[FOOD COURT] Chinese restaurants make their mark in Seoul

Just as locals eat Korean dishes like kimchi jjigae or doenjang jjigae (kimchi and fermented soybean paste stew) multiple times a month, Korean-style Chinese dishes are also frequently sought-after.

Pao Pao Restaurant [LEE SUN-MIN]

Just as locals eat Korean dishes like kimchi jjigae or doenjang jjigae (kimchi and fermented soybean paste stew) multiple times a month, Korean-style Chinese dishes are also frequently sought-after. But after years of focusing on just jjajangmyeon (noodles in black bean sauce) and jjambbong (spicy noodle soup with seafood) at such Chinese restaurants, people are now starting to branch out.

Some restaurants have positioned themselves where people can casually enjoy a dish accompanied by a glass of alcoholic beverage, just like how Korean barbeque pork places are for casual somaek (soju mixed with beer, called maekju in Korean), while others introduce a new way to enjoy classic Chinese dishes like tansuyuk, sweet and sour fried pork.

Song Chef Now available at seven branches located across Seoul that not only offer in-house dining but also deliveries to individual homes and offices, Song Chef is becoming one of the most easily accessible Chinese restaurant brands in the capital.

Strips of meat and seafood over rice at Song Chef [SONG CHEF INSTAGRAM]

Its first branch opened in Garosugil in Gangnam District, southern Seoul, positioned in a trendy area where youngsters — or, really, diners of all ages — could go to eat and drink. Its dishes are all something locals would expect to see at a Chinese restaurant, such as stir-fried crab meat and chili shrimp. On top of that, a diverse line of alcoholic drinks are also offered for a boozy night.

The restaurant has been featured by many celebrities known for their taste, such as TV personality Lee Young-ja.

@song____chef 40 Dosandae-ro 1-gil, Gangnam District 39 Sejongdae-ro, Jung District and more

Pao Pao Restaurant

The restaurant that used to be in Gwangju moved to Seoul in September. While in Gwangju, the restaurant focused more on serving Sichuan-style tongue-numbing dishes, but in Seoul it has decided to offer dishes inspired from regions all across China.

Mapo Tofu at Pao Pao Restaurant [PAO PAO INSTAGRAM]

Its cold chicken appetizer with cucumber and cilantro is seasoned with mustard to bring up the acidity and whet diners' appetites. Its steamed fish is seasoned with a soy-based sauce and other greens, inviting many to order an extra bowl of rice to leave the restaurant with a full stomach. Mapo Tofu is one sure way to end the meal with something spicy.

As a recently opened restaurant, making a reservation in advance is recommended. Also, the majority of its seats are bar seats, which is uncommon in Chinese restaurants in Seoul.

@pao_pao_chang 30 Eonju-ro 174-gil, Gangnam District

Jinmi Those who come here often will know all about their sweet and sour fried pork, called tangsuyuk. One of the most popular Korean-style Chinese dishes in Korea, it is a must-try item.

Different dishes and alcoholic drinks available at Jinmi [SCREEN CAPTURE]

While many Koreans argue over whether dipping tangsuyuk into the sweet and sour sauce or pouring the sauce over their tangsuyuk is the better way to eat the dish, here, there’s no need to start the debate. Upon request, the restaurant mixes the sauce together with the fried pork while it is still in the pan to make the skin still crispy even as it is covered in sauce.

It sells a variety of distilled Chinese drinks ready at the shop for anyone who wants to try something that they had not before seen any other Chinese restaurants in Seoul.

36 Yeonhuimat-ro, Mapo District

BY LEE SUN-MIN [lee.sunmin@joongang.co.kr]