Chai Jin
차이진
About
Polished Chinese dining near Seonjeongneung and Gangnam-gu Office, acclaimed for single-portion seafood jaengban jjajang and crispy fresh pork loin tangsuyuk.
Tucked along Seolleung-ro between Gangnam-gu Office and Seonjeongneung stations, Chai Jin elevates everyday Chinese dining into a polished, sit-down experience. Designed with arched partition doorways, exposed wood ceiling beams, and warm gold lighting, the dining room trades the frenetic clamor of neighborhood noodle joints for a composed, restaurant-level atmosphere. A semi-open kitchen anchors the main floor, while three private dining rooms line the perimeter to accommodate business lunches and group gatherings. The kitchen’s specialty centers on fresh pork sirloin *tangsuyuk* (sweet and sour pork), fried to order in light, crisp batter that keeps the meat moist and clean-tasting without excess grease. It arrives with sauce served strictly on the side, ensuring the crunch remains intact for dedicated dippers. Another standout is the *jaengban jjajang*, a seafood-and-vegetable black bean noodle dish that unusually can be ordered in single-portion servings. The noodles skew thin and resilient against clumping, tossed in a dense, rich sauce packed with shrimp and vegetables—with enough clinging gravy left over to justify mixing in a bowl of rice. Soup options cater to both spice seekers and those craving clean broths. The beef *jjambbong* delivers a spicy, warming red soup layered with the rich rendered oil of beef, while seafood versions brim with squid and shrimp. Diners sensitive to heat gravitate toward the *hayan jjambbong*, a mild white broth defined by deep, savory umami rather than chili oil. For rice dishes, the savory *japchaebap* comes topped with a fried egg and tossed in an intensely flavorful sauce that wins over even casual fans of stir-fried glass noodles. Accompanied by house *jjasae* and pickled vegetables, portions throughout the menu run generous. Given the heavy midday influx of local office workers, securing a reservation in advance is recommended. Note that on-site parking is unavailable.
Menu
- Seafood Platter Jajangmyeon₩11,000
- Fresh Pork Loin Sweet and Sour Pork₩25,000
- Beef Spicy Noodle Soup₩13,000
- Glass Noodle Rice with Fried Egg₩11,000
- White Broth Jjamppong₩11,000
- Jjajangmyeon₩8,000
- Seafood Jjamppong₩11,000
- Sichuan-style Sweet-and-sour Pork₩34,000
- Kkanpunggi₩34,000
- Crispy Chicken With Soy-vinegar Sauce₩34,000
- Eohyang Donggo (Stuffed Shiitake Mushroom In Fish-fragrant Sauce)₩40,000
Local tips
- You can order the signature jaengban jjajang in a single 1-person portion.
- Private dining rooms are available and can be reserved ahead for group gatherings.
- Lunchtime gets very crowded with nearby office workers, so reservations or early arrival is recommended.
- Tangsuyuk comes with sauce served on the side, ideal for dipping.
Details
- Gangnam-gu Office Station
Opening hours
- Sunday
- 11:00–21:00
- Monday
- 11:00–21:00
- Tuesday
- 11:00–21:00
- Wednesday
- 11:00–21:00
- Thursday
- 11:00–21:00
- Friday
- 11:00–21:00
- Saturday
- 11:00–21:00