Im Chang-jung's Choice: The Secret of a 27-Year Tradition Meat Restaurant in Gangdong-gu is 'Kimchi' and 'Waxy Corn'

A video has been released showing singer Im Chang-jung visiting a meat specialty restaurant in Gangdong-gu that has stood in one place for 27 years, enjoying various types of kimchi and "Axe Pork Belly." In the video uploaded to the TV CHOSUN JOY channel, the restaurant's core kimchi lineup, the characteristics of the meat, and the cooking secrets that support them are revealed in detail.

"Should change the sign to a kimchi restaurant"... A feast of kimchi from all eight provinces using waxy corn water for sweetness

The biggest feature of this restaurant is the variety of kimchi that catches the eye even more than the meat. In the video, a lineup is introduced that seems to gather 'kimchi from all eight provinces,' such as green onion kimchi, mustard leaf kimchi, Cheonsu radish kimchi, spring cabbage, and cucumber kimchi. The cast noted the extreme variety of kimchi, evaluating that they should change their sign from a meat restaurant to a kimchi specialty restaurant.

The secret to the taste of the kimchi lies in the selection of ingredients and the cooking method. According to the restaurant's explanation, instead of using artificial sugar sweetness, they use water from boiled waxy corn to adjust the sweetness of the seasoning. By boiling waxy corn purchased at its best season and utilizing that water, they feature the ability to realize a natural umami flavor without chemical seasonings. Additionally, they increased the quality of the kimchi by using high-quality ingredients like radish and green onions generously.

In particular, the green onion kimchi showed high satisfaction, being chosen as the 'one pick' among the cast. The mustard leaf kimchi had a lively texture that whetted the appetite, and the Cheonsu radish kimchi showed a charm that made the mouth water along with its chewy texture.

Fresh meat slaughtered within 4 days, the savory juice of 'Axe Pork Belly'

The main characters appearing alongside the various kimchis are three types of meat, including 'Axe Pork Belly.' The restaurant stated that instead of going through an aging process, they follow a policy of using only fresh raw meat slaughtered within 3 to 4 days. Prioritizing the freshness of ingredients, they make it a principle to consume all stock within 3 days.

Among the menu items, 'Axe Pork Belly' is characterized by utilizing the fatty parts near the bone. As the marrow inside the bone receives heat and melts, the resulting fat components give the meat a butter-like texture, maximizing the savory flavor of the meat. The video also suggested a recommended order of eating: grilling the neck meat first to warm up the mouth, followed by pork belly and then ribs.

A meal finished with soybean paste stew filled with the scent of shepherd's purse

After enjoying the meat and kimchi, soybean paste stew containing the seasonal feeling of spring fills the table. It is characterized by bringing out the scent of shepherd's purse without using separate complex seasonings. The composition of mixing fragrant shepherd's purse and soft tofu with white rice increased the completeness of the meal.

This restaurant, which has guarded one alley for 27 years, harmonized with the song 'A Glass of Soju' sung by Im Chang-jung, conveying the depth of flavor accumulated over a long time and the atmosphere of the site.

Source: TVCHOSUN JOY (YouTube)