This is our review of JIJIMI GO (Maps), visited in January 2026.
Hidden quietly in the basement of Sangenjaya lies the Korean restaurant “JIJIMI GO”, a place where you can recharge with authentic Korean “stamina food” even in the middle of the day.
Atmosphere and Lunchtime
Located just a one-minute walk from Sangenjaya Station’s South Exit, the restaurant sits in the basement of a building. As you descend the stairs, the bustle of the streets fades away, and a calm, slightly sophisticated space opens up before you. The lighting is soft, the concrete-and-wood interior exudes a modern vibe, and gentle Korean pop or jazz music plays in the background, giving lunch the feel of an evening dining experience.
The tables are comfortably spaced, with partitions providing privacy so you can relax whether dining alone or chatting with friends. The steady stream of students, local office workers, and apparent regulars heading downstairs suggests this restaurant has become a well-known “go-to lunch spot” in Sangenjaya.
Most lunch sets are priced in the low 1,000-yen range and include small side dishes such as kimchi and namul, allowing diners to enjoy Korea’s signature “banchan culture.” The lineup includes hearty meals like samgyeopsal (grilled pork belly) and gomtang (beef bone soup)—perfect for days when you want to power through the afternoon.
Samgyeopsal Set: A Dish That Stimulates the Senses
Before the samgyeopsal (サムギョプサル定食) even reaches your table, the enticing aroma of sizzling pork belly wafts through the air, heightening anticipation. The thick, three-layered cuts are grilled to a golden crisp on the surface, while the fatty layer trembles slightly with juicy richness when picked up with chopsticks. Each bite begins with a light crunch, followed by the sweet drip of rendered fat, and ends with the savory depth of the meat—a delightful three-stage texture.
Wrap the pork in ssam—with lettuce, perilla leaves, scallion salad, garlic, or green chili—to create different flavors in every bite. The warmth of the meat softens the lettuce, while the greens’ freshness and the sweet-spicy kick of gochujang combine into what can only be described as the perfect harmony of Korean barbecue. It pairs dangerously well with rice—you’ll find your bowl empty before you realize it.
The small side dishes add even more satisfaction. The tangy fermented kimchi refreshes your palate between bites of rich pork, while the bean sprout and spinach namul add contrasting textures, keeping the meal lively and balanced to the last bite.
Gomtang Set: A Gentle, Warming Soup
If the samgyeopsal set is bold and assertive, the gomtang set (コムタン) is quiet and comforting. As soon as it’s placed on the table, a soft, milky-white broth steams gently, releasing hints of beef bone and scallion. The first sip surprises you with how mild it tastes—lightly seasoned, yet deeply flavorful from the long-simmered bones and meat, gliding soothingly across your tongue.
Tender slices of beef melt softly in your mouth, releasing subtle umami as you chew. Scoop some rice into the broth and eat it like a half-risotto—the sweetness of the rice and richness of the soup blend into a nourishing warmth that flows slowly from your throat to your stomach. On a cold day, that first spoonful feels like a small light glowing inside you.
Because the seasoning is deliberately mild, adjusting it to your taste is part of the fun. A pinch of salt sharpens the broth’s edges, a sprinkle of pepper adds aromatic depth, and a spoonful of kimchi brings gentle heat that transforms the soup into a spicy version—perfect for the second half of your meal.
What makes lunch at JIJIMI GO stand out is its exceptional value and accessibility. Getting authentic dishes like samgyeopsal or gomtang—complete with side dishes—for just over 1,000 yen is impressive.
The portions are generous, and the samgyeopsal, in particular, feels like a dinner-quality dish served efficiently enough for a weekday lunch break.
Despite being underground, it’s a “hidden gem”, and perfect for girls’ gatherings, casual dates, or even solo meals when you just need a comforting place to unwind. Whether you crave the bold satisfaction of samgyeopsal or the calm nourishment of gomtang, “JIJIMI GO” is a lunch spot worth remembering in Sangenjaya.
