Food, Lifestyle, Travel & Photography: The House Chungdam

Wednesday, September 17, 2025

The House Chungdam | Korean Restaurant & BBQ

Tucked away along the bustling stretch of Duxton Road, House of Chungdam caught me by surprise and not just for its food.

The House of Chungdam

Stepping inside, I was immediately struck by its minimalist interior design.

Interior

With its clean lines, muted tones, and modern aesthetic, the space felt more like a trendy café than a traditional Korean BBQ restaurant.

Dining Area

It was a refreshing change that set the stage for a dining experience that blended style with substance.

On the Table

Once seated, we were promptly served a selection of condiments, sea salt, fresh garlic, wasabi, and more, the essential companions to elevate the BBQ experience.

Condiments

Alongside these were the usual greens: crisp lettuce, perilla leaves, and sliced green chillies, perfect for wrapping up the grilled meats later on.

Vegetables for Wraps

Of course, no Korean meal is complete without banchan, and House of Chungdam didn’t hold back. A vibrant assortment of side dishes filled the table, each small plate adding colour, texture, and variety to the setting, making the table feel both inviting and satisfyingly full.

Banchan

One standout dish for me was the cheese potato jeon, a delightful surprise, as it was my first time encountering this at a Korean eatery. It reminded me of a stack of perfectly cooked rosti, topped with crispy bits of bacon and generously showered with grated cheese. The combination of textures, crispy on the outside, soft and cheesy within, made it incredibly satisfying, and a dish I will definitely come back for.

Cheese Potato Jeon - $27

The steamed egg, at first glance, looked a tad dry, not quite the fluffy, cloud-like version I have come to expect. But as the saying goes, never judge a book by its cover. One spoonful in, and it was clear that looks were deceiving. It was soft, wobbly, and packed with comforting, savoury flavour, a simple dish done right.

Soy Bean Jigae & Steamed Egg

For the main event, we went with the House Feast, a set menu designed for two, priced at $129. It came with a well-balanced selection of premium cuts: boneless short rib, marinated boneless short rib, and thinly sliced brisket.

Meat

Each cut was beautifully presented and grilled to perfection right at our table, allowing us to savour the rich, juicy flavours and tender textures.

Meat

And then came the pork belly, three thick, generous slabs that immediately stole our attention. They looked absolutely glorious, with just the right balance of meat and fat. We could hardly wait to get them sizzling on the grill.

Pork Belly - $29

As they cooked, the aroma was irresistible, and the end result did not disappoint: crispy on the edges, juicy in the center, and packed with rich, smoky flavour. A definite highlight of the meal.

Pork Belly on the Grill

The marinated short rib, in particular, stood out with its sweet-savory glaze that caramelized slightly on the grill, adding extra depth to every bite.

So Yummy

To round off the meal, we tried the Jinju Cold Buckwheat Noodles, a refreshing and delicious finish, especially after all the rich grilled meats.

Jinju Cold Buckwheat Noodles - $19

Served chilled with a light, tangy broth and chewy noodles, it was the perfect palate cleanser that left us feeling satisfied but not overly heavy.

Chewy Noodles

Ever since returning from Busan, South Korea, I’ve been a little addicted to Dwaeji Gukbap, the humble yet deeply comforting pork bone soup. It’s a dish that embodies simplicity: a clear, savoury broth and tender slices of pork, perfect for colder days or when you're craving something hearty.

Dwaeji Gukbap

At House of Chungdam, their version stays true to the spirit of the dish, with a slight twist, the rice comes already soaked in the broth, making it even more comforting and convenient to eat. Every spoonful brought back memories of Busan food, and I was pleasantly surprised by how well it was done here.

Delicious

We ended our meal on a sweet note with a bowl of Bingsu. I appreciated that it was a single-serving portion rather than the usual oversized mountain of shaved ice. Light, refreshing, and not overly sweet, it was just the right amount to cleanse the palate and finish off the feast without feeling too heavy. A thoughtful end to a well-curated dining experience.