‘www.youtube.com/embed/hbFzeLwe7yg’

Welcome back, food adventurers! The YouTube crew from “Tto Gan Jip” (또 간집) has returned to Anyang, South Korea, for a crucial mission. Their previous Anyang episode had to be removed due to a rule violation – the recommended restaurant turned out to be connected to the person recommending it. Now, with a strong sense of responsibility and determination, the team is back to find a *true*, unbiased local matjip (맛집), a genuinely delicious restaurant cherished by Anyang residents, free from any personal connections.

The Quest Begins: Gathering Local Wisdom

The crew hit the streets of Anyang, venturing into areas like Manan-gu, seeking recommendations directly from the locals. They chatted with a hairdresser who’s lived and dined in Anyang for 30 years, students, people on the street, and even contacted viewers via phone. The goal was clear: gather intel on places Anyang citizens frequent and love, not just tourist spots.

Several intriguing possibilities emerged, including a place near Beomgye Station known for Dakbokkeumtang and Dak Han Mari, and restaurants in the vibrant Neungridan-gil area. But three recommendations stood out and were visited by the determined crew:

Tasting Anyang: Exploring the Top Recommendations

Donghae Ojingeo Bossam (동해 오징어 보쌈) – The Spicy Contender

Located seemingly near the Anyang Station area in Manan-gu, this restaurant came highly recommended by a long-time resident as a must-try Anyang specialty. It’s been a local favorite for decades.

The signature dish, Ojingeo Bossam, is unique. Contrary to what the name ‘Bossam’ might suggest to some, it’s not pork. It’s a plate piled high with spicy squid and crisp, fiery raw radish salad (무생채). Customers are shown how to cut the squid and mix it with the radish before wrapping it in ssam (wrap) leaves with rice and bean sprouts. The crew found the dish incredibly spicy – arguably spicier than popular super-spicy dishes like Yeoptteok’s spiciest level. However, its addictiveness was off the charts. The combination of textures and the intense sweet and savory heat kept them coming back for more, especially when mixed with rice and a splash of cool dongchimi (radish water kimchi) liquid.

While the text doesn’t give a star rating, the crew’s reaction and the description (“진짜 맛있다” – really delicious, “중독성은 진짜 아 말도 못 합니다” – the addictiveness is incredible) indicate a top-tier local favorite.

Son Kalguksu (손칼국수) – The Market Legend

Found deep within the bustling Anyang Jungang Market, Son Kalguksu was recommended by a local who has visited an estimated 80 times over its long history (prices have risen from 1500 KRW to 6000 KRW). It was praised not just for its affordability but primarily for its taste.

The Handmade Kalguksu lives up to its name. The broth is thick and flavorful, gaining depth from vegetables that break down during cooking. The noodles are remarkably chewy and bouncy, almost like ‘budaeng’ (a type of Korean rice cake/noodle), providing a fantastic texture. A key component is the savory soy sauce-based seasoning paste (다데기), which elevates the dish. The crew was deeply impressed, declaring it potentially the best kalguksu they had tried on the show.

Another place without a formal rating, but described with such enthusiasm (“역대 칼구수 나왔다” – history-making kalguksu) that its local standing is clear.

Eollukmal Sikdang (얼룩말 식당) – Neungridan-gil’s Anchor

Located in the trendy Neungridan-gil area of Anyang 1-dong, Eollukmal Sikdang is known for its Japanese home-style cooking. Recommended by a local who visits frequently and credits the restaurant with helping to popularize the street itself.

Though the crew arrived on a day the restaurant was primarily doing cleaning and preparation for reopening the next day, the owner graciously agreed to make the highly recommended 가지덮밥 (Gaji Deopbap), or Eggplant Rice Bowl, just for them. The dish consists of rice topped with a base of minced pork and a generous portion of eggplant cooked in a sweet and savory sauce. The crew described it as a perfectly balanced dish, a “calculated deopbap.” The moist, slightly chewy eggplant complemented the rich, sweet, and savory minced pork base. It was hailed as incredibly delicious and well-priced for the quality.

Again, no star rating, but the crew’s reaction (“미쳤다” – crazy good, “완벽한 계산이 있는 덮밥이다” – a perfectly calculated deopbap) signifies its high regard.

The Verdict: Anyang’s True Matjip Revealed

After much deliberation and tasting, the Tto Gan Jip crew made their final decision for the top local matjip in Anyang based on this revisited quest. The winner was **Donghae Ojingeo Bossam (동해 오징어 보쌈)**.

Its unique, highly addictive spicy flavor profile, which the crew had never experienced elsewhere, combined with its status as a long-standing local favorite mentioned by multiple people, secured its place as the #1 Anyang matjip for this episode’s redemption.

Beyond the Plate: More Anyang Insights

The trip also highlighted Anyang’s close-knit community feel and the passion locals have for their favorite spots. While other places were mentioned, the focus remained on the three visited gems. The crew successfully navigated the challenge of finding genuine recommendations, proving that Anyang holds many delicious secrets for those willing to explore.

If you find yourself in Anyang, consider seeking out these Tto Gan Jip-approved spots for a taste of the city’s true local flavors!