Chinee (친니) — Best Restaurant in Jongno

Name: Chinee
Address: B1F, Sejong Center for the Performing Arts, Jongno District, Seoul, South Korea, Jongno, Seoul, KR
Telephone: +82 2-733-3270

Menu Highlights

Jjajangmyeon

A popular Korean-Chinese dish consisting of noodles topped with a savory black bean sauce, often accompanied by pork and various vegetables.

Jjam Ppong

A spicy seafood noodle soup featuring a rich broth filled with a variety of seafood and vegetables.

Tang Soo Yook

Deep-fried pork tossed in a sweet and tangy sauce, served with a mix of vegetables.

Yang Nyum Chicken

Fried chicken coated in a homemade sweet chili sauce, offering a delightful combination of flavors.

Bibimbap

About Chinee

Chinee in Jongno serves up delicious Jjajangmyeon, Jjam Ppong, and Tang Soo Yook. Chill Korean spot perfect for noodle lovers in Seoul!

Overview & History

The restaurant serves Jajangmyeon and Jjam Ppong.
It is located in the basement of the Sejong Cultural Center.
The restaurant offers both traditional and fusion Chinese food.
It has 12 private rooms and can seat up to 120 people in a separate hall.
Open hours are from 11:30 AM to 10:00 PM.

Signature Dish & Dining Style

Chinee is famous for their Jjajangmyeon, which is this yummy noodle dish with a thick black bean sauce. They mix in some pork and veggies, and it’s all cooked together so the flavors blend really well. When you get it, the noodles look shiny and the sauce is dark and rich, making your mouth water just by looking at it! The vibe there is super chill, kinda like a cozy diner where you can just relax and enjoy your food. They serve it fast, and you can slurp those noodles up however you like! I think it really shows how much they care about making comfort food that feels like home.

What Locals Say

“

So, I’ve been hearing a lot about Chinee, and it seems like a popular spot for all kinds of folks! You got families coming in for dinner, office workers grabbing lunch, and even couples looking for a nice meal after a show at the nearby theater. People rave about the famous sweet and sour pork, saying it’s one of the best in Seoul. I think it’s that comforting vibe that keeps them coming back, like a taste of home. Plus, the atmosphere is really nice, not too fancy but still feels special. It’s like a little slice of tradition mixed with quality food, and that’s what makes it matter to so many locals. They love that it’s been around for a while and still serves up those classic dishes that remind them of good times.

What Visitors Love

Chinee is recognized for its authentic Korean dishes, particularly its jajangmyeon and jjampong, which are noted for their robust flavors and quality ingredients. The restaurant has garnered a loyal following among locals and visitors alike, who appreciate the consistency in taste and generous portion sizes. This reputation for reliability and culinary authenticity contributes to its popularity within the community.

Things to Note

Some diners report that the restaurant can experience high traffic during peak hours, leading to longer wait times for seating and service. Additionally, a few visitors mention that the dining space may feel cramped when fully occupied, which could be a consideration for larger groups. While some feedback indicates that menu prices are reflective of the location, many patrons find the portion sizes to be satisfactory.

FAQ

Does this restaurant have vegan options?

I didn't see any dedicated vegan options on the menu at Chinee, but they do have some veggie dishes like bibimbap. You could probably ask them to make it without the meat or fish sauce if you're vegan!

Is this restaurant kid-friendly?

The restaurant provides high chairs for families with young children, making it a suitable choice for family gatherings. They also prepare baby utensils upon request, enhancing the dining experience for those with infants.