Jon Dunbar is a copy editor at The Korea Times, as well as editor of the Foreign Community page and curator of the Korea Times Archive. If you have suggestions for possible articles, or wish to contribute articles yourself, contact jdunbar@koreatimes.co.kr.
RESTAURANT OF THE WEEK Ceviche 210 brings Peru to Songtan
The spread at Ceviche 210 in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province / Courtesy of Shuttle Delivery
By Jon Dunbar
By Mark Boesch
Opposite the front gate of Osan Air Base, in the Sinjang-dong neighborhood of Pyeongtaek (closest to Songtan Station on Seoul Metro Line 1), lies the bustling Songtan Entertainment District, known to locals affectionately as “The SED.” The district is home to a wealth of restaurants offering a diverse range of international cuisines which cater to the air base community. Among them ― and perhaps the most revered by regulars ― is the Peruvian restaurant Ceviche 210.
Peruvian cuisine has captured the interest of foodies around the globe with its mouthwatering blend of flavors and ingredients that reflect the nation's diverse topography and rich cultural legacy. Drawing influences from indigenous ingredients, Spanish colonial traditions and Asian and African immigrants, the menu at Ceviche 210 features Peruvian classics like ceviche, arroz chaufa (fried rice), tacu tacu (beans and rice), empanadas (fried turnovers) and so much more.
The pillar of Peruvian cuisine ― and the namesake of Ceviche 210 ― is ceviche, delicately sliced raw fish marinated in tart citrus juices and served with cilantro, chopped onions, salt and a burst of hot pepper. The white fish, fresh herbs and zesty lime deliver a harmony of flavors that embody the spirit of coastal Peru and offer a formal introduction to Peruvian cooking.
Also popular is Arroz Chaufa, a Peruvian fried rice served with a choice of protein, eggs and green onions cooked with soy sauce. This dish is a fantastic way to introduce Korean friends to Peruvian cuisine. It's a totally new take on a familiar dish and they will love the depth of the flavors.
The highlight of the menu ― and undoubtedly the most popular item ― is the Seco de Carne, a Peruvian beef stew served with rice and beans. It's heavenly and worth whatever drive you have to make to get there.
Empanadas from Ceviche 210 in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province / Courtesy of Shuttle Delivery
Empanadas are a type of pastry that is widely enjoyed throughout Latin America, and are a staple of Peru's street food culture. They typically have a filling, which can range from savory to sweet, enclosed in a thin dough wrapper that is folded over, sealed and then either baked or fried until golden and crispy. The empanadas at Ceviche 210 are loaded with meat and vegetables and make a delicious little treat. Pro tip, get the green spice sauce ― it makes it even better.
Ceviche 210 is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day of the week except Tuesdays. Visit
for more information about the restaurant. If you're in the
of Pyeongtaek, you can skip the queue, pay online and place pickup or delivery orders at
or by using the
.
Mark Boesch is co-founder and chief marketing officer of Shuttle Delivery.