Sungkyunkwan University Hot Spot, Asian Table: Authentic Southeast Asian Cuisine at Affordable Prices
Tucked away in the alleys near Sungkyunkwan University, Asian Table offers an exotic dining experience with great value, bringing the vibrant flavors of Southeast Asia right to your plate. Since 2017, they’ve been dedicated to making Southeast Asian cuisine more accessible and affordable for everyone. Their commitment to providing delicious dishes at reasonable prices makes it a must-visit for anyone craving authentic Southeast Asian food in a cozy, welcoming atmosphere.
“We have been striving since 2017 to ensure that more people can enjoy a variety of Southeast Asian dishes at an affordable price. With a sense of duty for the popularization of Southeast Asian cuisine, we are doing our best to make it tastier and more affordable, so our customers can fully enjoy Southeast Asian food.”
The phrases “popularization of Southeast Asian cuisine” and “tastier and more affordable” are like magic words that make you want to visit.
Particularly through Instagram, the vibe felt very youthful and energetic, which I really liked, so I decided to visit immediately!
Overview, Sungkyunkwan University Hot Spot, Asian Table
Asian Table Operating Hours
- Tuesday to Friday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM (Last Order: 2:30 PM, 11:00 PM)
- Saturday to Sunday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM (Last Order: 2:30 PM, 8:00 PM)
- Break Time: 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM
- Closed every Monday
After exiting from Hyehwa Station Exit 4 and walking near Sungkyunkwan University’s main gate, you’ll find a small alley with Asian Table located right across from Sungdae Mart. If you’re driving, you’ll need to find a nearby public or private parking lot.
In the quiet alleys of Sungkyunkwan University, if you spot a shop that radiates a Southeast Asian vibe, you’ve likely found Asian Table. They even have a menu displayed outside so that anyone unsure can see what’s offered before entering. It’s a place known as a delivery hotspot, and you can tell from the constant comings and goings of delivery drivers!
Asian Table’s mascot seems to be an elephant, and I greeted the elephant statue as I stepped into the warm, cozy interior.
more info: Official Instagram
Interior Space of Sungkyunkwan University Hot Spot, Asian Table
The interior space was much bigger than expected, and I was pleased to see the energetic young staff I’d seen on Instagram.
Since it’s an open kitchen, you can see everything — from their facial expressions while cooking to how they communicate and check on the customers even during busy moments. Everything was satisfying.
The restaurant had six 4-seater tables, two 2-seater tables, and another two seats by the window. All the tables except the one I reserved and one by the window were full, which was surprising.
There wasn’t any noise coming from outside, and since I arrived just before break time, I expected the place to be a bit quieter, but Asian Table was packed.
One section displayed various exotic sauces and ingredients, adding to the decor. From the lamps fixed to the ceiling to the green plants and detailed decorations, you could feel the owner’s love for the restaurant.
Menu
The menu, also featuring the elephant mascot, was easy to navigate with large letters and pictures. There were plenty of dishes unfamiliar to me, sparking my curiosity.
The set menus offer great value for money, perfect for a visit with my boyfriend or mom next time. For now, I studied the side dishes and drinks, carefully reading through the noodle and rice sections.
Here’s what I ordered:
- Lok Chin Moo: 5,000 KRW
- Mama Tom Yum: 21,000 KRW
- Nasi Goreng: 8,900 KRW
- Fried Pork Belly with Morning Glory: 16,000 KRW
- Leo (Local Beer): 7,000 KRW
- Soju: 5,000 KRW
By the way, they have an Instagram event where you can get a free soda if you upload a story.
The Taste of Sungkyunkwan University Hot Spot, Asian Table Food
After placing my order, I was served some homemade cabbage pickles. While waiting, I enjoyed my cold local beer, one of Asian Table’s signature items.
All the food arrived quickly, keeping the essence of Southeast Asian dishes intact. I took a moment to lay everything out and admire the full table.
The first dish I tried was the Fried Pork Belly with Morning Glory. Having just returned from Nha Trang and being disappointed with the morning glory dishes I had there, I ordered this without hesitation. And, as expected, it was delicious. The crisp texture and fresh flavor of the morning glory paired perfectly with the lightly fried pork belly. This is a dish I’ll definitely be reordering next time, especially with beer!
The Nasi Goreng, topped with a lovely soft-boiled egg, had a flavor and aroma that felt very authentic. The rice was perfectly cooked and seasoned, making it the best Nasi Goreng I’ve had recently.
Next, I tried Lok Chin Moo for the first time. It’s a Thai-style meatball, crispy on the outside and tender inside, served with chili sauce. It was lighter than spring rolls, making it a great casual side dish.
Lastly, the star of the meal: Mama Tom Yum. Being the priciest dish I ordered, I expected a lot, and it delivered! With plenty of broth, noodles, and toppings like meatballs, shrimp, and mushrooms, the dish was filling and flavorful. If you love Tom Yum like I do, you’ll enjoy this.
I’ll definitely be reordering both the Mama Tom Yum and the Fried Pork Belly with Morning Glory next time.
If you need any assistance in Korea, just visit my own Instagram, and send DM:)
Final Thoughts
While Southeast Asian cuisine has become somewhat of a luxury in Korea, making it harder to find affordable, casual options, Asian Table is a gem. Offering a variety of Southeast Asian dishes at reasonable prices, it’s a must-visit for any lover of this cuisine.
If you enjoy Southeast Asian food, I highly recommend you check out Asian Table. The youthful energy of the staff is contagious, and the food, ambiance, and service are all top-notch at this hidden gem in Sungkyunkwan’s alleys.