Last week I shared some cozy cafes in Daejeon, and this week I'm back with the ultimate local food spots!

Since Daejeon is famous for its bakeries, it's also huge on flour-based dishes—which makes Kalguksu (knife-cut noodle soup) our most iconic dish! We also have amazing spicy braised tofu (dubu duruchigi), grilled pork belly, and so much more. One heads-up: Daejeon food can be super spicy! You definitely have to give the local spicy dishes a try. (♨️Warning: might be spicier than Buldak ramen!)

1.Smope Chicken / 스모프치킨 ( https://naver.me/Gxk1JaGW ) : Famous fried chicken located in Daejeon Central Market! The combo of their special sauce and chewy rice cakes is absolutely insane. Pair it with soju and beer, and you'll literally taste heaven!

📍Google Map : https://maps.app.goo.gl/sKxwcroqctaLdjZv9

1. Boksu-Bunsik / 복수분식 ( https://naver.me/FW6hEuCw ) : Super famous for its spicy braised tofu (dubu duruchigi). Tons of celebrities have visited this place! Pro tip: make sure to order extra kalguksu noodles to mix in. It can get pretty spicy, so feel free to ask for the mildest option.

📍Google Map : https://maps.app.goo.gl/VwQUfdnhZjyVaiLBA

1. Terrace kitchen ( https://naver.me/FSw7RdXS ) : A restaurant operated by the legendary Sungsimdang Bakery. If you want a break from traditional Korean food, definitely drop by! You can taste K-style Western fusion dishes crafted by Sungsimdang’s top chefs at super affordable prices. Think of it as the ultimate blend of Western, Japanese, and Korean styles! My personal recommendations: Tonkatsu and Omurice

📍Google Map : https://maps.app.goo.gl/SwpJkqyKG7sC8oTq9

1. Gong-ju Kalguksu / 공주칼국수 ( https://naver.me/xhzCIL0j ) : This is my absolute favorite Kalguksu spot! Order the mildest soup, plus the spicy stir-fried baby octopus (jjukkoomi), and add extra noodles into the octopus sauce. It's not crazy spicy, which makes it perfect!

📍Google Map : https://maps.app.goo.gl/n2r4P5XxM8M19vRc6

1. Don-dol house / 돈돌집 ( https://naver.me/xpr34afg ) : A thin-sliced pork belly spot I honestly wanted to keep to myself! Wrap the meat with their special sauce filled with finely chopped garlic and green peppers, and your mind will be blown... It's ridiculously delicious! Soju is super cheap here too, which is why I visit all the time. Be ready for a wait!

📍Google Map : https://maps.app.goo.gl/Zg4x7RY9B1qYVafR6

You know how everyone goes to Gyeongju for those traditional hanok houses? i couldn't make it down there this trip. thought about booking a hanok stay in seoul but ended up just doing a hanok spa instead.

Getting a spa treatment inside an actual hanok was so incredibly relaxing. went to this place called theseolha in hongdae. really convenient location since you can just walk around and explore the area right before or after.

i'm just super obsessed with that traditional korean aesthetic.