Name: Tricycle (세발자정거)

Location: Hapjeong

Reviewed by: Mamas & Papas on: 23rd Februrary, 2013

Thoughts:  Tricycle is a clean and stylish makgeolli house, tucked away from the busy main street of hapjeong. It boasts eco-friendly food, and a wide selection of fresh, unusual kinds of makgeolli. The wooden interior and classic style makgeolli jugs give it an upscale feel, backed up by quality ingredients.

LOCATION                                       FOOD

Service:       *** 1/2                              Pajeon (파전):  *** 1/2 Bossam (보쌈): **** 1/2

Style:             *** 1/2

Ambience:  *** 1/2

OVERALL:  *** 1/2

MAKGEOLLI

Yeosu Gumodo (여수 금오도):   ***   (light, clean, sweet, plain)

Damyang Daedae-po (당양 대대포): *** 1/2 (thick, sour, balanced, honey)

Jincheon Deoksan Black Rice (진천 덕산 검은쌀): *** (light pink, sophisticated, strong)

Gongju Chestnut (공주 알밤): *** (thick, fresh, sweet, drinkable)

Tricycle is a makgeolli house that takes pride in its produce and selection of makgeolli. When ordering the set menu, the manager selected the best kinds to try and brought them out in order of sweetness.

What Mamas & Papas liked :   The selection. Mamas & Papas had the opportunity to try kinds of makgeolli we have never come across before. The Yeosu makgeolli, we were told, can only be found at Tricycle or in Yeosu itself. Mamas & Papas also fell in love with the bossam. Its beautiful presentation was matched by unique flavors. One Mama said ‘The meat is wonderful, even though it’s not the traditional style it’s a fantastic new food!’. The pajeon was also a hit, one Papa calling it ‘Quiche-like, delicious!’. The best makgeolli of the night was the Damyang Daedae-po makgeolli with a slight honey flavor.

What Mamas & Papas didn’t like: The Shrimp Salad. The set menu we ordered came with a Korean shrimp salad, which did not ‘wow’ our Mamas & Papas. One Mama said ‘It has too much onion, and I can make it better’, while another said ‘Not an exciting dish’. Mamas & Papas were also a little put off by the location, as it was a little more suburban and out of the way.

Recommendation:  Tricycle is the kind of makgeolli house you would associate with other upscale places such as Muldwinda or Moon Jar. It’s the kind of place you go to for a special occasion, or when you want to have really good quality food and makgeolli. But, expect to pay extra for it. Prices are high, though they are also fair for what you are getting.

How to get there: Go to Hapjeong station and come out exit 8. Make a quick U-turn and you will see a construction walkway. Walk through this and follow the hill down for about 10 minutes. Tricycle is tucked away on the left hand side of the road, keep an eye out for their sign.

Address: 서울특별시 마포구 합정동 426-1 Map here

Phone Number:  070 4196 5224

Have you been to Tricycle before?   Tried more dishes or have more opinions? More questions?  Leave us a comment below and tell us what you think!