Young Dabang (청년다방): From Street to Table
Gimpo is an up-and-coming city in South Korea. It’s situated northwest of Seoul and is one of the country’s major transportation hubs, featuring the Gimpo International Airport. This city is growing in popularity among young families. That being said, this area offers a wide variety of culinary opportunities.
For a quick lunch, Annie decided to take me to Young Dabang (청년다방), restaurant specializing in Tteokbokki, or Korean rice cakes simmered in a red, spicy sauce. Tteokbokki is a popular street food in South Korea. We ordered Grilled Sliced Beef Tteokbokki (불향차돌떡볶이), which was delicious. The beef complimented the tteokbokki but also cut through some of the spice.
There are three spice levels: mild, basic, or spicy. I’m working on my spice tolerance so we opted for the spicy level.
We came on a weekday so it was quiet. It sounds great in theory but, unfortunately, everyone could hear me struggle with the spicy Tteokbokki. I apologize to the other patrons that had to sit through my heavy breathing, water chugging, and what sounded like a young man fighting for his life. Annie was completely fine and fireproof.
At the end of the meal, the kind lady working the shop asked Annie if I was okay. Without hesitation, she replied, “He’s American”.
Cuisine: Korean
Average Price per Person: $8 USD / 11,000 WON (Food Only)
Address:
South Korea, Gyeonggi-do, Gimpo-si, Yuhyeon-ro 238beon-gil, 31 웅신타워 2층 203호
경기도 김포시 유현로238번길 31 웅신타워 2층 203호
Naver
Recommended:
Tteokbokki
A modest little shop.
This is the Grilled Sliced Beef Tteokbokki (불향차돌떡볶이). Young Dabang’s Tteokbokki is unique because the rice cakes are served in long, noodle-like pieces. Usually, they are prepared in short 2-inch pieces.
Annie did the honors and used scissors to cut the into more manageable pieces. Flawless technique.
(16,500 WON)
The Butter Garlic French Fries (버터갈릭감자튀김) are quite buttery. The sauce was also on the sweeter side so it helped with the spiciness of the Tteokbokki.
(5,500 WON)