Chef Yoon Nam-no's Gastronomic World Tour: From Spanish Cuisine in Mangwon-dong to Japanese Food in Gwangjin-gu
Yoon Nam-no has proposed a unique culinary course that bridges Spanish cuisine in Mangwon-dong with Japanese cuisine in Gwangjin-gu.
Chef Yoon Nam-no embarked on a culinary journey through Seoul, traversing the flavors of Spain and Japan through the medium of food. Under the theme of relieving daily fatigue through cuisine, a specific gourmet route was curated, connecting Mangwon-dong and Gwangjin-gu. This journey went beyond merely introducing popular eateries, focusing instead on delivering exotic flavors through specific signature dishes.
The Taste of Spain in Mangwon-dong: Pollo Berry
The first destination is Pollo Berry, a Spanish specialty restaurant located in Mangwon-dong, Mapo-gu. Here, Yoon Nam-no experienced a variety of dishes that recreate the authentic tastes of Spain. The menu lineup—ranging from Pollo Berry Pyeonyuk to Polpo, Cho-tteok-cho-tteok, Pollo Coreano, and Pollo Espanol—showcases the diverse spectrum of Spanish cuisine. In particular, the exotic flair reflected in the menu names offers visitors an experience akin to being in Spain itself.
A Japanese Feast in Gwangjin-gu: Moribon
Following the Spanish culinary tour, the journey led to Moribon, a Japanese specialty restaurant in Junggok-dong, Gwangjin-gu. Offering a completely different vibe from Mangwon-dong, this establishment centers its menu on fresh seafood. The combination of sea urchin, assorted sashimi, and deep-fried sweet shrimp heads provides a feast for both the eyes and the palate. The journey concluded with dishes such as Zaru Mori Soba, salt-grilled Renko Sea Bream, Hoe-deopbap (raw fish bibimbap), and Daiyame, which deliver the refined elegance and deep flavors characteristic of Japanese cuisine.
This culinary course can be seen as an attempt to dissolve borders within the space of Seoul. The heterogeneous combination of Spanish cuisine in Mangwon-dong and Japanese cuisine in Gwangjin-gu faithfully reflects the original intent of recreating the excitement of travel through food. The menus selected by Yoon Nam-no clearly highlight the unique identity of each restaurant, presenting new options for gourmets.
