Yeoni Dumplings in Janghang-dong, Ilsan, honest review of what I paid for with my own money.
Hello, I am Daniel, a blogger who loves exploring delicious restaurants!
Especially! I am a blogger who wakes up from sleep because of dumplings, and I make time to go to places that are said to have delicious dumplings, no matter how far away they are.
Today, I am going to share my experience at Yeoni Mandu located in Janghang-dong, Ilsan. This place is already a famous restaurant among local residents, and it has even been featured on TV programs. A friend of mine who I often eat with also likes dumplings, and he said he found a place that seemed delicious, so I went there with high expectations.
Now, I will explain the charms of Yeoni Mandu one by one!
First impressions of Yeoni Mandu, clean store atmosphere
Yeoni Mandu is located in Janghang-dong, Ilsan. It is easy to access because it is near the Western Dome of Jeongbalsan Station, and it is convenient to visit by public transportation or by car. As soon as I entered the store, the neat and clean interior caught my eye. The spacing between tables is just right, so it’s comfortable to eat alone or with friends or family. I visited around 11 AM when it opened, but it was already full of customers. That’s proof that it’s popular.
Ordering the signature menu, dumplings and dumpling soup
The signature menu here is, of course, dumplings and dumpling soup. We ordered meat steamed dumplings (5 for 7,500 won), meat dumpling soup (6 for 13,000 won), and half-and-half dumpling soup (3 kimchi, 3 meat for 13,000 won). Looking at the menu, there were two types of kimchi dumplings and meat dumplings, and the only difference was the cooking method. Since it was my first time, I chose the most basic meat dumpling soup. My friend ordered half-and-half and steamed dumplings, and after waiting for about 10 minutes, the hot food came out. While waiting, I saw people eating at the table next to me, which made me even more excited.
Dumpling taste, thin skin and rich filling I first took a bite of the meat dumpling, and I was surprised by how thin and chewy the dumpling skin was. The skin was so thin that the filling was visible, and the chewy texture was really soft. The filling was a good mix of meat and vegetables, so it was not spicy and had a light taste. It wasn’t too salty, so it was delicious enough even without soy sauce, and when I dipped it in the sauce, another flavor came alive. I looked at the crunchy taste of the meat filling and it seemed to be made with cabbage. Actually, I went there after hearing that it was a North Korean style dumpling, but the dumpling filling had noodles and cabbage... and the skin was so thin... I was quite surprised. However, North Korean style dumplings have different likes and dislikes, and I haven’t tried all the dumplings from the North, so I decided to put aside my preconceptions and focus on the unique taste of this place.
Dumpling soup, the deep soup that makes you feel good
Next, I tried the dumpling soup. Meat dumpling soup has 6 dumplings in clear broth and green onions on top. I think rice cakes are included as a basic dish. Here, I was a bit taken aback... I like to eat two or three pieces by crushing them and eating the rest with rice in the soup... but there was a lot of rice cakes, so I couldn't order plain rice... I was so full... ㅜㅜ Ah... It was the moment when my small pleasures flew away. Anyway, as soon as I took a spoonful, I liked the deep flavor of the broth. The broth tasted clean and not salty, which was really impressive. The dumplings inside had chewy skin and moist inside, and they went well with the soup. After taking a sip of the warm soup, I felt full inside. I think it would be especially good to eat on a chilly day.
Service and friendliness
The staff were also really friendly. They recommended the menu when I ordered, and when the food came out, they said, "Enjoy your meal" with a warm smile. It was nice to see them paying close attention to each and every detail, even though there were many customers. In addition, when I asked for water or side dishes, they brought it right away so I could eat without any inconvenience.
Oh! If you review Naver receipt, please give me a drink or fried dumplings (2). I won't miss it~ㅋ
So I ordered fried dumplings... The only difference is the cooking method, but the taste is almost the same.
What's special about Yeon-i Dumplings
I think the reason Yeon-i Dumplings are special is not just the taste, but also the sincerity. The thin dumpling skin, fresh ingredients, and clean broth seemed to contain the know-how of this place. Also, the fact that it has been consistently loved since it was introduced on TV before gave me confidence. I thought it was great that the taste has remained the same even after the broadcast.
What's disappointing
However, if I had to pick one thing that's disappointing for the sake of an honest review, it would be that the price may seem a little high. 5 steamed dumplings for 7,500 won, fried dumplings for 8,000 won, and dumpling soup for 13,000 won (4 for 10,000 won) may be a bit too much for a light meal. However, considering the taste and quality, I think it is a reasonable price. Another thing is that there may be a waiting time during lunch hours because there are many customers. If possible, I recommend visiting during off-peak hours.
If you are looking for a good dumpling restaurant in Ilsan, I would recommend visiting Yeon-i Mandu at least once. The second is... choice.ㅎ If you live near Janghang-dong, Ilsan or are planning to visit the area, try having a warm meal at Yeon-i Mandu.
Conclusion
Today, I shared the delicious time I had at Yeon-i Mandu in Janghang-dong, Ilsan. It was a memorable meal with thin dumpling skin, light filling, and deep soup. If you are curious about Yeon-i Mandu after reading this article, visit in person and experience the taste. I'll be back with another delicious restaurant review next time. Thank you for reading!