A Visit to Neul It, a Sake Bar in Gongdeok: A Perfect Harmony of Lychee-Scented Nihonshu and Chicken Nanban
Neul It, a Hidden Gem of Nihonshu Bars in Gongdeok
I visited Neul It , a sake bar specializing in nihonshu, located near Gongdeok Station. It's a special place where you can enjoy traditional Japanese alcohol and cuisine. With a harmonious blend of Japanese sensibility and modern sophistication, it's a place where you can feel like you've stepped into a small Japanese izakaya.
During this visit, I had a special time enjoying unique lychee-scented alcohol, fresh sashimi, and Chicken Nanban, which I personally love. Gongdeok is a place with wonderful bars hidden in every corner. Neul It, with its relaxed atmosphere, was like a hidden gem that enhanced its charm even further.
1. The Drinks I Had: The Charm of Nihonshu and Soju
At Neul It, you can enjoy a variety of nihonshu and soju by the glass. The owner recommends drinks tailored to the customer's taste, so you can choose without hesitation even if it's your first visit. Let me introduce the drinks I had this time:
- Hinamusume (日南娘): A sweet potato soju characterized by a clean yet deep flavor. When drunk on the rocks, the smooth lingering aftertaste of alcohol made it perfect for enjoying with conversation. The bottle design was also traditional, adding visual enjoyment.
- Kintaro (金太郎): A soju with a subtle aroma of roasted sweet potato. Its warm and savory taste was impressive. It was a really good choice for calmly enjoying the alcohol. Especially in the winter, I think it would be great to drink it warmed.
- Daiyame (DAIYAME): A unique soju with a lychee scent. Its bright, tropical fruit-like aroma and sweetness were charming. Especially on the rocks or mixed with soda water, it was excellent. It seemed like it would be popular with women, and it went well with light side dishes.
Each drink had a distinct personality, making it fun to enjoy them one by one, and I was even more satisfied because I was able to experience new flavors thanks to the owner's recommendations.
2. Side Dishes: Fresh Sashimi and Impressive Chicken Nanban
The side dishes that I had with the alcohol were also excellent. First, the sashimi consisted of fresh seafood such as shrimp, tuna, and mackerel, which was outstanding with its simple flavor emphasizing the original tastes of the ingredients. The wasabi and pickled ginger further enhanced the flavor of the nihonshu.
But the most impressive side dish during this visit was the Chicken Nanban ! The crispy fried chicken, combined with a sweet and sour tartar sauce, gave me a feeling of happiness. The crispiness of the batter and the moistness of the chicken were in perfect harmony, making it the best choice to have with alcohol.
The chicken nanban had a generous portion, making it great for sharing with my companions, and the tartar sauce was so delicious that I wanted to order more. If you visit Neul It, I highly recommend you try this dish at least once!
3. Space and Atmosphere
Neul It is a place with a warm and cozy atmosphere, highlighted by its lighting and use of wood materials in the interior. It's a space where you can feel both traditional Japanese sensibility and modern sophistication at the same time. It's also great for taking pictures.
The table arrangement is composed of bar seats and small tables, making it suitable for visiting alone or with friends. Especially at the bar seats, you can have a more enjoyable experience talking with staff and getting recommendations. The staff kindly explained the menu and recommended drinks, making it comfortable for first-time visitors to enjoy themselves.
4. Neul It Location Information and Accessibility
Neul It is located about a 5-minute walk from Gongdeok Station, making it very accessible. There are various restaurants and cafes nearby, making it a great area to explore after your meal. In particular, Gongdeok is an area where you can feel a trendy yet relaxed vibe, so a drink at Neul It will be a special experience that enhances its charm.
It was a great place to spend the evening near Gongdeok Station or to celebrate a special occasion. There are also various parking options nearby, making it convenient even if you're driving.
In Conclusion...
Gongdeok 'Neul It' is a place that I would highly recommend to anyone who likes nihonshu and Japanese cuisine. From the lychee-scented Daiyame to the fresh sashimi and the fantastic Chicken Nanban, everything was perfect. The cozy atmosphere and friendly service made it an even more special experience.
If you want to enjoy a special drink in Gongdeok, be sure to visit it! Please share your own recommended menus or experiences at Neul It in the comments! 😊
