Namdaemun, a representative tourist attraction in Seoul, is full of various foods. In particular, Muslim-friendly restaurants are opening one after another, and are becoming more popular among foreign tourists. In this article, we will introduce 'Heerak Galchi', a famous cutlass fish restaurant in Namdaemun that can be recommended to Muslim guests, and find out about its unique charm.
1. Namdaemun's representative food, the charm of cutlass fish cuisine
Seoul's Namdaemun Market is a place where you can feel the atmosphere of a traditional Korean market, and is a famous tourist attraction visited by tourists from all over the world. This place is especially famous for various cutlass fish dishes. Among them, galchi jorim (Braised spicy cutlass fish) and Seongseon gu-i are considered Namdaemun's representative menus. The dishes that add a deep flavor to fresh cutlass fish with unique Korean seasoning are very popular with people of all ages.Galchi (Cutlass fish) cuisine goes well with Korea's unique 'rice side dish culture', and the flavor is doubled when eaten with rice. There are many restaurants specializing in cutlass fish cuisine in Namdaemun Market, giving customers a wide range of choices. In particular, galchi jorim (Braised spicy cutlass fish) made with a traditional Korean recipe provides a unique experience for foreigners.
Many foreign tourists visit Namdaemun to enjoy these dishes, but Muslim tourists often face one big limitation. Many dishes contain pork and alcohol, so their options are limited. Accordingly, restaurants such as 'Heerak Galchi' that provide Muslim-friendly food are gaining attention.
2. Customized service for Muslim guests, Hee-rak Galchi
'Hee-rak Galchi', a cutlassfish cuisine restaurant in Namdaemun, provides special service for Muslim guests. This restaurant does not use pork or any other meat, and prepares dishes only with ingredients permitted under Islamic law. The menu consists of grilled mackerel, various grilled fish, braised pollack, braised cutlassfish, braised mackerel with kimchi, and steamed eggs, which are popular among Koreans. This menu alone always has a long line of people, and it is a traditional restaurant that many Koreans visit with the same service and taste. Thanks to these efforts, it is gaining great popularity among Muslim tourists, and it has become one of the most visited places by foreigners visiting Korea.
'Hee-rak Galchi's' signature menu items are spicy and savory braised cutlassfish and crispy and savory grilled mackerel. The braised dishes are especially popular with Muslim guests who prefer spicy flavors, as they combine fish, radish, and chili peppers. In addition, the kimchi and vegetable dishes served as basic side dishes are also savory, and they are prepared with only vegetables and no animal ingredients, so Muslim guests can eat them with confidence.
Heerak Galchi shows meticulous consideration not only in food but also in service. The staff kindly guides foreign guests even if they do not speak Korean, and if foreigners ask for less spicy food, they meticulously take care of each request.
3. Tips for visiting Heerak Galchi in Namdaemun
Here are some good tips to know before visiting Heerak Galchi. First, this restaurant is located inside Namdaemun Market, so it is not easy to find. However, if you say Galchi Alley in Namdaemun, everyone knows it, so if you remember the word "Galchi" in Korean, which is Cutlass fish in English, and ask any Korean passing by, they will take you to this alley.
Second, Heerak Galchi offers a variety of Korean fish dishes in addition to galchi dishes, so it is a good place to visit with friends or family. It is popular with locals as well as Muslim customers, so it can be crowded during lunch time, so if you want a leisurely meal, we recommend going in the afternoon.
Third, Heerak Galchi has a menu only in Korean, but it has foreign staff, which minimizes the language barrier for foreign tourists. Also, the interior of the restaurant is decorated with a cozy atmosphere that gives off an old-fashioned feel, so you can enjoy your meal comfortably. All of these factors contribute greatly to helping Muslim tourists safely experience traditional Korean food culture in Namdaemun.
Seoul Namdaemun Market is a place that maintains its traditional charm while meeting the needs of various foreign tourists. 'Heerak Galchi', which provides food and service suitable for Muslim guests, is one of the best choices to enjoy the flavor of galchi cuisine. If you are planning to visit Namdaemun, be sure to visit Heerak Galchi. We hope you will create special memories here where traditional food and attentive service come together. 😊