Choryuhyang

About

A long-running Da-dong Chinese restaurant known for mapo tofu, Taiwanese-style fly-head stir-fry, and garlic shrimp.

At 초류향, the most interesting route through a Chinese meal may be to let rice do the connecting. The Jung-gu restaurant is known for mapo tofu and *parimeori* 볶음, two dishes that make a table of familiar Chinese staples feel less predictable. The latter is a Taiwanese-style stir-fry of minced pork, garlic chives and fermented black beans; the dark beans are said to resemble fly heads, hence the memorable name. Their savory depth and the fresh bite of the chives make the dish especially suited to spooning over rice. Mapo tofu brings a softer contrast: one diner describes it as tender, with a lingering kick, though also quite salty. That saltiness is worth keeping in mind if you prefer a milder meal; generous rice is part of the appeal here, and one account says refills are available. A three-person “rice-thief” set has also been reported with mapo tofu, *parimeori*, garlic shrimp, rice, and a choice of dongpo pork or chicken wings. The garlic shrimp is another signature: crisp shrimp and a dry, crunchy garlic topping offer a change of texture from the saucier dishes. Dongpo pork, when included, is described as tender, served with crisp cabbage. There is ordinary Chinese-restaurant comfort alongside these specialties. Jajangmyeon and jjamppong appear on the menu, and a visitor praised the smooth texture of the jajangmyeon. The range extends to less familiar dishes, so ordering a few plates to share makes sense if you want to explore beyond noodles. The mood depends on where you land. Reviews describe several floors, with lunch bringing in office workers; the upper-level rooms are suited to group meals and gatherings. The first-floor seating, by contrast, has been called tight, so it may feel close-quartered when busy. That mix gives 초류향 a practical, working-day energy rather than a hushed, formal one: a place for colleagues or friends to settle around a spread, pass rice, and compare bites. Start with the mapo tofu and *parimeori*, then add garlic shrimp for crunch.