Samcheongdong Sujebi

Samcheongdong Sujebi has been serving one dish on Samcheong-ro since 1982: sujebi, thin flakes of dough torn by hand into a clear anchovy broth with clams. It is mild, filling and inexpensive, which is why both neighbourhood regulars and visitors walking up from Bukchon and the palace end up in the queue. The second favourite is gamjajeon, a chewy pancake made from grated potato alone, and the table pancakes with green onion or mung beans are sized for sharing. Spicy stir-fried baby octopus is the option for people who want heat, and a glutinous rice ball soup is available for two or more. The dining room is plain, homely and usually full. The restaurant sits on the main Samcheong-dong street lined with cafes and boutiques, farther up Samcheong-ro from the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, so it fits naturally into a gallery or palace afternoon. A steaming bowl next to a golden potato pancake is the classic photo.