TERSM

TRY EVERY RESTAURANT IN SCANDI MALL

My biggest gripe about daily life in Korea is the dearth of non-Korean dining options, so I was pleasantly surprised to discover that Scandi Mall – a small, unassuming shopping center in the middle of Wirye, a mere 2-minute drive or 1-minute bike ride from home – offers a variety global cuisines: Korean-Chinese, Thai, American, Italian, Spanish, maybe “Australian” (Outback Steakhouse), which isn’t all that expansive by global standards but impressive in Korea.

As seen from the northern entrance, facing south.

I will attempt to try every restaurant in Scandi Mall, including the Korean places, but only places that offer made-to-0rder food.  No coffee shops or bakeries with pre-made sandwiches.  Though I am skeptical of quality/authenticity, the exploration should be fun.  And GMTD needs a boost.  This is the first Try Every series that I’ve attempted in Korea.

Small nod to GK for the Scandi thing.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

  1. Sushi Zak (16.191 A True (Dinner) Omakase)

GOOD

  1. GTS Burger (American) (16.060 Cheeseburger) (16.156 Guacamole Bacon Cheeseburger) (16.182 “Two Basic Cheeseburgers”)
  2. X- Insaeng Suljip Saenggak i Na (인생술집 생각이나) (Korean) (14.082 Golbaengi Set)
  3. X- Tosok eui Mi (토속의 미) (Korean) (14.132 Roasted Mackerel Set)

MEH

  1. X- Alley Pub (Korean) (15.203 Bangeon Ojingeo)
  2. Baan ChiangMai (Thai) (14.079 Kung Phat Phong Curry)
  3. Hello Mikkelan (Italian/American) 14.155 Yummy Plate)
  4. Jip Nagan Godeongeo (집 나간 고등어) (Korean) (12.303 Godeongeo)
  5. Mibundang (Vietnamese) (14.118 Rice-Noodle Pho with Beef Brisket)
  6. Oneuleun Jjambbong (Korean-Chinese) (14.237 Oneuleun Jjambbong)

ABSOLUTELY NOT

  1. Sot Dukkkong Barbecue Tong Dak (supposedly American / actually Korean)14.231 Original Barbecue Tong Dak)
  2. X- Vinitus (Spanish) (14.162 Chipirones)

Since late 2023, the project has stalled.  Not as a matter of policy, just no longer active.   Simply put, it hasn’t been any fun – no hidden gems, mediocrity across the board.  Two places that would’ve warranted repeat visits, Insaeng Suljip Saenggak i Na and Tosok eui Mi, have gone out of business; in fact, 3 other restaurants that I hadn’t yet covered have also shut down.

X- no longer in business.

(See RESTAURANTS IN KOREA)

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