noodle soup that’s truly extraordinary.

A Taste of Tradition and Flavor

As you step into 일산 칼국수, you’ll immediately sense the bustling, local atmosphere. This isn’t a fancy establishment, but a place where the focus is squarely on the food. And oh, the food! Their signature dish, 칼국수, is a generous serving of thick, chewy noodles in a rich, flavorful broth. What sets this 칼국수 apart is the intensely savory broth, simmered for 18 hours, infused with the essence of a whole chicken.

What to Expect:

• Rich Chicken Broth: The broth is deep, flavorful, and truly unforgettable – the heart and soul of this dish.
• Generous Toppings: Your bowl will be brimming with tender chicken pieces and fresh clams (바지락), adding layers of texture and taste.
• Perfect Noodles: The handmade 칼국수 noodles are thick, delightfully chewy, and perfectly complement the rich broth.
• Kimchi Perfection: No Korean meal is complete without kimchi, and 일산 칼국수’s kimchi is exceptional. Fresh, flavorful, and the perfect accompaniment to the soup.
• Rice Recommendation: Don’t forget to order rice (공기밥) to soak up the remaining broth after you finish your noodles – a truly satisfying way to end the meal.

Rating: Highly Recommended – Considered the #1 칼국수 in Ilsan and one of the best reviewed in years.

Location: Ilsan, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea (Specific address may be needed for precise location. Search for “일산 칼국수 본점” – Ilsan Kalguksu Main Branch)

Next Up: 포폴로 피자 – Award-Winning Neapolitan Pizza in Ilsan

Prepare for a delightful shift from Korean comfort food to Italian excellence! Our next stop is 포폴로 피자 (Polo Pizza), a restaurant that has not only captured the hearts of Ilsan locals but has also achieved international recognition. This is not your average pizza place; it’s home to the 2023 Napoli Pizza World Championship STG winner in Korea!

A Taste of Naples in Korea

포폴로 피자 is known for its authentic Neapolitan pizza, crafted with passion and expertise. Getting a table here can be a challenge, with wait times sometimes reaching 180 minutes during peak hours – a testament to its popularity. But trust us, the wait is absolutely worth it.

Signature Dish: 계란 폭탄 피자 (Egg Bomb Pizza)

One of their most talked-about pizzas is the 계란 폭탄 피자 (Egg Bomb Pizza). Imagine a perfectly thin crust Neapolitan pizza topped with fresh ingredients and crowned with a runny egg yolk in the center. The recommended way to enjoy this masterpiece is to break the yolk and let it flow over the pizza slices, adding richness and a unique creamy texture.

Must-Try Dishes:

• 계란 폭탄 피자 (Egg Bomb Pizza): A signature dish, featuring a unique egg yolk topping that elevates the pizza to another level.
• 페스토 파스타 (Pesto Pasta): Unlike typical pesto pastas, this version is refreshing and unique, featuring a light, almost salad-like presentation with a pesto sauce that’s flavorful but not heavy. It includes black olives, pureed and honey-glazed, which add a surprising savory and slightly sweet touch, resembling minced meat.
• 아란치니 (Arancini): Don’t miss their Arancini, flavorful fried rice balls infused with truffle oil – the perfect side dish or starter.

Rating: Highly Recommended – Award-winning Neapolitan pizza, consistently praised for quality and taste. Reservations highly recommended.

Location: Ilsan, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea (Specific address may be needed for precise location. Search for “포폴로 피자 일산” – Polo Pizza Ilsan)

Why Ilsan is a Foodie Destination

Ilsan offers a fantastic blend of urban convenience and natural beauty, and its culinary scene is just as diverse and exciting. From comforting Korean classics like 칼국수 to international flavors like authentic Neapolitan pizza, Ilsan has something to satisfy every palate. These “또간집” restaurants are not just places to eat; they are experiences that will make you want to return to Ilsan again and again. So, next time you’re planning a trip near Seoul, make sure to include Ilsan on your itinerary and embark on your own foodie adventure!

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