Cuisine

Chinese (중국 음식점)

District

Seodaemun (서대문구) , Seoul

Address

Seoul Seodaemun-gu Namgajwaje2-dong Gajaeulro4-gil 53

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Rakheean Gajwa Bonjeom is an upscale Chinese restaurant in Gajwa-dong, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, operated by a third-generation Chinese-Korean family with aspirations of becoming a h...

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Expect possible waits during weekends or peak meal times.

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Rakheean Gajwa Bonjeom is an upscale Chinese restaurant in Gajwa-dong, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, operated by a third-generation Chinese-Korean family with aspirations of becoming a hundred-year establishment. The accumulated culinary expertise of decades permeates every dish. The space is divided between a ground-floor dining hall and second-floor private rooms, with the rooms being particularly popular for family gatherings and celebratory occasions. The restaurant's defining philosophy centers on health-conscious Chinese cuisine, with notably less sugar, less salt, and minimal artificial seasoning compared to typical Chinese restaurants, resulting in an understated, refined flavor profile throughout. The signature crab and nurungji soup impresses with unexpected depth and richness, delivering a restorative, almost medicinal warmth with each spoonful. The scallion kkwabarou is the house specialty, featuring julienned scallions and crispy kkwabarou served with wasabi, a novel combination that introduces Japanese-inflected nuances unavailable at other Chinese restaurants. The cream shrimp features thick prawns in a yuzu-infused tangy sauce, and the deep-fried flower buns accompanying the yusanseul (stir-fried seafood and vegetables) are a delightful accent. The buyong-wanja presents a meringue shell that dissolves on the tongue before yielding to the meatball within, while the spicy glass noodle dish maui-sangsu makes an ideal drinking accompaniment. Kkanpunggi is also well-prepared. Noodle dishes receive somewhat more varied assessments compared to the specialty courses: the jajangmyeon carries a milder flavor that may feel underwhelming to those accustomed to conventional versions, while the jjamppong uses black rice noodles for a distinctive dark appearance with a clean, additive-free broth. For four diners, two to three small-portion specialty dishes plus noodles provides an adequate meal, and weekday evening set courses are available. Break times differ between weekdays and Sundays, so confirming hours before visiting is important. Room reservations require at least one week's advance booking, two weeks for weekends, and valet parking is available for 1,000 won.