Chicken in a cup at Hong Cup Here are some letters I got from readers and my responses. Thanks for asking me questions and I'll keep doing my best to answer everyone! Dan Hey Dan,  As you know, we have American relatives heading to Seoul over US Thanksgiving. While they will be eating mostly Korea while here, we would like to have a family feast of the turkey type. Last year I ordered in a Turkey dinner for 20 and added my own sides. It worked out great. This year I am having a difficult time finding options. Sadly, we need to host the dinner on Tuesday the 22 and we cant make the Ongo dinner on the 26th. Suggestions??!! Thanks for your help! Sarah Hi Sarah, High Street market in Itaewon will be selling frozen turkeys. The  military base has stopped doing so. Costco has frozen turkeys and so does Haddon Mart.  If you have a military contact you  should be able to arrange something with them. They are about 100 USD  with sides and each turkey feed...

Here is a very interesting question and one that I think requires some thought. I know that there are Kosher restaurants in Seoul, but not too many. Also, some of the restaurants such as Indian Restaurants that you would think would be kosher, sometimes are not. Does anyone have any recommendations? Here's the Letter: Mr. Gray: A friend of mine, who is Jewish and Orthodox, will be visiting Seoul on business.  I heard some time ago that a Kosher restaurant had opened in downtown Seoul, but I have not been able to find any description of it online.  Do you know if such a restaurant exists, and if so if it is worth recommending? Sincerely, Joseph Dear Joseph, I know that Sultan Kebab and Petra's in Itaewon are kosher. Dubai and Arabia are kosher as well. I recommend Sultan, Petra's and Dubai. Now, one of my favorite places are the Nepalese places such as Everest and Durgas. Besides that I would recommend the vegetarian places and fish places. Balwoo in In...

I got this tip from from Austin and I want to go eat it. I've got a tasty tip---At the Seokchon station stop on the pink line- if you go out,,,exit 3 i think- anyways its across from a mister donut and next to a clothing store- the colors are orange and blue on the sign- its a mandu place--i think it translates to 'illustrious house of mandu' (no shit!) and they servce---get ... this---CHEESY MANDU- and its no gimmick- its the best mandu i have ever eaten- a bit porky, buttery, cheesy- amazing- fried or steamed! Austin, thanks for the tip. Cheers, Dan

Here is a letter I recently recieved: Hi Dan, I'm heading to Seoul with 3 of my friends at the end of the year and need some suggestions for good food. My friends are pretty psyched about eating good authentic Korean food and have been counting on me to bring them around. Although it's gonna be my 3rd time in Seoul, it's not like I know where all the good food are. So, could you like recommend any places to try good Korean food like samgyetang, jjajjangmyeon, bibbimbap etc and street food? Since my friends and I are still in college, it'll be great if the food is affordable or cheap too haha. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Thank you! Regards, Shazleen Singapore Dear Shazleen, For good cheap food, I recommend going to Kwangchang Market . They have lots of food stalls the food is very good- especially the Kalguksu and the Metdol Bindaetteok. For Samgyetang , I like going to Kuryeo Samgyetang- but this is a bit expensive at 15,000 a pers...

Letters to Seoul Eats I love letters and these days, I'm getting quite a few because of the upcoming G20 Summit. Here's a recent one. They are looking for star chefs. Any recommendations? Here's the letter: Dear Daniel, I hope you are well. As F--- mentioned I’ll be in Seoul this Thursday and Friday. I’d like to find a great food neighbourhood where a great chef is causing a stir and that has a great selection of food shops - delis, markets, wine-shops, patisseries, cafes or similar. Would you have any chefs and undiscovered foodie neighbourhoods in the city to recommend? Any tips are most welcome! Many thanks, Liv Read what I recommended after the jump

Got Currywurst? Picture from: http://www.konnopke-imbiss.de/ Dear Seoul Eats Readers, I like getting letters from people and I try to answer them as soon as possible. Often I can help, but other times...well...I ask you for help. I just got this letter from a reader, Tiffany, and she is looking for Italian Style Cannolis and Currywurst. She had asked about plaintains a long time ago, but I failed... (Does anyone know where you can get plaintains?). I assume that La Bocca has cannoli's, but currywurst is much harder- I have no idea. Dan Here's the letter: Hi Dan, I wrote once about plantains in seoul, and unfortunately I noticed that no Seouleats reader was able to respond to. This time I'm hoping I'll have better luck with this question. Well, actually... it's two. I've recently come back from a tour of Europe and fell in LOVE with the food. There are two things that I've been craving for and I wonder... does Seoul have them? What better pe...

This is not a burger from Burger Tex, but from Rookies in Seoul When I get an impassioned letter from a reader, I have to take notice. Here is a letter from 金在龍 about a burger joint in Sinchon called Burger Tex. I hope the place hasn't closed yet. Sincerely, Dan Hello There. I'm a New Yorker here in Seoul.  And I've found a burger shop here I think you should know about. I've spent a few years working with some of the top chefs in NYC.  over 6 years of living in seoul, and after searching high and low for the 'best burger' myself, i came across your top 10 list. If you've ever been to Corner Bistro in the West Village in NY, that's pretty much what i'd consider a 'perfect' burger.  no surprises, just a sizable portion of perfectly grilled beef, cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion and whatever condiments i feel in the mood for. no bullshit. As in NY, my experience in Seoul, is that everyone has their own take on what a 'good...

Tighe Kissing the Ice Dear Seoul Eats Readers, A worried mother send me a message and embarrassing photos of her son, because she would really like to encourage her son to eat more. She even sent some photos of her son. Now Ti, lives in Suwon, and according to his Mom, he needs to eat more. Here's what she said, I know he really should follow your blog but I'm just trying to educate myself so I feel like I know something. So far I know Lindsay Huster is from our City- Chicago! He has so much to learn. He's really a fish out of water, and losing a lot of weight! Your post on Indigo- looked good. I can't believe some of the things he's eaten- gag. If you know of anything decent in or near where he is I'd like to pass it on him. He might already know, I mean if he knew the Yum Thai area has more foreigners.... Thanks so much. Hope the cooking classes are going well! Jeannie B  So people in Suwon. I have a proposal. Find Tighe and give him something good to e...

Lee Jun Ki the famous Ladyboy from the Emperor and the Fool was born in Busan Dear Busanites (people that hail from the Florida of Korea, Busan), I got this letter from a traveler to Korea and I was hoping you could help me out. Any recommendations for eateries down there? I know that the Jagalchi market is the place to go and Heundae Beach has some great crab restaurants. Now are there hidden gems or must eat places down there? Oh, and I've heard about black goat in Busan. Does that exist? Is it good? Please help us out! Dan Here's the letter from Emily. Hi Daniel, I know you're all about the Seoul culinary scene, but I'm emailing you in the off-chance you might have heard of recommendations for restaurants in Busan as well. I'm going on a short vacation there the end of the month, and I'm looking for some recommendations. I'm particularly looking for a nicer happy hour at a hotel or a quiet/romantic dinner with a nice view. I'd lik...

Dear Seoul Eats Readers, Thank you so much for sending me messages and questions and comments. They really make my day and I feel honored that you take the time to read my blog. I'm a social person, so I've used this blog as a platform for interacting with people. The theme this week seems to be: "Where can I go Eat?" I've had several people approach me about vegetarian cuisine in Seoul. Now before I start, feel free to contact me with your restaurant recommendations, tips, and questions about Korea. I'll try to answer them as soon as possible. My e-mail is seouleats at gmail dot com Hello Daniel, I read your blog and am a big fan. I have recently become very interested in Korean food and would love to learn more about it. I am based in New York City. Do you have any sugguestions of what I can do to learn more about the food and food culture? Are there any cook books you can recommend? I am Chinese and would not be able to read any books in Korean. Thank...

Hey everyone, Sorry, I haven't written anything today, but I was super hungover from a Night Dining Tour that I ran last night for a couple of travelers to Korea. A Chef from Shanghai, Willy Moreno and his crew joined me last night as we ate the night away. Willy, I hope you had a good time and I look forward to visiting your restaurant in Shanghai. I'm going to post a couple restaurant recommendations from readers. Here's one from Mark: Hi Dan, met you a few months back at Wolfhound meetup. Love Seoul Eats and actually am heading to 정식당 tonight after your recommendations. Thanks for doing what you do. Wanted to give you a heads up. In the middle of an extravagant P-turn at 도산공원사거리, I noticed a restaurant with an unforgettable name: 배꼽 없는 요리사 (e.g. Cook With No Belly Button). In checking out some photos and reviews online, it is a French bistro and damn the food looks pretty good judging from the pics on the site below. It's right next to where I work (gmap http...

Jung Shik Dang: New Korean Modern Setting, very sophisicated. The meal starts with an array of seafood and pates intricately displayed. The teapot lets out a plume of dry ice as it arrives. Black Raspberry Reduction over Foie Gras Pate A teardrop of foie gras Vegetable Flower Jung Shik Dang 567-28 Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu Seoul, Korea 02-517 4654 (English Spoken) http://jungsikdang.com/

Dear Readers, These weeks have been pretty fun and exciting. The culinary tours that we have been planning have been going very well and we've had a lot of great response from them. However, since my energy has been focused there, I feel that I've neglected your letters and comments. Sorry. First of all, how do you feel about the new site design? Google in Drafts made it possible and I really like the program. It's simple, so even a computer idiot like me can design a great looking site. Also, if you look to the left, there is a listing of all the different restaurants that I've reviewed, so it's easier to find what you want to eat. Now on to letters: Daniel, Have a friend who is staying at the Renaissance Hotel.  Want to take him out to dinner tonight.  Any recommendations for a fun restaurant in that area?  Flexible on the type of food, Asian or Western would both work. Tks, Ed Dear Ed, If you are going to be in Gangnam then I recommend you head ...

Hey everyone, as you know, I try to answer all letters that I receive. I figure if someone sends a letter it usually means that there are 5 other people with the same question. So here we go: Hi Dan, Mark has returned to NYC and is enjoying working at Lugo Caffe as we speak. I am here for a few more weeks with some family coming in just a few days. I was hoping you could give me a few recommendations:-) I am dying to have some sushi before I leave with a few friends. Do you know of an affordable and delicious sushi restaurant? Also, I want to take my family out for Korean BBQ. I have been to Sam Won Garden and loved it but think it might be expensive.(I didn't pay:-) What do you think? Thanks so much!! Hope things are going well! Terra My response: Dear Terra, I hope you're having a good time and I wish you could have come on the food tour with us on Saturday. If your friends are around for a while, we could arrange something for your group. I've got a cou...

Dear Readers, I got a letter requesting plaintains and I was hoping someone out there could help. Thanks and here's the letter below. I love hearing from you guys so please keep sending me mail. Oh, and remember that there is a contest to win pies from Tartine and Mexican Food from Tomatillo. All you have to do is comment about what who has the best plate (food) in Seoul. Go here for the contest^^ Happy Eating! Dan Dear Seouleats, I read your blog religiously. Love it! I'm a korean-american from LA and recently have had cravings for some real good cuban food like we have back at home. do you know of any places here in seoul that are authentic cuban joints? ive been missin plantains real bad thanks! Tiffany

Here is a letter I received this morning from Martin, Dear Daniel, I am here in Seoul at the moment visiting from Austria with two friends. I am always interested to experience the "real" cuisine of a country. We have been here since monday and what we have seen and eaten until now, was - how should I out it -not that great. I am foolwing your work with soul eats now for a while and I am asking myself if you see any chance for tomorrow (Saturday) to have a real good food experience here in Seoul. Thank you for your efforts. Best regards  Martin Here is my response: Dear Martin, I'll be out of the city today, but I recommend you try Seoul Roasted Duck in Hannam: http://hummingbirdappetite.blogspot.com/2009/10/stuffed-duck-roasted-on-clay-bricks.html I also recommend you check this post on BBQ restaurants: http://www.seouleats.com/2009/11/korean-barbecue-restaurant.html Suraon is also a nice place to eat at: http://hummingbirdappetite.blogspot.com/2009/10/suraon...

The Chicago River Dyed Green (Via Wikipedia) At the Wolfhound: Live Irish Trad Music on Weds March 17th.  sets at 9:30 and 11:00 by the musical group Bard. On March 20th day and St Patrick's day we will dress up the pub, have green beer and drink specials and special shirts and hats for sale.   At Stuart's Bar: Hey Dan, we will be having drink specials on Guinness (buy a number of drinks and win a Free CD), We will have great Irish music (and requests!) and decorations as well as some drink and food specials.  Drop on in and party with us for more information! The bars address: 254-5 Buam Dong, Jongno Gu.  Blog: http://blog.naver.com/ stuartsbar or find our group on Facebook. Thanks and please contact me if you need any more information! Stuart At Beer O'Clock in Sinchon            St Patrick's day...the day invented by bars I think..haha Beer O'clock Be Irish for the day, wear green and get g...

  Quite a few people have asked if the Irish Association of Korea will be holding their annual parade. I'm happy to announce that they are. Even though my father is of Scottish decent, our family likes to celebrate like the Irish. Here's more information on the event: We are very happy to inform you that 2010 St Patrick's Day festival is coming soon . Date: 20th of March (Saturday) Location: Cheonggyecheon Place 1. Main Stage -  Irish rock band - Cheerleader Performance 2. Opening 3. Grand Parade 4. Happy Ireland - Guinness Zone - Ireland Zone - Photo Zone - Ireland Food Zone - Face Painting & Balloon Zone  In addition to the activities on the list, there are many fascinating events. St Patrick's Day Festival is opened for everyone regardless of national origin, age, gender. Enjoy the exciting festival with your families and friends!  

Photo by Robyn Lee of Serious Eats Folks, I love getting letters and I'm happy to help you out with your enjoyment of Seoul. I'll try to help you out if I can and I try to answer comments and letters as soon as possible. I recently received this letter from a traveler from Bangkok. Hello Daniel, I have been your following your page for a while and find it very interesting and great to ppl who enjoy eating ^ ^ Do you mind if I ask some information of some restaurants that you may recommend me to check it out. I would like to ask you about the good restaurant for Jjim Dak, Seollongtang, Sujebi....in Seoul that i can expereince more. I will be in Seoul soon, if you don't mind, Please tell me... Thank you very much. Kratai ^ ^ Dear Kratai, For Jjimdak, there is a famous Andong Jjimdak chain throughout Seoul. The original restaurant is found in Hyewha: Here are the directions: To get to Andong Jjim Ddak in Hyehwa, go out exit 4 and left out the exit up the sh...

Break out the couple T-shirts. The season of romance is about to begin. If you make a cake, it means you might get lucky. (Decorating skills will get you extra points as well.) VIA Cake Wrecks Desperate? VIA CakeWrecks So I got this message from a reader: Could someone please tell me why the heck Koreans think the 14th is so special? Thanks, Lou Dear Lou, I think what happened is that since, the 14th of February is Valentine's Day, Asian countries wanted to balance that day with a holiday for the guys. On February 14th  in Korea and Japan, it is customary for WOMEN to give GUYS Chocolate. March 14th is White Day and Men are supposed to give hard candy, dolls, and gifts to women. In Japan, girls are supposed to give handmade chocolate to the boys they like ( honmei-choko )  and, the following month, the boys are supposed to return 3 times ( sanbai gaeshi ) the value in presents for the chocolate. (Via Wikipedia) The reason why the other months of the year have speci...