Hoban has a good reputation among bloggers, so I went to check it out. I was particularly craving sundae.

The front door

They say reservations are hard to get, but plenty of tables open up after 8. That’s true not just in Korea but everywhere in the world. Even the hottest places tend to empty out toward the end of the first seating. Unless a place is reservation-only or packed through both seatings, it’s worth a try.

Banchan

Mul-kimchi (water kimchi)

Sundae

I guess my expectations were too high. It wasn’t my thing.

Kongbiji (ground soybean stew)

Braised pomfret

The pomfret was on the small side, but they braise it really well. Great with drinks. I think I’d have been happier ordering the suyuk (boiled pork) instead of the sundae; I’ll have to try that next time.

For round two, we went to Sejin Sikdang.

It’s down an alley like this.

Not exactly easy to find.

Stir-fried squid

It was a bit spicy but went well with soju. They seem to be famous for saengtae-tang (fresh pollack soup), but I was too full to order it this time.

For round three, we headed to the Four Seasons Hotel lounge for cake. Cafe Themselves is nearby too, but it closes early, so it doesn’t work as a round-three spot.

Cake

Absolutely delicious.

Cake

The service is top-notch too, and if you’re going for round three in this neighbourhood, I don’t think there’s any other choice.

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