The Hallyu-popular BBQ joint in Hongdae—served by plumbers carrying toolboxes?

Text & Photos /A Newlywed in Korea

▲ A super popular BBQ spot tucked away in the alleys of Hongdae—the 50g

▲ The reason behind “50g” is that most Korean BBQ restaurants have a minimum order of two servings per person. If you order two servings and want more, the smallest additional portion is usually around 150g per person. But here, you can order in increments as small as 50g. (Image from the internet)

▲ The popular Korean food show Tasty Road is similar to Taiwan’s Food Hunter. Each episode introduces various foods and unique shops across Korea based on different themes—one episode featured 50g, which prides itself on using only quality ingredients. (Image from the internet)

▲ Recently, many Korean BBQ restaurants have been caught skimping on portion sizes—for example, claiming to serve 250g of beef or pork for two people but actually giving 50g less. To prove they’re not shortchanging customers, the staff here even bring out a scale to weigh the meat right in front of diners. (Image from the internet)

▲ The restaurant’s menu (Image from the internet)

▲ The male staff here have a rugged plumber-chic vibe—not only wearing full orange work uniforms, but they even serve food using toolboxes. It’s quite unique. (Image from the internet)

▲ The restaurant’s side dishes also include a small pancake. What’s unique is that the batter is served in a small copper pan and cooked on the spot using a portable gas stove, really giving off an outdoor camping vibe.

▲ Kimchi Pancake

▲ Vegetable Pancake (Image from the internet)
The shop’s creative take combines Korean BBQ with Vietnamese spring rolls, resulting in a dish that’s refreshing and cuts through the greasiness.

▲ Spring roll wrappers and assorted vegetables. Each meat order comes with a side of vegetables, but refills aren’t unlimited. (Image from the internet)

▲ The veggie plate includes lettuce, bok choy, alfalfa sprouts, carrots, cabbage, red bell pepper, bean sprouts, and pineapple.

▲ The spring roll paper is placed in a hot water bath to soften—it turns transparent in just a few seconds.

▲ Three dipping sauces, from left to right: chili sauce, peanut sauce, and sea salt.

▲ The pork here is advertised as being air-flown directly from Jeju Island. We ordered the pork belly for two people this day.

▲ The hot charcoal slowly draws out the pork’s fat, releasing its aroma. On the side is a Vietnamese-style dipping sauce.

▲ After grilling the pork belly until golden brown on both sides, they start cutting it into bite-sized pieces with scissors.

▲ Spread out the softened spring roll wrapper, then layer it with pork belly dipped in the Vietnamese sauce and your choice of vegetables.

▲ Wrap it into a spring roll shape, dip it in a bit of peanut sauce, refreshing and not greasy at all. (Image from the internet)
In the past, eating pork belly always felt a bit too greasy, and by the end, your mouth would be coated in oil. But with this new spring roll pairing, it cuts down the greasiness a lot and brings out the aroma of the pork even more. The fatty parts of the pork belly don’t just melt into pure grease—they’re crispy with juicy flavor. And of course, the Korean-Vietnamese fusion spring rolls really elevate the whole dish. I wholeheartedly recommend this place—it’s a must-try when you’re in Hongdae.

▲ Another highly recommended delicious dish is the shop’s ramen.
Unlike other places that just use instant ramen seasoning to cook their noodles, this place uses a rich beef broth base, making the soup thicker and tastier.

This place wins over customers with its honest, no-shortcut business style, and the friendly service of its all-male staff has also drawn in a lot of fans. But the biggest highlight—the Jeju Island pork—really has no fishy smell and instead boasts a rich meaty aroma. The fatty part of the pork belly doesn’t just melt into grease, but stays crisp with juicy layers. And of course, the Korean-Vietnamese fusion spring rolls truly enhance the overall flavor. I’m genuinely recommending this spot—when you’re in Hongdae, it’s a must-visit.

How to get there: From Exit 9 of Hongdae Station, walk left, turn right at the second alley, and go straight to the end. Cross the street and you’ll reach Hongdae’s main shopping street. Walk about ten minutes until you see a spot between Aritaum and Etude House. Turn into that road, then look for the innisfree store on your left. Make a left into the alley beside it, and you’ll see the restaurant.
Restaurant map
Business hours: 5 PM to 11 PM

▲There are also signature posters of the two female hosts of Tasty Road at the shop entrance.

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