Hotcho COEX Review: Best Okonomiyaki in Seoul
Craving authentic Japanese soul food in Seoul? Read our review of Hotcho at COEX Mall for the ultimate Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki experience.
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Craving authentic Japanese soul food in Seoul? Read our review of Hotcho at COEX Mall for the ultimate Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki experience.
As a massive fan of Japanese comfort food, I was thrilled to check out Hotcho during a recent trip to COEX Mall in Seoul.
If you are looking for authentic, savory Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, this is the place to be!
Here is my complete, honest review of Hotcho COEX, including directions, parking, menu recommendations, and wait-time tips. 😊
1. Location and Parking Tips
Hotcho is located on the B1 level of Starfield COEX Mall.
COEX is famously massive and easy to get lost in, but here is an easy shortcut:
If you are near the exhibition halls, head to the escalator in front of 1F Hall B. Go down to B1, and walk straight past the U+ store on your left.
Using Hall B as your starting point makes finding the restaurant incredibly simple!
It is the perfect spot to grab a bite after catching an exhibition or when meeting up with friends near Samseong Station.
If you are driving, Starfield COEX offers 1 hour of free parking for every ~$32 spent, up to a maximum of 3 hours.
However, parking fees at COEX accumulate quickly and can be quite expensive, so public transit is highly recommended!
2. Interior Vibe & Atmosphere
The restaurant features both counter (bar) seating and standard tables.
The counter seats are separated from the kitchen by transparent glass shields, giving you a front-row seat to watch the chefs cook on the massive flat-top teppanyaki grills.
I visited during the busy weekend lunch rush, and the restaurant was completely full.
Even so, the layout felt spacious and comfortable without feeling cramped next to other diners.
It makes for a very relaxed and enjoyable dining experience.
Because of the open kitchen design, the rich, savory aroma of sizzling teppanyaki fills the air.
It definitely gets your appetite going before your food even arrives! Hahaha.
Among all the dining options in COEX, Hotcho stands out with its distinct, cozy Japanese tavern aesthetic.
It feels like stepping into a local spot in Hiroshima!
3. Menu Recommendation
Hotcho is highly regarded for its authentic Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki.
They offer a great variety of okonomiyaki and yakisoba dishes,
and you can customize each order with extra toppings to your liking.
I ordered the signature Hotcho Hiroshima Okonomiyaki (~$12).
One portion is incredibly filling and serves as a complete, hearty meal on its own.
The amount of fresh toppings layered inside was generous and highly satisfying.
Following the instructions on the table tablet, I had the first few bites exactly as served.
The base flavors were clean, savory, and delicious!
But halfway through, I added Japanese mayonnaise and a sprinkle of shichimi (seven-spice powder) from the table condiments.
It completely elevated the dish, making it even more flavorful and rich!
Eating it plain allows you to taste the distinct textures of the layered ingredients,
while the mayo and shichimi combo adds a wonderfully rich, spicy kick that ties everything together perfectly.
4. Wait Times & Walk-in Reservations
I arrived around 1:00 PM on a Saturday, and the restaurant was packed.
Fortunately, since I was dining solo and there was a single open spot at the counter, I was seated immediately.
However, a line quickly formed right after I sat down.
COEX Mall gets incredibly busy on weekends with shoppers and exhibition visitors.
Unlike some other Hotcho locations, the COEX branch is not on the CatchTable app, meaning they only accept on-site waiting list registrations.
I highly recommend putting your name on the list first, then taking a stroll around the nearby Starfield stores while you wait!
Hotcho Starfield COEX Mall
❤️ Opening Hours: 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Break Time: 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Last Order: 8:40 PM
❤️ Phone: 0507-1417-6760
❤️ Address: B1, Starfield COEX Mall, 513 Yeongdong-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
📍 Hotcho Starfield COEX Mall
B1, Starfield COEX Mall, 513 Yeongdong-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
Hotcho COEX is an excellent spot whether you are dining solo or hanging out with friends!
The only downside of dining alone was that I could only order one dish.
If you go with a group, you can order a mix of Hiroshima okonomiyaki and yakisoba to share and get the best of both worlds!
If you are exploring Gangnam and craving something unique and delicious,
I highly recommend stopping by Hotcho at COEX Mall. ☺️
I will definitely be back!
Take the escalator down to the B1 floor from in front of Hall B on the 1st floor. Then, go straight towards the LG U+ store on your left to find the restaurant.
You can register for 1 hour of free parking for every ~$32 spent at Starfield. Free parking is available for up to a maximum of 3 hours.
The Hotcho COEX branch is not listed on CatchTable, so remote waitlisting via the app is unavailable. You can only join the waitlist in person by visiting the store.
We recommend first tasting it exactly as it is served to enjoy its original, clean flavor. Halfway through, you can add the mayonnaise and shichimi provided on the table to enhance the flavor of the sauce.
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