くろぶた通信
Located in the Senzoku district of Asakusa, we visited a cool Korean restaurant with 4 people that stays open until morning. The red lanterns give it a pub-like feel from the outside, and upon opening the sliding door and entering, there is a long layout with around 40 seats. There are a few counter seats in the front, sunken kotatsu seats, tatami mats in the middle, and sofa seats at the back. The walls are decorated with signatures of famous people in a casual atmosphere. It is surprisingly clean inside compared to the outside. Looking at the menu, there were many choices and we were quite indecisive, but with recommendations from regular customers, we ordered the following:
"Assorted appetizers: simmered hijiki/seaweed, bean sprout namul, edamame, egg salad" (around 500 yen per person)
- These are Asian home-cooked dishes that give a warm and comforting start to the meal.
"Raw liver sashimi" (650 yen)
- The liver sashimi served with vinegar miso has no gamey taste, but it wasn't a personal favorite.
"Kejang" (950 yen)
- The sweet snow crab, balanced with spiciness and sweetness, was harmonious and delightful.
"Stone-grilled wagyu liver" (850 yen each)
- The liver had a silky texture, sweet and without any unpleasant odor. The dipping sauce with garlic was a perfect match.
"Steamed chicken" (1500 yen)
- A hearty dish with chunks of potatoes, the chicken had a tender texture and the flavors were enjoyable.
"Seafood pancake" (800 yen)
- A must-try dish with a crispy exterior and a soft interior, combining the textures of squid, octopus, clams, and the aroma of chives.
"White cabbage kimchi" (400 yen)
"Changja" (600 yen)
"Abalone porridge" (1400 yen)
- A large bowl with pieces of abalone and bean sprouts, full of flavors and textures.
We enjoyed these dishes with "medium bottle beer" (500 yen each), "draft makgeolli" (1700 yen), "black bean makgeolli" (1700 yen), "pear makgeolli" (1700 yen), and "oolong tea" (250 yen each) for 4 people, costing a little over 4000 yen per person. The quality and quantity were impressive, but it's best to visit with a larger group to fully enjoy the variety of dishes. The atmosphere was cozy, and the owners seemed to enjoy seeing customers savoring delicious food at reasonable prices. It's a hidden gem in the back alleys of Asakusa that we stumbled upon, and we would definitely recommend it for a satisfying meal. Thank you for the feast!