Sinseongru 신성루

Sinseongru is a long-established Chinese restaurant on Uhyeon-ro in Jung-gu, Incheon, situated near the Chinatown district. With approximately 1,150 Google reviews at a 4.0 rating, it has been featured on multiple broadcast programs including those of Baek Jong-won and Matinneun Nyeoseokdeul. Despite occupying a side alley away from the Chinatown main strip, both floors fill to capacity around lunch hours, and the operation is large enough to employ dedicated parking attendants. The signature gan-jjajang features thin noodles coated in a thick, dry-style chunjang (black bean paste) with a moderate amount of diced meat, delivering a composed, steady flavor rather than anything flashy. A sip of the accompanying jjamppong broth between bites effectively cuts through any heaviness. The tangsuyuk arrives in old-school bokk-meok (sauce-poured) style, with a crispy batter that holds up well under the sweet sauce. The white oyster jjamppong impresses with its clean, light broth, and the samseon bokkeumbap (fried rice) pairs exceptionally well with the jjajang thanks to its well-separated grains and balanced seasoning. A less common menu item called jachun-geol is also worth exploring, the bamboo shoot aroma is pronounced and may not suit everyone, but dipping it in seasoned soy sauce brings out its savory character. Staff are consistently warm and smiling, going so far as to check on dining satisfaction after the meal. Soft jazz music playing in the background adds to the old-school ambiance that defines the restaurant's character. The staircase to the second floor is notably steep, so caution is advised. Due to the high-volume batch cooking style necessitated by rapid turnover, the food may not replicate the fresh-from-the-wok character of made-to-order preparation.