Every foreigner in Seoul eventually has a bad week where they can't do another bowl of kimchi-jjigae. Here's my rotation.
American diner: Butcher's Cut in Itaewon. Actual bacon cheeseburger, actual fries. Not cheap but you'll leave feeling patched up.
Real Italian: Osteria Orzo in Nonhyeon. The pasta is handmade, the guy who runs it lived in Rome for 10 years. This isn't 'Seoul Italian', it's just Italian.
Mexican: Vatos Urban Tacos. Yes, everyone recommends it. Yes, they're right. Get the Baja shrimp taco. Kimchi carnitas is optional.
Indian: Everest in Dongdaemun. Nepali/Indian run, portions insane, prices unchanged since 2018. Order the goat curry.
Japanese ramen that reminds you of Japan: Menya Sandaime in Hongdae. Not the Instagram spot — the actual best one. Order tsukemen.
When even that fails: Costco Yangjae or Ikea Goyang. Wander around, buy a $2 hotdog, feel human again. It works. Try it.
What's your homesick spot?
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