10 (Ten)
The number of months it took to find a good Indian restaurant in Seoul.
The points out of 10, I would give to the food here.
Located in a very unusual place (a place you would least expect an Indian/Nepali food restaurant to be in Seoul), “Everest” is hidden within the dirty allies of Seoul’s bargain shopping district of Dongdaemun and I think is the best place to go to if you’re looking for North Indian and Nepalese cuisine in Seoul.
You might not be able to see it right away but you’ll certainly be able to smell the delicious aroma from the street. Among all the Indian restaurants I’ve been to in Seoul – Chakraa, Ganga, Durga… Everest by far has the best and most economical food. For under 12,000 won you can have a meal with a delicious curry and bread.
Although not too close to where I live, I don’t mind the occasional once in 2 weeks bus ride to Dongdaemun. And I’m definitely not the only one who doesn’t mind the extra travel. I have seen long waiting lines that go out of the restaurant door and down the staircase. Remember to get there early or call for a reservation.
The restaurant is owned and run by Nepalese people who are very warm and friendly. The interiors of the restaurant are brightly done up with handicraft lanterns and souvenirs from Nepal, giving the restaurant a very ethnic feel of the sub-continent. Since the restaurant is run by Nepalese people, they also serve some Nepali fare – momos, thukpa, chow-mein.
The last time I went there I had the mutton curry, dal makhani and stuffed kulcha. I strongly recommend you try the stuffed kulcha… quite an interesting mix between a kulcha and an aaloo paratha. And, finally closed with a hot cup of “masala chai” (a must-try again).
‘Smart’ eaters should go for the “Nepali Set”, which is basically a combo meal, with 1 dal, 1 mutton curry, 1 vegetable curry, rice, papad, pickle, salad…. all for only 9,000 won!
Directions: Exit#3 of Dongdaemun subway station, walk about 80 metres (with Woori Bank on your left), turn left into the narrow lane and after walking for about 2 minutes into that lane you will see the “Everest” sign board on your right (it’s on 2F of the building)
Phone: +082 (0)2-766-8850
Website: http://www.everestfood.com