Torikawa Incheon Review: Cozy Izakaya for Authentic Bites

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Torikawa

A fantastic izakaya in Jakjeon-dong with an incredible atmosphere

Photos/Text by Minimanimu

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Hello, everyone!

This is Minimanimu, bringing you delicious restaurant stories, hand-picked by Mini!

Yesterday, the sky suddenly opened up and poured rain,

bringing the temperature down a notch.

And on these gentle rainy days,

there's nothing quite like a warm, comforting soup paired with a glass of soju – that perfect "banju" experience.

Honestly, I was so disappointed that I didn't get to try Motsunabe during my last trip to Fukuoka.

But guess what? I discovered an amazing local spot right in my neighborhood that serves authentic anju, giving off that perfect Fukuoka vibe without having to travel far!

It's Torikawa, a hidden gem nestled in an alley near Jakjeon Station.

From the Hakata Motsunabe that's just perfect on a rainy day,

to the various anju dishes I've personally tasted on my countless visits,

I'm excited to share my 100% honest review – all paid for with my own money!

Table of Contents
1	Torikawa Business Information
2	How to Reserve & Waiting
3	Exterior / Interior
4	Menu & What I Ordered
5	Review
6	Overall Thoughts

Torikawa Business Information

📍Address	1st Floor, Commercial Building, 4, Hyoseo-ro 229beon-gil, Gyeyang-gu, Incheon
⏰Operating Hours	·Mon - Sat 5:00 PM ~ 2:00 AM ·Sunday 5:00 PM ~ 1:00 AM
📞Phone Number	010-4729-5755
🚇Transportation	3-minute walk from Jakjeon Station Exit 5 or 6
💡Amenities	Restroom located outside the building
🚗Parking	No parking available at the building We recommend using nearby paid parking lots

How to Reserve & Waiting

If you're planning to visit Torikawa during peak weekend hours, for a small company gathering,

or with a larger group, I highly recommend calling ahead to make a reservation.

I usually visit after my first round of dinner on weekday or weekend evenings,

making it my go-to spot for a relaxing second round.

Luckily, I've always been able to get in right away without any waiting!

It's a perfect place to visit anytime you're looking for a quiet, cozy chat,

without any pressure.

Exterior / Interior

As you wander through the alleys near Jakjeon Station, you'll be greeted by Torikawa's charming, subtly lit exterior,

Step inside, and you'll find both four-person tables and

a cozy bar counter, perfect for enjoying a drink solo or having an intimate chat with a friend.

You'll have fun spotting all the authentic Japanese props and posters scattered throughout the interior.

It creates a truly exotic atmosphere, making you feel as if you've been transported straight to Japan!

Menu & What I Ordered

Every dish at Torikawa is handcrafted and prepared fresh the moment you order.

They boast a diverse selection of anju, including skewers, teppan dishes, salads, and fried delicacies.

The drink menu is equally impressive, featuring highballs, whiskey, individual glasses of spirits, and refreshing draft beer.

So you'll definitely find something to quench your thirst!

What I Ordered

·Hakata Motsunabe ~$18

·Soju ~$3 * n

Review

The tables are neatly set with tissues, side plates, and chopsticks,

and cool water is brought to your table as soon as you sit down.

For complimentary side dishes, you'll get boiled edamame and a light, refreshing salad.

This salad is so incredibly tasty that I find myself asking for refills every single time I visit!

When you order Motsunabe, a personal burner is set up at your table, along with

individual dipping sauces, neatly arranged for everyone.

And now, for the star of the show: Hakata Motsunabe!

Just look at the visual – packed with plump, rich beef intestines!

It's truly generous, isn't it?

Alongside the hearty beef intestines, you'll find vibrant green chives,

neatly sliced tofu, and plenty of sweet cabbage,

all generously added to the pot.

It's fantastic as a full meal with drinks (banju) or as a perfect anju snack for a second round!

After it bubbles and simmers beautifully,

the flavor is rich and deeply savory with just the right amount of kick,

perfectly balancing out any richness from the beef intestines.

The broth is so clear and clean,

that with every spoonful, it feels like it's revitalizing you – a perfect "haejang" after a soju night!

The tender tofu, thoroughly steeped in the rich broth, and

Imagine taking a bite of tender, sweetened cabbage and fresh chives, perfectly paired with succulent large intestines.

A quick dip in that zesty wasabi sauce brings out a truly savory, nutty flavor that's simply delightful!

Since I visit Torikawa so often, I always make sure to explore their diverse anju (dishes to accompany drinks) menu.

Beyond the incredible Motsunabe, let me share some other fantastic dishes to pair with your drinks!

Beef Tataki

This dish features beautifully tender beef, seared just on the surface to a perfect medium-rare.

Beneath the thinly sliced meat, you'll find a bed of crisp onions and fresh chives.

When you dip it into the special sauce, you get a harmonious blend of savory notes and incredible juiciness –

it’s truly an ideal companion for your drinks.

Saeukkang Ikkageso

Prepare for a delightful crunch with these savory, crispy fried freshwater shrimp and

plump fried squid legs!

They're perfectly bite-sized, making them super easy to enjoy,

and that savory flavor just deepens with every chew.

Tako Wasabi

My current absolute favorite, especially for a second or third round when I don't want to get too full,

is this absolute must-order!

That invigorating kick from the pungent wasabi sauce, giving your nose a pleasant tingle, is incredibly refreshing!

Overall Impressions

If you're searching for an izakaya near Jakjeon Station in Incheon that boasts a fantastic atmosphere and serves up each anju dish with heartfelt dedication,

then I wholeheartedly recommend Torikawa.

✔️ Immerse yourself in the authentic local vibe with its cozy, wood-toned interior and thoughtfully curated atmospheric decor.

✔️ Experience Motsunabe that’s both incredibly savory and refreshingly clean, absolutely free of any unwanted odors.

So, on a cozy evening, perhaps a rainy one like tonight,

why not warm your soul with a comforting bowl of Hakata Motsunabe at Torikawa?

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