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Daegu Culinary Adventure: Ttoganjip’s 2nd Anniversary Food Journey – Discovering Hidden Matjibs

Welcome to a delicious journey through Daegu, South Korea, as we follow the popular food show “Ttoganjip” (또간집) on their 2nd-anniversary special! In this episode, Ttoganjip revisits Daegu to uncover even more hidden culinary gems, going beyond their previous top pick, Wanggeomi Sikdang.

Revisiting Daegu: A Quest for New Matjibs

The team expresses slight disappointment from their previous Daegu episode, feeling they might have missed out on even tastier spots. This time, they are determined to find restaurants that surpass even the renowned Wanggeomi Sikdang. They are back in Daegu, ready for a “revisit special,” aiming to showcase the true, local flavors of the city.

Stop 1: Beompyo Eomuk – Busan’s Famous Fish Cake in Daegu

Their first stop introduces us to Beompyo Eomuk (범표어묵), a Busan-based fish cake brand available in Daegu. The representative proudly presents their premium fish cakes made with high-quality domestic fish. They highlight innovative flavors like Buldak (spicy chicken) and Mala (numbing spicy) fish cakes, alongside the original flavor.

The host is impressed by the generous portions and the unique, chewy texture of the fish cakes, emphasizing the high fish content. The Buldak and Mala flavors are described as new and exciting, offering a spicy kick to the traditional fish cake. It seems like a perfect snack or a quick meal, showcasing a Busan specialty in Daegu.

Key Highlights of Beompyo Eomuk:

• Origin: Busan, South Korea
• Specialty: Premium fish cakes (Eomuk)
• Flavors: Original, Buldak (spicy chicken), Mala (numbing spicy)
• Price: Affordable, with sets available
• Notable Feature: High fish content, chewy texture, innovative flavors

Stop 2: Keungoljip – Spicy Braised Pork Ribs Delight

Next, they visit Keungoljip (큰골집), recommended by a local as a must-try Daegu restaurant. Keungoljip specializes in Deunggalbijjim (등갈비찜), spicy braised pork ribs, served with Gondre Bap (곤드레밥), thistle rice. The dish features tender pork ribs in a rich, red, and spicy sauce, a flavor profile Daegu locals apparently love.

The hosts are immediately captivated by the aroma and the visually appealing, vibrant red stew. They praise the perfectly cooked ribs, effortlessly falling off the bone, and the delicious blend of spicy, sweet, and savory flavors. The Gondre Bap complements the spicy ribs perfectly, creating a satisfying and flavorful meal. Keungoljip appears to be a strong contender for a top Daegu 맛집.

Key Highlights of Keungoljip:

• Specialty: Deunggalbijjim (Spicy Braised Pork Ribs)
• Side Dish: Gondre Bap (Thistle Rice)
• Flavor Profile: Spicy, savory, slightly sweet, rich red sauce
• Atmosphere: Local favorite, potentially crowded
• Recommendation: Must-try for spicy food lovers in Daegu

Stop 3: Arizona Makchang – 30 Years of Daegu Makchang Tradition

For their Makchang (grilled beef/pork abomasum) experience, Ttoganjip heads to Arizona Makchang (아리조나 막창), a restaurant with 30 years of history in Daegu. Makchang is a Daegu specialty, and Arizona Makchang is presented as a local favorite, even occupying an entire building!

The hosts are amazed by the quality and freshness of the Makchang, noting the lack of any unpleasant odor. Once grilled, the Makchang is described as incredibly tender and flavorful, with a perfect balance of crispy exterior and juicy interior. Dipping it in their special sauce further enhances the taste. Arizona Makchang seems to redefine Makchang, eliminating common issues like toughness and odor, offering a truly premium experience.

Key Highlights of Arizona Makchang:

• Specialty: Makchang (Grilled Beef/Pork Abomasum)
• Tradition: 30 years
• Atmosphere: Popular local restaurant, spacious
• Flavor Profile: Tender, flavorful, no odor, crispy exterior, juicy interior
• Must-try: Daegu Makchang experience

Stop 4: Namsan Donkatsu – Korean-Style Pork Cutlet Perfection

Lastly, Ttoganjip visits Namsan Donkatsu (남산돈가스) in Namsan-dong, Daegu. Despite initial skepticism about eating Donkatsu (pork cutlet) in Daegu, they are blown away by this restaurant. Namsan Donkatsu offers a unique take on Donkatsu, featuring thick, juicy pork cutlets with a crispy coating and a sweet, fruit-based Gyeongyangsik (Korean-style Western) sauce.

The hosts are impressed by the sheer size and tenderness of the Donkatsu, comparing it to a “rice ball” in terms of meatiness. The sauce is described as perfectly complementing the Donkatsu without being overpowering. They even create a “Donkatsu burger” using the cutlet and a bun, further enjoying the dish. Namsan Donkatsu becomes a surprising highlight, proving that Daegu’s culinary scene is diverse and full of unexpected delights.

Key Highlights of Namsan Donkatsu:

• Specialty: Donkatsu (Korean-style pork cutlet)
• Style: Gyeongyangsik (Korean-Western fusion)
• Features: Thick, juicy cutlet, crispy coating, fruit-based sauce
• Price: Reasonable
• Location: Namsan-dong, Daegu
• Recommendation: Unexpected must-try, perfect for Donkatsu lovers

Final Stop: Gulliver Makchang – A Contender for Daegu’s Best Makchang

In a final twist, influenced by a local recommendation, Ttoganjip makes an impromptu stop at Gulliver Makchang (걸리버 막창), mentioned as one of Daegu’s “3 Top Makchang” restaurants. Despite a long wait due to its popularity, they finally get to taste Gulliver Makchang’s offering.

The Makchang at Gulliver is described as incredibly tender, almost melting in the mouth, with a marshmallow-like texture. This is contrasted with the usual chewy texture of Makchang, presenting a unique and surprisingly delicious experience. Paired with their special sauce and served with cabbage and green onions, Gulliver Makchang leaves a lasting impression.

Key Highlights of Gulliver Makchang:

• Specialty: Makchang (Grilled Beef/Pork Abomasum)
• Reputation: Top 3 Makchang in Daegu
• Texture: Extremely tender, melt-in-your-mouth, marshmallow-like
• Atmosphere: Very popular, expect long waits
• Recommendation: Experience a different style of Makchang

Ttoganjip’s Verdict and Daegu’s Culinary Charm

While initially hesitant to give a definitive top pick in this revisit episode, Ttoganjip ultimately leans towards Gulliver Makchang as their chosen “Ttoganjip” for this Daegu special. However, they emphasize that all the restaurants showcased offered unique and delicious experiences, highlighting Daegu’s rich and diverse food scene. Daegu proves to be a city full of culinary surprises, with hidden matjibs waiting to be discovered. Stay tuned for more “Ttoganjip” adventures in other cities!

General Rating for Daegu Restaurants Visited by Ttoganjip (Based on Textual Clues):

• Beompyo Eomuk: Not rated as a restaurant, but praised for quality and flavor of fish cakes.
• Keungoljip: Highly praised, potential top pick, likely 4/5 stars or higher.
• Arizona Makchang: Excellent Makchang, strong contender, likely 4/5 stars.
• Namsan Donkatsu: Surprisingly delicious, exceeding expectations, likely 4/5 stars.
• Gulliver Makchang: Ultimately chosen as “Ttoganjip”, exceptional Makchang, likely 4.5/5 or 5/5 stars.

Location Information (Approximate based on context):

• Beompyo Eomuk: Likely various locations in Daegu as it’s a brand product.
• Keungoljip: Not specified exactly, but in Daegu.
• Arizona Makchang: Dongseongro area, Daegu (mentioned “Dongseongro is still the same”).
• Namsan Donkatsu: Namsan-dong, Daegu.
• Gulliver Makchang: Not specified exactly, but in Daegu.

Enjoy exploring these Daegu 맛집s! 맛있게 드세요! (Bon appétit!)