Best Doenjang Jjigae in Seoul? Ttusunine Restaurant Review: A Must-Try Korean Stew Experience

Have you heard whispers about the most incredible Doenjang Jjigae (된장찌개) in all of Korea? Well, let me tell you about a place that lives up to the hype – Ttusunine (또순이네). This restaurant isn’t just famous; it’s legendary! Rumor has it, they built their building solely on the success of their Doenjang Jjigae. Yes, you read that right! While Ttusunine is primarily a Korean BBQ restaurant specializing in Sogogi Jumulleok (beef brisket), their star isn’t grilled meat, but rather a humble stew.

The Legend of Ttusunine’s Doenjang Jjigae

Located in bustling Yeouido, Seoul, and other locations like Yangpyeong, Ttusunine has become a pilgrimage site for Doenjang Jjigae enthusiasts. People rave about it on social media, blogs, and online communities, proclaiming it the best in the nation. Naturally, I had to investigate and see if this claim held water. Could a simple Doenjang Jjigae truly be that special?

Visiting Ttusunine in Yeouido

Ttusunine is primarily a Korean BBQ restaurant where you typically order premium cuts of beef. However, during lunchtime (11:30 AM – 2:30 PM), they offer a special Doenjang Jjigae set for ₩16,000. Otherwise, you’d have to order BBQ (at over ₩30,000 per person!) to then get the Doenjang Jjigae as a side for an additional ₩4,000. Determined to try their famous stew without breaking the bank on BBQ, I aimed for the lunch special and arrived even before their 11:30 AM opening. I ended up being the first customer waiting!

First Impressions and the Taste Test

Upon ordering two servings of Doenjang Jjigae, it arrived bubbling hot and was placed directly on an induction stove built into our table – a nice touch to keep it warm throughout the meal. While the portion of stew seemed a bit modest, the rice was anything but! They serve a mountain of rice, easily double the amount of a typical Korean restaurant. Looking at the generous rice portion, I initially thought I couldn’t finish it all.

But then I tasted the Doenjang Jjigae. Oh. My. Goodness.

It wasn’t some wildly exotic or unfamiliar flavor. It was, undeniably, Doenjang Jjigae. But it was the Doenjang Jjigae. The kind that redefines your understanding of this classic Korean stew. Rich, deeply flavorful, and comforting beyond words. It contained generous chunks of tender, slightly chewy beef brisket (though the exact cut was a delightful mystery). It was so incredibly delicious that I polished off every grain of rice and could have easily devoured more stew if there had been any left.

The Verdict: Is it the Best?

My friend, who accompanied me and usually eats very little rice, also declared it the best Doenjang Jjigae he’d ever had, finishing his entire bowl of rice with gusto. The restaurant was spacious and quickly filled up with customers, even before noon, with most opting for the Doenjang Jjigae special just like us.

Personally, Ttusunine’s Doenjang Jjigae rivals my long-held champion, the Doenjang Jjigae from “Mom’s Restaurant” in Jinhae. To give you context, Mom’s Restaurant has been my personal benchmark for the best Doenjang Jjigae for over a decade! A re-visit to Mom’s is definitely in order for a head-to-head comparison, but Ttusunine has undoubtedly set a new, incredibly high bar.

A Minor Setback: Service

While the taste was phenomenal, there was one slight downside: the service. It wasn’t overtly unfriendly, but it wasn’t particularly welcoming either. Perhaps due to the lunchtime rush, the staff seemed hurried and less attentive. We even felt a bit rushed towards the end of our meal, with one staff member seemingly staring at our table, perhaps wanting us to leave quickly to free up space. While understandable given the crowd, it was a minor damper on an otherwise perfect meal.

Final Thoughts

Despite the slightly rushed service, Ttusunine’s Doenjang Jjigae is undeniably exceptional. If you are in Seoul, especially in the Yeouido area, and crave authentic, soul-satisfying Korean food, a visit to Ttusunine for their Doenjang Jjigae is an absolute must. It truly lives up to its reputation and might just be the best Doenjang Jjigae you’ll ever taste. Just be prepared for potentially busy times and slightly brisk service. But trust me, the taste is worth it!

Restaurant Information:

• Restaurant Name: Ttusunine (또순이네)
• Location: Yeouido, Seoul (and other locations)
• Cuisine: Korean BBQ, Doenjang Jjigae
• Rating: 4.5 / 5 (Excellent food, slightly lacking service)
• Lunch Special (Doenjang Jjigae): ₩16,000 (11:30 AM – 2:30 PM)
• Normal Doenjang Jjigae (with BBQ order): ₩4,000