Paul Ajosshi here with some info on the best place to get yourself some roast duck in Seoul. Down in Hannam-dong, there’s a little restaurant  called “The Ginko Tree House” (은행나무집) that specializes in roasting our water based feathered friends in their own little clay bricks and the result is mouth-watering. Ladies and Gentlemen, please prepare yourself for the wonderous 황토 오리 진흙구이 (Duck baked in yellow clay):

You have to reserve your duck three hours in advance and this magnificent bird will set you back 45,000 won, but it’s worth it just to taste this uniquely Korean interpretation of a roast dinner.

The side dishes that come with the duck are very simple and very sour: a bowl of iced water kimchi (동치미), some slices of pickled onion (양파 초절이), cabbage kimchi (배추김치), spicy pickled radish (무생채), large pieces of pickled radish (무 초절이), garlic and chili pickles (마늘 고추 초절이) and shredded scallions with red pepper flakes (부추 무침). The rational seems to be that the sour pickles will combat the fattiness of the duck; whatever the case, if you’re a vinegar fan, this is the place to go.

To be honest, I was more interested with the duck and its fantastically rich stuffing. Once you break open the crispy skin and rip apart the tender flesh, there are numerous little treats waiting for you in the dark inner recesses of the bird. White rice, black rice, cinnamon, sultanas, pine nuts, ginko nuts, pumpkin seeds, ginseng, sunflower seeds, black beans, black sesame seeds, red dates  and deer antler come together to create one of the most flavoursome stuffings I’ve ever had. This pungent mix brings different tastes to each bite, combinations of sweet, spice and savoury along with subtle undertones of 한약 (traditional herbal medicine). The restaurant claims that the duck is good for stamina, for getting rid of poisons in the body, that it will help with diabetes and liver problems as well as improving your skin. High claims for a roast dinner, but my dining companions and I all felt revitalized, though more than a little full.

If you’re still hungry, then you can order the “ceremonial noodles” (잔치국수) for 3,000 won and if you do, you’ll find yourself with a bowl of soothing broth and a handful of super thin noodles. A lovely way to end the meal.

The Ginko Tree House has other dishes on offer, but the roast duck is the star attraction. To get there from Itaewon station walk towards Hangangjin station and turn right at the huge Cheil building. Walk down the hill past Soon Chung Hyang Hospital (순청향병원) and turn left after KB Star (국민은행). The Ginko Tree House is halfway down the street on the right hand side. Call them three hours ahead on 02 792 3851 to reserve your bird and get ready to have the best roast duck in Seoul.

The OKitchen2 (오키친), a converted hanok less than five minutes walk from Itaewon station is a wonderfully cosy, slightly oddly decorated restaurant, that is the perfect place to catch up with friends or spend time with a loved one. The intimate atmosphere and excellent service makes you feel right at home as you indulge in modern European cuisine.

Lunch at the OKitchen2 can come a la carte, but your best bet is to go with one of the two tasting course menus available. The “A” set comes with a selection of appetizers and a choice between pastas (at the moment you can go for “Spaghetti with stewed squid & black ink sauce” or “Spaghetti with bottarga”), as well as coffee/tea and dessert for 20,000 won. The “B” set offers the same selection of appetizers, coffee/tea and dessert, but instead of pasta you are treated to “Australian waygyu sirloin steak with pepper sauce (half size)”, for a grand total of 35,000 won. Of the four of us dining, three opted for the steak and one for the black ink spaghetti.

First to come out was a selection of OKitchen2′s home baked bread. A gorgeously oniony focaccia, heavenly slices of buttery biscuit and a rather thin and crunchy flat bread that  lacked the pizazz of its two other basketmates. Hands down the tastiest bread selection of all the restaurants I’ve eaten at in Itaewon.

The first of the three appetizers arrived next: Vichyssoise – a cold leek and potato soup that Louis Diat would have been proud to serve. Perfect for an early summer’s day and very light.

Next came “Duck pastrami with homemade tomato jam”. Beautifully presented, these small slices of duck gave off hints of the pastrami I have eaten in delis around the world, but the duck shone through the seasoning, a wonderfully creative use of our fowl friend and unlike any other cured meat I have ever had.

The tomato jam was not too sweet and complimented the duck well, but the real stars of the dish were the little pieces of chopped pecan scattered about the place. Roasted in the oven with ten different spices, these nuts are packed with incredible flavours and may well be habit forming.

The third and final appetizer was a little disappointing for me. I’m not a huge fan of the Nicoise salad and OKitchen2 didn’t manage to sway my opinion with their own attempt. My dining companions enjoyed it, but I was somewhat put off by the canned tuna. It didn’t feel in the same league as the other dishes prepared by the restaurant and I hope it is an aberration that will be swiftly banished from the menu.

The spaghetti with stewed squid and black ink sauce tasted of the sea and might be a little too much for those unsure about eating the denizens of the deep, but for those who love squid it is a dark delight filled with tender morsels of body and tentacle. Well worth a try.

The sirloin steak is incredibly simple, served with fried potatoes and a simple salad, but is the star of the meal. The meat itself is incredibly tender and cooked perfectly.

I’ve often been disappointed by “medium rare” steaks in other restaurants in Seoul, but the OKitchen2 chefs are spot on with their steak skills. The quality of the beef is amazing and the simplicity of the dish allows the meat to come forefront and not be spoiled by too many strong flavours.

Dessert came in four slices. Two of which were very chocolatey and ever so slightly gooey in the middle.

The other two were a simple cheesecake with berries and a pecan tart. All four were delicious, not too heavy and made for a great end to the meal.

If you fancy a little bit of haute cuisine, for fairly reasonable prices then come out of Itaewon station, head towards Noksapyeong and when you reach the next set of traffic lights turn right. OKitchen2 will be a few metres down the alley on the left hand side. You can call them on 02 797 6420 or visit their website here.