Coco Stay

Sarukame is currently run by its second-generation owner-chef Hiroto Honma. He is carrying on its culinary legacy by preserving its original recipes. Such effort, coupled with his gastronomic sensibility and international experience in the restaurant business, is adding new narrative layers to this establishment. Sarukame continues to create exclusive menus that combine the flavours of trendy ramen in Japan, classic flavours, and new original flavours, thereby shaping its brand identity and serving the ever-changing needs of Seoul's ramen aficionados.

This Fukuoka restaurant, known for its unique combination of Japanese ramen and French cooking, has now opened in Seoul. Created by Chef Takahito Nishimura as an expression of his deep passion for ramen, the restaurant showcases his personal style through layered flavours built from carefully balanced toppings, sauces, and oils. While remaining true to ramen tradition, the kitchen thoughtfully localises its dishes with elements such as laver oil, Cheongyang chilli pepper, and tsukemono inspired by white kimchi. A standout dish of freshly cooked pot rice mixed with cheese and ramen broth furthe

Three generations spanning five decades have kept this restaurant in business since its opening in 1962. At the time, their iconic crispy thin-sliced bulgogi, grilled over open flames, was all that was offered on the menu. The dish became so popular that the name bassak bulgogi was patented. Today, the restaurant stands four stories high, still serving the same dish that has fed generations. Their coagulated beef blood soup with a clear broth is another stunner.

Oreno Ramen blends its broth just before serving, creating a frothy soup that pleasantly coats the palate. The paitan, made by boiling a whole chicken, is a milky broth with a nutty flavour and creamy texture. House-made noodles, melt-in-your-mouth chicken, kelp, and egg complete an exceptional bowl. For an extra kick, opt for the spicy broth, and take advantage of complimentary refills of noodles, rice, and broth. Though the restaurant often has a long queue, turnover is quick, so waits are usually short. A side of chilli peppers is also recommended and provided free of charge.

Damtaek is a cozy little ramen haven nestled in a quiet alley near Hapjeong Station. Chef Jo Won-hyeon has purposefully adorned this quaint space with vintage artifacts. The restaurant’s shio ramen, and associated variations that use the same soup base, are in stark contrast to its homey, down-to-earth vibe. The refined and clean flavors of the soups are singular and inspire lingering addiction. With a passion for creating tastes unbound by culinary convention, the chef has persistently dedicated his craft toward perfecting the art of shio ramen, creating ramen that can delight any palate.

Okdongsik has defined its own refined take on dwaeji gukbap, offering a light, clean broth reminiscent of gomtang. Made from the ham and foreleg of native Korean black pigs raised on Jirisan Mountain, the broth is subtle yet elegant in flavour. Prepared using the toryeom method—repeatedly pouring hot broth over the rice—each grain comes alive, enhancing the dish's depth. The house dipping sauce complements paper-thin slices of pork beautifully. Delicately crafted kimchi dumplings complete the comforting dining experience.

In the realm of Korean comfort food, there is little else more quintessential than seolleongtang — a hearty bowl of soup made by boiling ox bones and beef for hours until the broth turns almost milky white. Mapo Ok, which opened its doors in 1949, makes its signature dish by boiling brisket and ox bones until slightly opaque. The ox bone soup is served with thick slices of tender brisket and rice already mixed into the piping hot broth. Ask for a side of kimchi juice to season your soup for that extra dimension of flavor.