A Visit to the Original White Jjajang Restaurant, Yeongyeong in Incheon's Chinatown
I visited Incheon Chinatown over the weekend. One of the must-visit restaurants in Chinatown is Yeonkyung.
It's been famous for its white jjajang (black bean sauce) for a long time, so I've been wanting to try it at least once.
This time, I ordered three dishes: chapssal tangsuyuk (sweet and sour pork), white jjajang (black bean sauce), and seafood jjaptangbap (rice with seafood stew).
First, the chapssal tangsuyuk (sweet and sour pork), as its name suggests, is fried with glutinous rice batter. It's much chewier than regular tangsuyuk, yet has a crispy exterior. The sauce isn't too sweet, just the right amount of sweet and sour, complementing the batter perfectly. Unlike other greasy tangsuyuk, I enjoyed it until the very end. Personally, I'll definitely order it again.
And their signature dish, white jjajang (black bean sauce). Instead of using black soybean paste, they stir-fry seafood and vegetables, creating a slightly richer broth. It's much lighter and cleaner than regular jjajangmyeon (black bean sauce). It has a rich, yet subtle sweetness that appeals to everyone, from children to adults. I highly recommend trying it at least once if you're in Chinatown.
The seafood japtang rice was generously topped with seafood, including shrimp, squid, and mussels, making it a delight to eat. The thick sauce soaked into the rice, making it a satisfying meal, and the subtle smoky flavor was also appealing.
Overall, Yeongyeong is more of a fusion Chinese restaurant catering to Korean palates than an "authentic Chinese" restaurant. However, it was great to experience a unique menu in a unique Chinatown setting. The price range wasn't too steep for a tourist destination, and it was perfect for two or three people to share.
#ChinatownRestaurants #IncheonChinatown #IncheonTravel #Yeongyeong