Bono 보노

We arrived at our hotel late and were grateful to find Bono, a small eatery right next door, still open for dinner. With a bit of hand-signing and guesswork, we managed to communicate with the staff and figure out their wall-mounted menu. Turns out, only Bibimbap was left for the day, and without hesitation, we ordered it.

Menu

It was already close to 10pm, so we were thankful they still served us. Alongside the Bibimbap, we were pleasantly surprised with a small banchan of fried shrimp and vegetables, simple, warm, and comforting after a long day.

Their Banchan

We were served Bibimbap made with Yeoju rice, known for its premium quality,  soft, fragrant, and slightly chewy. The warmth and hospitality from the owner and staff truly stood out, making the late-night meal even more special. The Bibimbap came with a generous mix of ingredients like spinach, bean sprouts, sunny-side-up egg, seaweed, and sesame toppings. It was delicious and comforting, hitting just the right spot to silence our growling stomachs.

Stonepot Yeoju Rice Bibimbap - ₩12,000

As we enjoyed our meal, the lady staff was incredibly helpful, patiently explaining the ingredients and the soup that came with our Bibimbap. To our surprise, the boss even invited us to join their open karaoke session happening right on the restaurant floor. It was such a heartwarming and unexpected gesture that added a personal, memorable touch to our late-night dinner.

Name Card Front

As we said our goodbyes, the lady staff gently held my hand and for a brief moment, she didn’t let go. There was a warmth in her gesture that words couldn’t express. Before we left, she handed us a name card, as if to say, “come back someday.” A quiet, touching end to an unexpectedly memorable night.

Name Card Back

Bono 보노
Location: Gyeonggi-do Yeoju-si Junae-ro 47 <Eunmorae Geummorae Riverside Road>

Shiok D'Grill (Dover)

If you’re craving hearty Western food without burning a hole in your wallet, make your way to Dover Crescent Coffeeshop and check out Shiok D’Grill. Tucked away in this unassuming neighbourhood spot, Shiok D’Grill dishes out generous portions of crowd-pleasing Western fare,  from juicy chicken chops to juicy Burgers all at pocket-friendly prices that make it easy to satisfy those comfort food cravings any day of the week.

We decided to try their Shiok Pasta, which lets you choose between Aglio Olio or a Tomato-based sauce. We went with the Aglio Olio, pairing it with a slab of grilled salmon for a satisfying, fuss-free meal.

Grilled Salmon - $12.90

The salmon was well pan-fried, seasoned with black pepper and just the right amount of herbs to bring out its natural flavour. The Aglio Olio had a decent texture too, with the pasta holding a slight bite that made the whole dish enjoyable without feeling too heavy.

Close-up of Salmon

We also had the Grilled Chicken with Tomato-Based Pasta, a good option if you prefer your pasta saucy and tangy. The tomato sauce added a nice touch of sweetness and moisture that paired well with the tender grilled chicken.

Shiok Pasta, Grilled Chicken - $6.90

We especially loved the nicely grilled layer of chicken skin, which lent a slight crisp and extra flavour to each bite.

Grill Chicken

You can also upgrade the sides for just a dollar more, We swapped ours for Twister Fries and tater tots. The fries were drizzled with nacho cheese, which made them extra indulgent and so satisfying to munch on. We only wished they’d been a little more generous with the cheese, it was so good we were craving more with every bite!

Cheesy Fries - $6.50 + $1

Besides the pasta, we couldn’t resist ordering their 5-piece fried chicken. We loved the crispy layer, golden, fragrant, and surprisingly not too oily. Each piece was addictive and definitely hit the spot if you’re craving something crunchy and satisfying.

5 Pieces Chicken - $16.9

Shiok D'Grill (Dover)
Location: 5 Dover Cres, Singapore 130005

BHC Chicken Hangang Park Gwangnaru 1st Branch

 A trip to Korea wouldn’t feel complete without indulging in the ever-popular BHC Chicken. We stumbled upon this fast food spot at Hangang Park Gwangnaru and couldn’t resist. Skipping the 7-Eleven self-cooked instant noodles downstairs, we opted for a satisfying fried chicken feast instead no regrets!

2nd Level of the Building

As usual, we faced a bit of a language barrier when ordering. To make things trickier, loud Korean music was blasting in the background, which confused our translator app and led to a pretty funny mistranslation at first! Thankfully, we managed to sort it out by pointing to the menu and figuring out the portions. In the end, we got our food and had a good laugh about it.

Menu & our Receipt

We ended up ordering the cheese balls, fried chicken, and yet we had no choice but to order a 1.5L drink, as smaller portions weren’t available. The meal also came with a packet of pickles, which added a nice tangy contrast to the rich, cheesy flavors.

Our Meal with 1.5 Litre of Sprite 

Boneless Bburinkle on the menu, we got a generous pack of crispy fried boneless chicken coated in BHC’s signature cheese and vegetable sprinkle. Say hello to their iconic salty, crunchy, and addictive Bburinkle Chicken a must-try for fried chicken lovers!

Boneless Chicken (순살뿌링클) - ₩ 24,000

These were hands down one of the best cheese balls I had during my trip! Served in a box of five, each was coated with the same signature vegetable and cheese seasoning as the BBurinkle chicken. The moment you bite in — warm, oozing cheese steals the show. Absolutely satisfying!

Cheese Balls (뿌링 치즈볼)  - ₩ 7,500

Our spontaneous BHC Chicken stop at Hangang Park Gwangnaru turned out to be one of the most memorable meals of the trip. With crispy chicken, cheesy bites, and a riverside breeze, it was the perfect way to unwind and soak in the local fast food culture, even if it meant navigating some language hiccups and oversized drinks. Moments like these made our Korea journey all the more fun and unforgettable.

BHC Chicken Hangang Park Gwangnaru 1st Branch 치킨 한강공원광나루1
Location: 2nd floor, 3646 Hangangnamjajeongil, Gangdong-gu, Seoul, 483-8 Cheonho-dong, Gangdong-gu, Seoul 05250

Baekje Samgyetang 백제삼계탕

No trip to Korea is complete without trying Samgyetang, the iconic ginseng chicken soup. While searching for a spot near Myeongdong, we found ourselves at Baekje Samgyetang. 

Baekje Samgyetang

It was a little tricky to locate, as the signage was in Chinese characters and we were navigating without knowledge of the Korean language. 

Upper Level

Stepping inside, the restaurant felt surprisingly spacious and noticeably cold, with air-conditioning blasting throughout the place.

Dining Area

Stepping inside, the restaurant felt surprisingly spacious and noticeably cold, with air-conditioning blasting throughout the place.

Menu

Each order of Samgyetang came with a complimentary cup of ginseng tea, along with a selection of banchan served on the side, a thoughtful touch to start the meal.

Banchan

The servers were friendly and could communicate in basic English or Mandarin, which made ordering and asking questions much easier for us.

Ogolgyet'ang (Black Chicken Broth with Wild Ginseng) - 31,000

We went for one of the best items on the menu, Black Chicken Samgyetang with wild ginseng. Known for its nourishing properties, it’s believed to benefit the skin, muscles, and overall vitality, making it a delicious way to rejuvenate the body from within.

Black Chicken

This wholesome dish features a tender whole chicken stuffed with sticky rice and simmered to perfection with ginseng, garlic, and medicinal herbs. It’s the ultimate comfort food that’s both nourishing and delicious, often enjoyed to boost energy and vitality.

Samgyet'ang (Cultivated by Wild Ginseng Root) - 25,000

We had the chance to try both the black chicken and the regular Samgyetang and enjoyed them both. The chicken in each was tender and flavorful. Naturally, the black chicken had a leaner build with less meat, but its rich, herbal depth made up for it. All in all, the meal was hearty, wholesome, and absolutely satisfying.

Chicken

As a side, we shared a seafood green onion pancake, crispy on the edges, packed with fresh ingredients, and absolutely delicious. A perfect complement to the hearty Samgyetang.

Seafood Green Onion Pancake - 15,000

Another meal that truly hit the spot and fixed our craving! From the nourishing bowls of ginseng chicken soup to the tasty sides like seafood pancake, our visit to Baekje Samgyetang was a wholesome and memorable part of our Korean food journey. A comforting dish that’s worth seeking out when in Seoul.

Baekje Samgyetang 백제삼계탕
Location: 8-10 Myeongdong 8-gil, Jung District, Seoul, South Korea

Yangyeonhwaro Jongno 양연화로 종로

Our first dinner near the accommodation had to be Korean BBQ, a must-eat when in South Korea! We picked a spot with solid reviews and sizzling vibes.

Yangyeonhawaro Jongno

The interior was simple, with each table equipped with a smoke sucker to keep things comfortable. The vibes were lively, locals gathered around, chatting and grilling, making the atmosphere feel warm and authentic.

Vibes in the Restaurant

A generous spread of banchan was laid out before us, we especially enjoyed the pickles and creamy potato corn salad. Himalayan salt, wasabi, and garlic were also provided to perfectly pair with the grilled meats.

Banchan

We ordered the Korean Beef Sirloin, a 130g cut served with oyster mushrooms and green chilli on the side, simple, fresh, and ready for the grill.

Sirloin (130g) - ₩ 39,000

The 160g pork belly came lightly sprinkled with ground black pepper. Just look at those distinct layers, a beautiful lean-to-fat ratio ready to sizzle!

Pork Belly (160g) - ₩ 17,000

Multiple staff took turns to assist with grilling the sirloin, and it was done to perfection, tender chunks neatly stacked atop the grilled oyster mushrooms.

Beef Sirloin

Sizzling slabs of pork belly grilled over charcoal, we loved the clean, non-greasy finish and the simple yet satisfying black pepper seasoning.

Grilling the Premium Pork Belly

We could really taste the quality in the pork belly, grilled to perfection with some nicely charred edges. The service staff thoughtfully arranged the cooked, bite-sized pieces alongside pickled vegetables on the grill plate, letting us know to help ourselves when ready.

Cut Pork Belly

Just having the premium pork and Korean beef alone was already deeply satisfying. But the additional order of kimchi fried rice took it up a notch, served in a classic metal tin, topped with a sunny-side-up egg, and finished with sprinkles of seaweed and sesame. Simple, comforting, and the perfect way to end our Korean BBQ feast.

Kimchi Fried Rice - ₩ 5,000

Our first dinner in Korea couldn’t have been more satisfying: premium cuts of pork and beef, attentive service, and the comforting finish of kimchi fried rice. It was a warm welcome to the culinary richness of South Korea, and a meal that set the tone just right for the rest of our journey.

Yangyeonhwaro Jongno 양연화로 종로
Location: 18 Samil-daero 17-gil, Jongno District, Seoul, South Korea

Delimanjoo & Only Milk Dough in Myeongdong Station, Seoul

 Nothing beats the lingering, alluring fragrance wafting through Myeongdong Station! It led us straight to the OG, Korea’s 1st Delimanjoo stall, operating since 1998.

The 1st Delimanjoo in Korea

These Delimanjoo come in adorable corn-shaped bites, with a soft, fluffy exterior and sweet custard filling. Not overly sweet, just right! Got a medium pack of 10, best enjoyed hot, and oh-so-satisfying

Delimanjoo - ₩5000 (Medium) 10 Pieces

Just to the right of Delimanjoo, we discovered Only Milk Dough , where we enjoyed fun snacks like Bungeoppang and the cutest little piggy bun we couldn’t resist!

Only Milk Dough

There were various Bungeoppang options besides the classic red bean. We went for the cheese with custard filling, crispy outside, soft inside. Slightly different from the Japanese taiyaki, but just as satisfying!

Bungeoppang 

These adorable little piggy cakes come with the Korean word '운' (meaning 'luck') moulded on them. We tried both the original and chocolate versions, the original was filled with red bean, and the chocolate one had a rich chocolate filling, of course!

Grab some luck! Chocolate & Red Bean Filling

If you happen to pass by the gantry entrance of Myeongdong Station and catch a whiff of that irresistible fragrance, don’t hesitate, follow your nose! Whether it's the nostalgic Delimanjoo, crispy Bungeoppang, or those charming little piggy cakes, each bite offers a comforting taste of Korean street snack culture. Definitely worth a try!

DeliManjoo
Location: B126, Toegye-ro, Jung District, Seoul, South Korea

Myeongdong Kyoja New Building MJ 명동교자 본점

After a long overnight flight, we arrived in Myeongdong feeling utterly famished. While dragging our heavy luggages off the airport bus, I couldn’t help but notice a bustling restaurant drawing a steady crowd. That image stuck with me, and the moment we checked in, we made a beeline straight there to satisfy our growling stomachs

Myeongdong Kyoja

The dining pace was brisk, with a steady stream of customers and quick table turnover. We placed our order and paid upfront, a system that kept things moving efficiently.

Crowd

The menu was simple, with just a few key items, but what they lacked in variety, they made up for in quality. We ordered the kalguksu with dumplings, and it didn’t disappoint, the handmade noodles were served in a rich, comforting broth, topped with a generous scoop of minced meat and plump dumplings. The thick, flavorful broth harmonized beautifully with the chewy noodles and fresh garnishes, making each spoonful incredibly satisfying

Chopped Noodles - ₩ 11,000

Alongside the kalguksu, we couldn’t resist ordering a basket of freshly steamed mandu. These dumplings were delicately wrapped in thin, almost translucent skin and filled with a fragrant mixture of minced pork, chopped leeks, and a touch of fresh sesame oil. Each bite was juicy and aromatic a perfect complement to the hearty noodle soup.”

Dumpling - ₩ 13,000

What truly impressed us was the mandu’s filling, juicy, well-seasoned minced pork generously mixed with chopped leeks, and lightly perfumed with fresh sesame oil. You could taste the freshness in every bite. The filling was moist and flavorful without being overly greasy, showcasing the kind of balance you’d only get from a place that knows its craft.

Dumpling's Fillings

It was only after passing by the stall a few times that I noticed the familiar red signage, they had been awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand. That explained the constant crowd and the comforting quality of their food.

I’m glad we stumbled upon this spot by chance for our very first meal; it turned out to be such a satisfying find. If you’re visiting Myeongdong, this humble Michelin-recognised eatery is definitely worth a try

Myeongdong Kyoja New Building MJ
Location: 48 Myeongdong-gil, Jung District, Seoul, South Korea