[Seoul/Sindaebang] Rakuraku – Tantanmen and Draft Beer

Come out of Exit 4 at Sindaebang Station.
Rakuraku, located about a 2-minute walk towards Daerim Intersection.
It is a ramen shop I entered without much thought while wandering around Sindaebang Street.

The yellow light heats the entire inside of the glass wall.

Rakurakuis in a few tables
It is a cozy place with counter seats.
Cat picture postcards and green cat clocks
They were hanging in every corner, giving off a warm feeling.
There was no waiting at this time.

Ramen includes Tantanmen, Tonkotsu Ramen, Abura Soba,
Mazesoba and even cold udon, all for 10,000 won.
Rice bowls are 11,000 won for beef brisket and 10,000 won for chashu.
Sides are around 4,500 to 5,500 won.
They say plain rice is free.

There is a line attached to a Post-it note next to the menu.
“Please let me know if the ramen isn't seasoned to your liking!”

On the counter Suntory Empty Kakubin bottles are lined up
Cat figurines are sitting in between.
It looks like a place where highballs are quite popular, too.

It looks like it was hand-drawn on the wall board
There are lots of ramen bowls and cat pictures stuck on it.
Maybe it's kind of cute?

500cc draft beer (4,000 won)

I ordered it along with Tantanmen, but the beer came out first.
I really crave draft beer when I eat ramen.
Since it's a ramen shop, I want to call it draft beer today.
My head is tingling because the glass was frozen.

Tantanmen (10,000 won)

Tantanmen came from Dandanmian in Sichuan.
It is originally a street food meant to be mixed and eaten without broth.
While adding sesame paste and broth in Japan
It is said that it solidified into its current form with broth.

The broth is not very thick.
Sesame paste is evenly emulsified
The spicy finish is supported by a rich umami flavor.
There are no rough edges, and there are no sharp, protruding sections.
It has a popular taste.

The pork belly char siu was seared on the outside.
The fat layer gradually melts into the broth
Add a savory oiliness.
It is topped with familiar garnishes, including spinach, green onions, chives, and even a soft-boiled egg.

I asked for a bowl of rice because I didn't want to waste the broth.
If you ask, they will give it to you for free.
With the complimentary pickled radish on the side
Mixing the rice into the soup makes for a very hearty finish.

Even though I am trying to cut down on carbohydrates
Whenever I come to a ramen or kalguksu restaurant, I can never leave out the extra rice.
Yabai yabai...,

Now it is time to fight the blood sugar spike.

In Sindaebang, outside the ramen battleground
I wonder if he is playing the role of the neighborhood's long-time resident.
It is a place locals would frequent. I am curious about the other menu items.
I enjoyed the meal 🙂