청담동 후꾸짱 (Cheongdam-dong Fukuchan)

Fugu, or commonly known as blowfish, is listed as one of Time's "Top 10 Most Dangerous Foods" in the world and rightfully so.  Fugu is the Japanese word for putterfish and it can be lethally poisonous due to the poison tetrodotoxin, which is 1,2000 times deadlier than cyanide.  The toxin is so potent that a lethal dose is smaller than the head of a pin and a single fish has enough poison to kill 30 people.  Because of the high risk, chefs must undergo two to three years of training to obtain a fugu-preparing license.  This expertise or license raises the price of fugu upto $200.  This hasn't stopped the Japanese from consuming 10,000 tons of the fish every year.

Christine and I took my father out for dinner and wanted to treat him to something healthy.  Finding something healthy and tasty is rather difficult in Korea.  Anyway, we decided on Fukuchan which is an upscale izakaya specializing in Fugu.

Welcome Dish: 소라 (Sea Snail).  So so.

 

As I stated, Fukuchan specializes in Fugu but their menu is extremely diverse as you can see.

One of my favorites - Suntory Draft

후구 가라아게 (Fugu Karaage).  Best dish of the night.

The seasoning was phenomenal.

카니 크림 고로케 (Kani Cream Croquette)

Preparing for the 후구 샤브샤브 (Fugu Shabu Shabu)

Paper Bowl.  Interesting.

Dipping Sauce

 

야마이모 오크라 낫또 (Japanese Mountain Yam, Okra, and Natto)

Once again learned that I am not a big fan of Yamaimo

 활 참복 폰즈 구이 (Grilled Fugu in Ponzu Sauce)

I loved the skin.  Crunchy and chewy.

You can opt for noodles or porridge with the leftover broth.  We went with porridge.

Fugu is a fish that requires expertise in preparation, thus the hefty price tag but I found Fukuchan to be WAY overpriced.  My father refused to let us pay after we realized the price tag on this dinner.  The food was clean and good but I wouldn't come back just because of the price.  I'll check the box on Fugu and leave it at that.

Some good dessert after dinner.  Love Korea and its cafes.

 Dessert Killer.

청담동 후꾸짱 (Cheongdam-dong Fukuchan)

강남구 청담동 123-38 (Gangnam-gu Cheongdam-dong 123-38)

02-555-4866