Seoul Forest Restaurant, Tan’s Kitchen is a hidden gem in the Seoul Forest area, run by a local Vietnamese chef. This restaurant is already well-known among food enthusiasts as a top spot for authentic Vietnamese pho. Located just a minute’s walk from Exit 1 of Seoul Forest Station, Tan’s Kitchen offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere with delicious Southeast Asian dishes. If you’re looking for a place to enjoy a hearty meal in a cozy setting, Tan’s Kitchen is the perfect destination.
As a food blogger specializing in finding the best restaurants, I’d like to introduce you to a hidden gem in Seoul Forest area: Tan’s Kitchen, a Vietnamese restaurant run by a local Vietnamese chef. Here’s a glimpse into this wonderful spot:
Vietnamese food is one of the most affordable and accessible Southeast Asian cuisines. Although there aren’t many Vietnamese restaurants around Seoul Forest, Tan’s Kitchen is a highly-rated place that’s run by a Vietnamese local, making it a must-visit spot for authentic Vietnamese pho and other dishes. With the weather getting colder, I decided to visit this restaurant.
Overview, Seoul Forest Restaurant, Tan’s Kitchen
Located just a minute’s walk from Exit 1 of Seoul Forest Station, Tan’s Kitchen is hard to miss with its bright lights and distinctly Vietnamese-style signage. Although the restaurant doesn’t have its own parking, there are several public and private parking lots nearby, so parking is not much of an issue.
Nearby Parking Options Around Tan’s Kitchen:
- Nobel Building Private Parking: 3,000 KRW / 30 minutes
- Seongdong-gu Citizen Center Parking: 1,800 KRW / 30 minutes
- Seoul Forest Bizfore Private Parking: 3,000 KRW / 30 minutes
- Galleria Foret Private Parking: 2,000 KRW / 30 minutes
Tan’s Kitchen Operating Hours:
- Open daily from 10:30 AM to 9:30 PM (Last order at 9:00 PM)
The exterior of the restaurant is eye-catching with its bright yellow color, which makes it stand out even at night. The menu items are written in Vietnamese and the banners display mouthwatering images of the dishes along with descriptions. This helps introduce the menu to those who may not be familiar with Vietnamese cuisine and serves as an invitation to experience Vietnam.
As you descend into the basement where the restaurant is located, the walls are adorned with paintings depicting scenes from Vietnam. This adds to the feeling of embarking on a journey to a local Vietnamese eatery rather than just having a meal. Inside, the decor continues with charming Vietnamese trinkets and vibrant yellow colors that brighten up the space, giving it a warm and energetic Vietnamese vibe.
Interior Space of Seoul Forest Restaurant, Tan’s Kitchen
The interior is clean and fresh, likely due to the restaurant being relatively new. The decor gives off a high-end vibe with a blend of wood and bright yellow, creating a harmonious and inviting atmosphere.
The tables are spaced comfortably, and they range from two-person tables to larger ones that can accommodate up to six people, making it suitable for dates or gatherings with friends.
The space is filled with Vietnamese images and unique lighting fixtures, enhancing the dining experience even before the food arrives.
Menu:
The menu is neatly laid out on two pages and primarily features Vietnamese cuisine with a few Thai and Indonesian dishes. There are various types of pho, fried rice, and signature Vietnamese dishes, making it a diverse selection.
They also offer couple sets, lunch sets, and family sets, which are great options to consider.
- Beef Pho: 12,000 KRW
- Nasi Goreng: 13,000 KRW
- Bun Cha: 15,000 KRW
- Cha Gio (Spring Rolls): 6,500 KRW
Seoul Forest Restaurant, Tan’s Kitchen Food Review:
The plating is familiar, using traditional Vietnamese dishware. The pickles served as a side dish also have a familiar taste and design that most of us are used to.
The food was served quickly, which aligns with the fast-paced dining style preferred by many Koreans. The chef and owner, a Vietnamese native who lived in Thailand for five years, personally created all the recipes and manages the restaurant.
The presentation and portion sizes are impressive.
Beef Pho:
The first dish I tried was the Beef Pho, which I chose because I was craving something warm. Initially, I thought the bowl was smaller than usual, but it turned out to be quite deep, and the serving was generous. The broth, made from properly simmered beef, was perfectly seasoned, neither too salty nor too bland, with just the right amount of spiciness. The generous slices of brisket added a hearty touch, making it feel like a nourishing bowl of meat and noodles.
Nasi Goreng:
I haven’t had Nasi Goreng in a long time, and I was excited to try it again. My experience with this dish in Indonesia left a lasting impression, but I hadn’t found the same taste in Korea until now. Tan’s Kitchen’s Nasi Goreng is slightly adjusted to suit Korean palates, with a rich flavor and well-cooked rice grains that add a satisfying bite. The dish is quite generous with seafood, making it a filling option. Although the rice is not the Indonesian type, which was a bit of a letdown, and the dish is slightly on the sweet side for my taste, the homemade chili sauce was a hit! Spicier than the standard Sriracha, it was exactly to my liking. I meant to ask if I could buy some to take home but forgot in the end!
Bun Cha:
Whenever I visit a Vietnamese restaurant, Bun Cha is my go-to dish. It’s hard to go wrong with this dish, and today was no exception. The sweet and tangy flavor of the nuoc mam sauce, combined with the smoky grilled pork, was delightful. The noodles were springier and had more texture compared to other places, enhancing the eating experience. With plenty of vegetables and meat, this dish, paired with Cha Gio, fills you up to the brim.
Cha Gio (Spring Rolls):
I forgot that Cha Gio would come with the Bun Cha and ordered an extra serving. They are cut into six bite-sized pieces, making them easy to eat. The crispy texture and the well-seasoned filling make them perfect either as a meal or a snack. Dipping them in chili sauce adds an extra kick, making Cha Gio a top-notch dish.
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Final Thoughts
Overall, I left Tan’s Kitchen feeling incredibly full and satisfied. The Bun Cha was so delicious that I would highly recommend it to anyone wanting to try it. The Beef Pho, made with a rich broth and brisket, is also perfect for the current cold weather. They also have a spicy pho option, which piqued my interest, so I’ll definitely be back to try that!
Since it’s not far from my home and parking is convenient, I can see myself visiting Tan’s Kitchen often whenever I crave Vietnamese pho.
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