Magok Hot Spot, Tempura Lover’s Paradise: Tachikawaten Magok
If you are a fan of crispy tempura, there’s no better place to visit than Tachikawaten Magok, a spot that was once featured on The Master of Living and known for its long lines at the original Hapjeong location. Having now relocated to Magok, Tachikawaten continues to delight with its perfectly fried tempura that cracks with crispiness in every bite. It’s a must-visit destination for tempura enthusiasts looking for an authentic and satisfying meal near Magok Station.
Overview, Magok Hot Spot, Tachikawaten Magok
If you remember the authentic tempura restaurant Tachikawaten that used to have people lining up between Sangsu and Hapjeong, you’ll know it was one of the best spots for tempura back in the day. Featured on the TV show The Master of Living in 2017, it quickly became a must-visit for tempura lovers and foodies alike. Tachikawaten, which was known as Korea’s first tempura specialty restaurant, was incredibly popular. After hearing about its success and eventual expansion, I was curious about the new location in Magok and finally decided to pay a visit.
The restaurant is located conveniently near Magok Station, right by the building entrance, so it’s easy to spot. There is parking available, and you can enter through the indoor entrance if you park. I took public transport this time, and with Magok Station Exit 3 just a minute’s walk away, getting there was easy and convenient.
Magok Station Hot Spot: Tachikawaten Magok Operating Hours
- Monday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM (Last Order at 2:30 PM)
- Tuesday to Friday: 11:00 AM – 8:30 PM (Last Orders: 2:30 PM & 8:00 PM)
- Break Time: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday: 11:00 AM – 8:30 PM (Last Order at 8:00 PM)
- Closed Sundays
Take note that they close early on Mondays at 3 PM, so make sure to plan your visit accordingly!
more info: Official Instagram
Interior Space of Tachikawaten Magok
The clean, modern, and cozy atmosphere of Interior Space of Tachikawaten Magok is immediately welcoming. The wooden interior gives off a warm and refined feeling, with seating arranged to cater to small groups and solo diners alike. Whether you’re there for a quick meal or a solo dining experience, it’s perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a quiet meal near Magok Station.
We visited on a Saturday afternoon, avoiding the busy weekday lunch crowd, but even then, the place was almost full. The restaurant’s recognition from The Master of Living and the 2022 Consumer Industry Award were proudly displayed, giving diners confidence in their meal before they even started eating. With limited seating and a cozy ambiance, it’s no wonder this place fills up quickly. If you’re planning a visit during peak hours, take advantage of their reservation system, which allows bookings for up to two people and is ideal if you want to avoid the lunch rush.
Menu
The menu is simple and straightforward, focusing mainly on various tempura rice bowls (tendon), udon, and soba options. For drinks, they offer a selection of beverages, including soft drinks and alcohol.
Here’s what we ordered:
- All-Star Tendon: ₩15,000
- Hawaiian Tendon: ₩14,000
- Homemade Karaage (4 pieces): ₩4,800
- Niku Udon: ₩9,000
The Taste of the Food, Tachikawaten Magok
Since the tempura is freshly prepared to order, there’s a bit of a wait, but the wait is well worth it for the crispy tempura you’re about to enjoy. Each dish comes out perfectly plated on individual trays, ideal for sharing or simply focusing on your own meal.
I started with the All-Star Tendon, which was a true masterpiece of crispiness. The bowl featured shrimp, pumpkin, perilla leaf, king oyster mushroom, lotus root, eggplant, and pineapple tempura. As mentioned on the TV show, the tempura is lightly coated in ginger before frying, which cuts through the oil and helps keep it crispy without being greasy. The tempura was paired with oyakodon-style rice, which was so flavorful that it could stand alone. The house-made tempura sauce further elevated the dish, adding just the right amount of sweetness and saltiness.
If you prefer a bit more flavor, you can always add the soy sauce provided at the table. And don’t forget the furikake (Japanese seasoning) – the wasabi version was a delightful touch that added extra flavor when sprinkled on top of the rice.
The Hawaiian Tendon was equally delightful, with two pieces of shrimp, two pieces of pineapple, shrimp wrapped in crispy potato, pumpkin, perilla leaf, and paprika. The shrimp wrapped in potato was a unique and delicious twist, and my partner enjoyed it so much that it disappeared before I even got a taste!
We also ordered the karaage as a side dish, and it didn’t disappoint. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, it was the perfect accompaniment to our meal. My partner, who loves extra seasoning, enjoyed it with a sprinkle of salt.
Finally, we tried the Niku Udon, which was ideal for the chilly weather. The broth was light yet flavorful, with tender slices of beef that perfectly complemented the dish. This was my first time trying Niku Udon, and I highly recommend it as the perfect partner to the tempura.
Final Thoughts
If you love your tempura crispy like I do, you must visit Tachikawaten Magok. The tempura stays crispy to the last bite, with a flavor that’s not too heavy thanks to the ginger coating. The lightness of the batter and the quality of the frying technique ensure that each bite remains fresh and delicious, even as you finish your meal.
Whether you’re coming for a solo lunch or to enjoy a hearty meal with friends, this place is sure to impress. With carefully prepared dishes and a cozy atmosphere, Tachikawaten Magok delivers on its promise of great tempura, and I’m already looking forward to my next visit.
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