I have to say that when I first spotted Jonny Dumpling in Itaewon I was skeptical. Knowing that the guy servicing computers at Jonny Computers was now serving up dumplings didn’t exactly have me eager to experience his cooking. Maybe I’m too jaded.
However, over the weeks, months, and years that I’ve passed by my curiosity grew and grew. So much so that I eventually could not walk by one more time without stopping and finally learning whether Jonny cooked liked he fixed computers. I’m happy to announce that his cooking surpasses anything he can do with a laptop on the fritz.
Jonny Dumplings resembles not so much a restaurant as a dive you might find yourself in after a rough night out. It’s a small hole in the wall with a few scattered tables, some stools and chairs, and even a cartoon dumpling on the wall, brandishing chopsticks, smiling away at waiting customers.
Thankfully the wait wasn’t much of a wait at all. I tried the boiled pork and shrimp first. It came in a matter of minutes. My serving had about eight to ten piping hot crescents of deliciousness. The serving size ensured that I would order another dish so I could sample something a bit different.
So I also ordered the dumpling soup along with the lightly fried dumplings which came out a delectable golden color. They even included a cup of Chinese tea complimentary with the meal.
Again, let me just say that it was downright criminal the way I avoided this place. It’s the perfect spot to grab a quick bite or binge with friends over a few bottles of soju.
Prices:
4,000 to 6,000 KRW or place an order above 20,000 and they will deliver in Itaewon or over 100,000 and they’ll find you anywhere in Seoul.
Hours:
Closing Nightly 10:30PM closed on Tuesdays.
Phone:
02-790-8830
Address:
130-3 Itaewon-dong Yongsan-gu Seoul South Korea
Website:
Directions:
Exit 2 Itaewon station, walk straight and make a left after the Hamilton Hotel entrance. Go down the alley to the street behind the Hamilton Hotel and make a right. Go straight and it will be on your right.
I finally tried Jonny Dumplings today. Always went passed it, but never tried it, and now I’m glad I did. It’s really good!