Seongbukdong Restaurant, Health Food, Nurungji Baeksuk – One of the go-to places for my family for years is the Seongbukdong Nurungji Baeksuk. It’s a place where we used to come with my parents, and now I bring them along for a nice meal. While my dad isn’t always a fan of chicken or pork, we visit this spot when we feel the need to recharge with a wholesome meal or simply crave the chewy Nurungji rice porridge.
One of the restaurants I’ve consistently visited for years is Seongbukdong Nurungji Baeksuk. It’s a place I first went to with my parents, and now it’s somewhere I bring them. My father isn’t particularly fond of chicken or pork, but when we need a bit of a health boost—especially during the summer—or even when I just crave the delicious chewy nurungji (crispy scorched rice porridge), this is where we head. It’s become a go-to spot for our family, especially on those days when a hearty, warm meal is exactly what we need.
Overview, Seongbukdong Restaurant, Nurungji Baeksuk
Recently, I went back with my mom for a weekday lunch date, revisiting this familiar place. Although it’s not easily accessible by public transportation, buses do come close. If you’re driving, you can conveniently valet right in front of the restaurant. Since it was a quieter afternoon, I parked myself, which was a first!
Seongbukdong Nurungji Baeksuk Operating Hours:
Tuesday – Sunday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM (Last Order at 8:00 PM)
Closed on Mondays.
I’ve tried ordering for takeaway before, but the taste is noticeably different from when it’s served hot at the restaurant, so now I only dine in to enjoy it at its best.
Interior Space of Seongbukdong Restaurant, Nurungji Baeksuk
The interior isn’t too large or too small—just the right size, with both floor seating and table seating available. The majority of the tables are set for groups of four, and during our visit, we noticed it was much less crowded than usual due to the late lunch hour.
Menu
The menu mainly revolves around baeksuk (whole chicken soup), and you simply choose what you want to accompany it. As always, we ordered the Nurungji Baeksuk (Chicken with Crispy Rice) set along with buckwheat pancakes (memiljeon).
Taste of Seongbukdong Restaurant, Nurungji Baeksuk
The basic side dishes are simple yet flavorful, and the restaurant generously provides unlimited dongchimi (radish water kimchi) and fresh cucumbers, making for a refreshing accompaniment to the rich meal.
Soon, the steaming hot chicken baeksuk arrived, with a large portion of tender chicken served alongside a big pot of chewy nurungji. You can enjoy the soup and the crispy rice together or separately—it’s all up to your preference. My mom and I, being light eaters, alternated between the chicken and the nurungji, savoring both. The portions are generous, so we usually end up taking some home.
The chicken is incredibly tender, falling apart with ease. It’s not chewy but rather soft and smooth, making it incredibly easy to digest and very satisfying. The chicken was warm, juicy, and tender, enhancing the enjoyment of each bite.
As much as I love the chicken, the real highlight for me is the nurungji porridge. It’s mildly seasoned but rich in flavor, especially when mixed with the chicken broth. The texture is chewy, and it has a toasty, almost nutty flavor from the crispy rice. It’s the perfect balance of light yet filling.
In comparison to the heavier or greasier dishes at other places, I much prefer the clean, savory taste here. While samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup) tends to be richer, the baeksuk here is lighter and less oily, which I personally enjoy.
For dessert, we had the buckwheat pancake (memiljeon), which was crispy on the outside and chewy inside, offering a nice balance of flavors to finish the meal.
Final Thoughts
Overall, it was a perfect meal for both nourishment and satisfaction. The restaurant offers the ideal setting for family meals and is particularly popular among the elderly for its nutritious food. I highly recommend this hidden gem in Seongbukdong for anyone looking for a delicious, traditional Korean meal that leaves you feeling energized and full. With large portions and an emphasis on quality ingredients, it’s definitely worth a visit to Seongbukdong Nurungji Baeksuk.
Feel free to visit Seongbukdong Nurungji Baeksuk for a hearty and health-boosting meal! It’s a place where both the food and atmosphere make you feel at home, and it’s perfect for those looking for a nourishing, traditional meal with loved ones.
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