1. Zaruyaki Yongsanro (자루야키용산로 신용산본점) Sinyongsan
Before we dive into the deep-fried, meet Seoul’s charcoal chicken whisperer: juices locked in, edges lightly lacquered with smoke, aromas of oak and rendered fat curling in the air. It’s not fried, but the sizzling basket arrives with that same can’t-wait-to-dive-in energy—and pairs beautifully with a cold highball. If classic chicken joints celebrate crunch, Zaruyaki celebrates texture and aroma.
Inspired by Fukuoka’s three-generation zaru-yaki masters, the team uses 72-hour low-temp matured charcoal and plays vintage ’80s tunes for a retro-cool vibe guarded by the mythical Haetae motif.
- Order this: Seven-part zaru-yaki (neck, heart, gizzard, thigh, etc.) with a citrusy highball.