Grilled Fish at the Original Gogalbi
By Min Hee-young
Korea Times Intern
In the age of well-being lifestyle, Koreans are increasing their omega-3 fatty acid intake, but not necessarily through a natural fish-rich diet. While fish-oil supplements report health benefits, nothing beats the real deal, like the tasty and affordable fish at ``The Original Gogalbi.''
The exterior of the restaurant located in an alleyway ― tiny dimensions, cracked mint green paint, a dent in the wall, and an outdoor grill ― fits the description of the quintessential hole-in-the-wall eatery, but a walk inside reveals a surprising interior that is clean, air-conditioned and seats 18 people.
While the restaurant departs from stereotypical hole-in-the-wall dining, it makes up for it with its fun, quirky arrangement: The tight quarters manages three dining rooms, with two of them upstairs, requiring a trip up a steep and narrow wooden staircase that finishes with a dangerously low header.
With the lower-level room filled, we were shuffled upstairs to a room that is memorable for its conspicuous slant.
We tried mackerel, one of the three fish varieties served. Our selection of fish was simply seasoned with salt for a clean taste. Dried in the sun before being grilled with charcoal fire, the fish was subtly crispy on the outside with a juicy, flaky flesh.
We also ordered two staple Korean stews to accompany the main dish: The bean paste stew and the kimchi stew. The bean paste stew was a deep refreshing taste of tradition, filled with the common ingredients of tofu, potatoes, zucchini, spinach, green peppers and onions; the spicy stew on the other hand strayed from the classic recipe, incorporating glass noodles and rice cake.
Other dishes on the menu are gogalbi (scombroid fish), gulbi (dried salted croaker), nakji bokkeum (small octopus stir-fried with vegetables and rice), and jaeyuk bokkeum (spicy stir-fry with pork and vegetables).
An adequate consumption of omega-3 not only reduces risk of heart and cardiovascular disease, but facilitates daily functioning: Deficiency of it may trigger discomforts like low moods, dry skin, fatty food craving, and chronic inflammations.
A smart health choice, while easy on the stomach and the wallet, ``The Original Gogalbi" is a winner.
To find the restaurant, go to Hoehyeon Underground Shopping Center Exit 5 and turn right at the first alley. The center is connected to the Hoehyeong Station on subway line 4. For more information, call (02) 733-9526