Grandmother's Octopus (할머니 낚지) is a place that has been around for 60 years. It's one of the places that is hidden along the busy streets of Myeongdong in a pretty non-descript place. It's specialty is super spicy, stir-fried octopus or pork.

The grandmother warns you when you order it is spicy and you have to let her know you can handle it, because it is spicy. It is "hurts in the morning" spicy and "torrents of sweats" spicy. It's just the way I like it. Not all the time, but when I just want that euphoric high that only a really a spicy dish can give you.

The thing about this dish is that it is spicy but also delicious. The octopus pops in your mouth for it starts out fresh but then cooked quickly. The bean sprouts in the dish give a nice crunch. Sure, the pepper is the prominent flavor but there is also a nice mix of soy sauce, garlic and carrot.

Now you can tell if the restaurant is run by a foodie that likes their customers by their rice. If the rice is old and soggy then you know the owners don't care. Here the rice is fresh and with a slight al dente quality.

I recommend you visit here. I will find the directions later. I just ask people where it is and they point me there.

Dan