Gadam 가담

Operating near Apgujeong for close to thirty years, Gadam is a Chinese restaurant led by a Chinese-born chef whose traditional cooking expertise runs deep. The signature gochutangsuyuk features thinly sliced pork and crispy fried nurungji (scorched rice) served in a sweet, sour, and spicy sauce where the chili heat balances against the sweetness to create a layered umami finish. The dish is served dipped in sauce by default, allowing the pork to absorb the flavors fully while the nurungji adds a distinctive crunch even as it softens. The nanzawans - soft minced meat balls in a gently sweet and savory glaze - pairs perfectly with steamed rice. The jjajangmyeon stands out for its refined flavor: made without alum so the noodle's natural wheat character comes through, with a subtle ginger note in the sauce. When noodle dishes are ordered for sharing, the kitchen thoughtfully portions them into individual bowls. Evenings draw regulars who pair elaborate dishes like crab seafood plates and chive-liver stir-fry with gaoliang-ju. Since a popular YouTuber featured the restaurant, foot traffic has risen sharply, and calling ahead to reserve a table is now the smarter move.