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Seoul’s Hidden Gems: Discover Delicious Chinese Food at Hyangmi and Gaehwa Next to Sandong Gyoza

Are you a food lover in Seoul always on the lookout for your next favorite spot? If you’ve heard of the famous Sandong Gyoza, you might be missing out on some equally incredible flavors right next door! Today, we’re taking you on a culinary adventure to explore Hyangmi (향미) and Gaehwa (개화), two fantastic Chinese restaurants located conveniently beside the renowned Sandong Gyoza.

Hyangmi (향미): A Taste of Unique Chinese-Japanese Fusion

First up is Hyangmi. This restaurant offers a unique menu that seems to blend Chinese and Japanese culinary styles. We started our meal with the highly recommended Stir-fried Clams (바지락 볶음) and Kotti (꼬티). The stir-fried clams were an absolute delight! The sauce was incredibly flavorful, a perfect mix of spicy and savory, with a hint of ginger. It was so good that we couldn’t resist ordering noodles to mix with the leftover sauce – a must-try!

The Kotti was also a standout dish. It resembled a Japanese-style gyoza, slightly fried and steamed to perfection. The filling was juicy and flavorful, with a distinct Chinese spice that added an exciting dimension. It paired wonderfully with a cold beer, making it an ideal starter or snack.

We also couldn’t leave without trying their Yuringi (유린기). This dish featured crispy fried chicken pieces drenched in a sweet and tangy sauce. The chicken remained remarkably crispy even with the sauce, a testament to their cooking technique. It was a perfect balance of sweet, sour, and savory, a truly addictive dish!

Must-Try Dishes at Hyangmi:

• Stir-fried Clams (바지락 볶음) with Noodles: Savory and spicy clam stir-fry with an irresistible sauce.
• Kotti (꼬티): Unique Chinese-Japanese style dumplings, fried and steamed.
• Yuringi (유린기): Crispy fried chicken with sweet and tangy sauce.

Gaehwa (개화): Classic and Comforting Chinese Flavors

Just a few steps away from Hyangmi, we found Gaehwa. This restaurant offers a more traditional Chinese dining experience with a focus on comforting and hearty dishes. We opted for the Fried Pork (고기 튀김), Oyster Jjampong (굴짬뽕), and Yuni Jajang (유니짜장).

The fried pork was exceptional. Unlike some places that pre-fry their pork, Gaehwa fries theirs to order, ensuring maximum crispiness and freshness. The pork was thick and flavorful, with a satisfyingly crunchy exterior. It’s served with salt and pepper, allowing the quality of the pork and the frying to truly shine.

The Oyster Jjampong was a revelation. This white broth jjampong was brimming with fresh oysters and vegetables like cabbage. The soup was rich and flavorful, with a clean and refreshing taste, quite different from the typical spicy red jjampong. It was incredibly comforting and perfect for a chilly day.

Lastly, we tried the Yuni Jajang. This black bean sauce noodle dish had a milder and less salty flavor compared to chain restaurant jajangmyeons. It felt lighter and more wholesome, allowing the natural flavors of the ingredients to come through. It’s a great choice for those who prefer a less intense jajangmyeon experience.

Must-Try Dishes at Gaehwa:

• Fried Pork (고기 튀김): Crispy and freshly fried pork with excellent meat quality.
• Oyster Jjampong (굴짬뽕): Comforting white broth jjampong with fresh oysters and vegetables.
• Yuni Jajang (유니짜장): Mild and wholesome black bean sauce noodles.

Location and General Rating

Both Hyangmi and Gaehwa are conveniently located in Seoul, near the Korean Immigration Office (이민 대사관 앞) and right next to Sandong Gyoza.

General Rating: 4.5/5 stars (Based on positive review and description)

Location: Seoul, near Korean Immigration Office (이민 대사관 앞), next to Sandong Gyoza.

Final Thoughts

If you’re in Seoul and looking for delicious and authentic Chinese food beyond the usual chain restaurants, Hyangmi and Gaehwa are definitely worth a visit. Whether you’re craving unique fusion dishes at Hyangmi or classic comforting flavors at Gaehwa, you’re sure to find something to love. And with their location right next to the popular Sandong Gyoza, you can easily explore all three in one go for a true culinary adventure!

Don’t just take our word for it – go and discover your own favorites at Hyangmi and Gaehwa!