Three evening plans fulfilled by savory hamburg steak and pasta, crisp tonkatsu, or warm gomtang
There are days when I want to meet someone after work, but alcohol does not appeal to me. It is when I neither want to just rush through a quick bite nor sit through a gathering where conversation only flows by refilling glasses. On days like this, I like a dinner plan where the food we want to eat is clear.
I chose meals where you can enjoy noodles and hamburg steak together, pick your own individual tonkatsu, or have warm broth and rice. I want to choose according to that day’s hunger and the mood for conversation.
Dr.Robbin Seocho Branch
An evening when you want to chat softly while sharing hamburg steak and pasta
The balance of pairing savory hamburg steak with salad
The hamburg steak topped with whole garlic paired well with its tender meat and savory sauce. The aglio e olio and creamy pasta had noodles that were suitably chewy, and pairing them with salad gave a nice balance of flavors. In after-work plans, instead of choosing alcohol, I enjoy taking the time to choose this kind of menu combination.
Both the oil pasta and the soup had clear, distinct flavors
The oil pasta was nice because the olives were aromatic and the shrimp were plump. I realized that a sauce does not have to be heavy to be satisfying. Because the chewing texture of the ingredients and noodles came together so well, I was able to enjoy the meal itself all the way to the end.
The soup I had late in the evening was smooth, and the pizza was nice because it was not salty. For the carbonara, I liked the thick, rich sauce. Depending on the flavor I crave that day, having the choice to lean toward soup and pizza or focus on pasta makes this a place that comes to mind again.
A spot where conversation flows without having to speak loudly
I liked the atmosphere where we could chat softly among ourselves. I also remember the staff greeting us warmly and guiding us kindly to our seats. In an alcohol-free dinner plan, being able to sit and talk comfortably is just as important to me as the food. I would pick Dr.Robbin on days when I want to enjoy everything from dining to conversation while sharing noodles and meat.
Location Unit 103, B1, 11 Seocho-daero 74-gil, Seocho-gu, Seoul
Donkachun Bangbang Sageori Branch
An evening to pick your own tonkatsu and comfortably enjoy a neat single plate
Tender pork tenderloin and crisp breading are quite enough
The tenderloin katsu was nice because the meat was tender and the breading was crisp. Even for a meal consisting of a single plate, when the meat and breading go well together, the satisfaction is undeniable. When meeting after work, even without having a long-drawn-out course meal, I like an evening where each person delicious enjoys the tonkatsu they want.
Choosing noodles and curry makes the same restaurant feel different
The cold soba was refreshing and went well together with tonkatsu. Placing clean noodles next to meat that was crisp on the outside and moist on the inside made for a great combination. When settling on a menu for dinner plans, it is welcome that you can choose even if one person wants noodles and the other wants tonkatsu.
A meal adding karaage to curry udon was also nice. Choosing the spice level was fun, and the portion felt generous. Rather than thinking of just one menu item just because it is a familiar tonkatsu restaurant, I could change up the meal with what sounded appealing that day.
Whether eating alone or as a pair, I want to focus on the plate
Even when I went in alone to have tonkatsu for dinner, the food was clean and neat, and I liked the crispness of that first bite. I appreciate that same ease in gatherings without alcohol. Without needing elaborate preparations, an evening where we each pick a plate we want to eat is plenty.
When crowds gathered at mealtime, waiting did happen. So just because I choose a simple menu, I would not assume the meal time will necessarily be short. On days when I crave crisp tonkatsu, I would choose this spot with a bit of leeway before and after the gathering.
Location 1F, 111 Dogok-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
Geumnyeong Gomtang Yeoksam Branch
A spot to satisfyingly fulfill after-work hunger with a single bowl of clear broth and rice
The water dropwort gomtang I had on the way home from work was wonderful
Stopping by on the way home from work to have a bowl of water dropwort gomtang made for a great meal. The broth was clean and the scent of water dropwort was lively, making it just right for days when I crave piping-hot food. Even if I do not necessarily eat novel dishes in the evening, taking in hearty rice, meat, and broth leaves me satisfied.
Adding spicy and sweet-and-sour flavors alongside mild broth
The gomtang was clear yet deep, and the meat was tender. The seasoned pollack was not tough, but soft and spicy-sweet, making it fun to pair alongside. Even on days when I dine on a single bowl of soup, I find having these subtle variations in flavor makes the meal more enjoyable.
It was nice being able to fetch side dishes like seasoned perilla leaves, dried radish strips, and simmered black beans in addition to kimchi. Alternating between eating meat and broth and adding side dishes led me to enjoy the rice delicious all the way to the end. Even during a dinner unaccompanied by alcohol, the dining table did not feel plain.
Dinner done right even without an elaborate spread
The space was spacious and comfortable, and because the service was friendly, I dined with ease. The portion also felt generous. Some days I want to talk at length about my day, while on other days I am tired and just want to eat first. For an evening when warm broth and rice appeal to me, I want to pick a place with a clear, straightforward meal like Geumnyeong Gomtang.
Location 1F, 1 Bongeunsa-ro 4-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
When I want to chat while sharing pasta and hamburg steak, Dr.Robbin comes to mind; when I crave a crisp single plate of our own choosing, Donkachun; and when I want to start by satisfyingly eating warm rice and broth, Geumnyeong Gomtang.
I do not feel that evening plans without alcohol are any less special. Just picking what to eat together, enjoying a delicious meal, and seeing each other’s faces makes for a thoroughly enjoyable evening.