Today, I want to introduce you to one of my all-time favorite restaurants in the Busan area: Cheolma Yeonbab (철마연밥). Located in Cheolma (철마), this gem specializes in "Lotus Leaf Rice" (연잎밥), a delightful dish where grains and nuts like sweet rice, chestnuts, and jujube are wrapped in a lotus leaf and steamed. This dish originated as a packed lunch for monks, who used lotus leaves to keep rice fresh, particularly in the hot and humid summer, thanks to the leaf's antibacterial and antiseptic qualities.
This traditional Korean food is one of my favorites and a regular part of my diet. The restaurant is a bit out of the way, but it's worth the trip! Cheolma Yeonbab is situated next to a major highway, and upon arrival, you'll often find a full parking lot and a line of eager diners. If possible, I recommend visiting on a weekday to avoid the weekend rush when the restaurant is usually packed.
Next to the restaurant is a lotus field. This is where they grow the lotus leaves for the Yeonbab! Sadly we were a bit early for lotus leaf season, but if you come here in June or July, you can enjoy a magnificent field full of lotus leaves!
Upon entering, you're welcomed by friendly staff who guide you to your table. The wooden interior is charming, and the windows offer a view of lush greenery, creating a pleasant atmosphere for enjoying your meal.
The menu is simple but exceptional. They focus on a few dishes and excel at them. You can order lotus rice with Hanwoo Tteokgalbi (한우떡갈비) or pork rib meat (돼지갈비). I suggest trying both to see which you prefer, and then ordering more of your favorite. Your table will be filled with amazing side-dishes. The highlight is, of course, the lotus leaf rice and the meat. My favorite is the pork rib meat, which I always end up ordering more of, along with some cold noodles (명품메밀막국수). By the end of the meal, I always leave satisfied and full.
The meat is so juicy and packed with flavor. They serve it with a small dipping sauce, which is a great combination of savory, acidic, and a little bit of spice. All the side dishes are handmade with local vegetables and taste incredibly fresh. What really surprised me was the sweet pumpkin puree! I absolutely love that one. I always order more of the side dishes since they are complementary and just make my belly happy, haha.
The rice is out of this world. Packed with several grains, nuts, and a jujube, it's a flavor explosion in your mouth. Use the rice to make "sambab" with the lettuce and meat, or enjoy it with the spicy soup they also serve. There is no wrong way to eat this food—just enjoy every bite of it!
Many patrons visit after hiking, and a common post-hike drink is rice wine, or makgeolli (막걸리), which pairs wonderfully with the meal.
The staff here are incredibly friendly and, despite limited English, do their best to assist you. I've always felt welcome, and the prompt service is another reason I keep coming back.
One area for improvement is the restroom situation. The bathroom is located in a separate building outside, which can be inconvenient, especially in the rain. It’s also due for an update.
I highly recommend this restaurant to anyone in Korea, especially visitors looking to experience delicious traditional Korean food. I've brought many friends and family here, and they all loved it!
Cheolma Yeonbab holds a special place in my heart, and I hope it continues its excellent service for a long time. One last tip: When you go to pay, there's a small box of traditional Korean candy (엿) by the cash register. I highly recommend grabbing one and asking your friend, "엿먹어?"
Enjoy one of my favorite places! We went there for lunch after visiting Ahopsan Forest. Check out the Ahopsan article if you want to learn more about that!
General Information
Restaurant name:
Cheolma Yeonbab (철마연밥)
Cuisine:
Traditional Korean Food
Address:
부산광역시 기장군 철마면 웅천리 324-6
Opening Hours:
Closed every Monday. Open from 11 AM to 8 PM on other days. (Check their Naver page for holiday hours)
Price Range:
Around 20,000 Won per person
Instagram:
Cheolma Yeonbab Instagram
Sources:
Visit Korea - Lotus Leaf Rice
