An independent establishment of a different kind altogether, Toast Myeongga is yet another Gajwa original that shouldn't be left off any Jinju guide.
Not a restaurant, nor a cafe, certainly not a bar, Myeongga is the place to stumble to en route to - or back home from - the pub. In terms of sheer affection, this place holds a special place in the heart of Indie Jinju and numerous Jinju legends past and present.
Myeongga is the original toast stall at Gyeongsang University back gate and occupies prime position under the railway bridge. Its appearance is 100% Korean pojangmacha, and anyone who is turned off by this may as well book a ticket home right now. The stalls at the back gate - led by Myeongga - are just a small reminder that Korea is more fun than Japan, and indeed the sterile, anti-fun countries most of us hail from.
So what's the toast like? Bloody lovely, I'd say. For W1700, you can have a ham cheese toast or a bulgogi toast, rising to W2000 for a tuna or special, with a whopping 3 dan (level) weighing in at W2700. The real specialty here though is the cup pizza at a bargain W1800. This is a delicacy I have not seen anywhere outside the Gaj. Sure, it's not as cheap as it used to be, but nothing is, and this is as cheap as it gets in this part of town.
An important thing to note here is the craic. As a family business, everyone lends a hand and you quickly get to know what nice folks they are. Genuine and down to earth, if you make the slightest effort to communicate, they will never forget you. This, together with fast service and delicious, good value toasted sandwiches, makes Myeongga really special.
The verdict? 9 out of 10. It is what it is; no bells or whistles. That quality alone is a rare pleasure in this world of pretentiousness and Starbucks loyalty cards.
The original and best. Can substitute for breakfast, lunch or, at a stretch, dinner. Unpretentious and friendly staff who don't overreact or pander to foreigners.
ReplyDeleteSurely the Blue House up next for Indie Jinju, with up to the minute information on prices and menu (the same as ever, possibly with some minor concessions to inflation). Why? Cheap student dives qualify as 'indie' back home. The anju/'bar food' in there is authentic bordering on the exotic for those new to Korea. The location by the railway lines is fantastic and it's definitely not a chain, though I (sometimes) wish it was- nothing like it in Busan, Gwangju or Seoul within reach of the main universities.
ReplyDeleteGood points, and yes the Blue House will be reviewed soon.
ReplyDeleteHello Lion~ I'm a student of class15 :D Toast is my favorite food~ that's very delicious. And, that toast shop offers very quickly service. I love there's quickly service :). When I'm busy and hungry, I Almost eat there's toast.. There offers toast quickly and I eat toast quickly!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI agree entirely. This is the fastest, friendliest toast stall I've ever been to.
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