✨ Deep Dive into Rochester‘s Korean Food

✨ Deep Dive into Rochester‘s Korean Food｜Seoul House: A Gem Overshadowed by Its Classics! When searching for authentic Korean food in Rochester, Seoul House always appears on seasoned foodies‘ recommendation lists. After nearly two years here, it still firmly holds a spot in my personal Top 3 for Korean cuisine. Every previous visit revolved around the classics: comforting samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup), rich galbitang (beef rib soup), crispy haemul pajeon (seafood pancake), and perfectly balanced bulgogi. However, a recent exploration led to the delightful discovery that the restaurant‘s true prowess might lie in its "under-the-radar dishes" hidden in the menu corners! 🔍 🏠 First Impressions: The Long-Standing Neighborhood Canteen Located on West Henrietta Rd, Seoul House has an unassuming facade but has built a loyal following over years of consistent quality. The interior features classic Korean (family restaurant) decor—cozy and warm with friendly service, reminiscent of those decades-old, reliably tasty canteens on Korean street corners. It‘s this very “steadiness” that gave me the courage to venture beyond the popular items. 🥘 Today‘s Stars: The Stunning "Underrated Duo" This time, we stepped out of our comfort zone and were rewarded with double the joy! Ox Intestine Hot Pot 🐮🔥 This dish was the biggest surprise of the day! The broth is a classic Korean gochujang-based soup—savory, rich, with a mild, appetite-whetting spice level, making it an undeniable "rice killer." The contents were generously abundant: chewy udon noodles soaked up all the flavorful broth, soft tofu, sweet daikon radish slices, fragrant crown daisy leaves, and kimchi. Of course, the star ingredients, the ox offal and small intestines, were meticulously cleaned, braised until tender and flavorful with no unpleasant odor, leaving only a unique, savory richness and satisfying chew. The masterstroke? The udon noodles inside—a brilliant addition that skyrocketed the dish‘s satisfaction level! 🍜 Portions are substantial; it‘s best shared among three or more people. Our party of three couldn‘t finish it. Fried Soft Shell Crab 🦀🌟 If you love the crispiness of their seafood pancake, you‘ll go crazy for this crab! The whole soft-shell crab is fried to a golden, crispy perfection, bursting with aromatic oiliness. The exterior is light as a feather, producing a delightful crunch with every bite. Inside, the crab meat remains remarkably sweet, delicate, and plump. It needs no extra sauce; its natural sweetness is captivating enough. We ordered two and they were devoured in an instant, leaving us wanting more. This dish perfectly showcases the kitchen‘s precise control over (heat) and frying technique. ⚠️ Ordering Pitfall: The Eel Amidst the praise, honesty requires mentioning that the eel we tried was indeed a miss. 🐟 The texture seemed somewhat processed,oo soft and mushy), and it carried a noticeable fishy smell, far from the expected richness and sweetness of unagi don. Unless you‘re an extreme eel enthusiast with high tolerance, it‘s best to steer clear. 💎 Final Verdict & Ordering Strategy Classics Are Still Reliable: Signature dishes like samgyetang and galbitang remain excellent choices for newcomers or satisfying cravings. Treasures Worth Unearthing: The ox intestine hot pot and fried soft shell crab absolutely have the potential to become your new must-orders! They prove Seoul House has a richer culinary landscape beyond the classics. Value for Money: Approximately $25-$35 per person, with large portions, offering great value among Rochester‘s Korean restaurants. Ideal Combo: For 2-4 people, order one classic soup, pair it with either the hot pot or soft-shell crab, and add a seafood pancake or staple—this ensures a well-rounded Korean meal experience. In summary, Seoul House is like a low-key powerhouse, not only solid in its fundamentals but also possessing delightful "hidden talents." Next time you visit, don‘t just glance at the classic menu. Gather your courage and order the ox intestine hot pot or fried soft-shell crab—you‘ll discover a more multifaceted and interesting side of it! Just remember to skip the eel. 😉 📍 Address: 2805 W Henrietta Rd, Rochester, NY 14623 #KoreanFood#HiddenGems#RochesterFood#Rochester#UniversityOfRochester#RocFood#Roc#KoreanCuisine#RochesterFoodReview#OxIntestineHotPo