Jihwaja 지화자

Black sesame or pumpkin porridge opens the royal court cuisine course at Jihwaja on Jahamun-ro, followed by lightly seasoned dishes that let each ingredient show. Staff explain the ingredients and methods behind every plate, and although portions look modest, the full course leaves you full. Allergies and taste preferences mentioned at booking lead the kitchen to swap ingredients. Seating is mostly private rooms, and large windows look onto maple trees, which suits family introductions and meals with parents. For a formal meeting, asking for pumpkin porridge when booking avoids black sesame porridge clinging to lips and teeth. Menus come in English, Japanese and Chinese, and prices are high.