Lamb tikka at Swoyambhu Nepalese Indian restaurant, South Korea December 17, 2024. (Photo by Christopher Green)
When you work and live on a military base, your food options are limited to Burger King, Subway Taco Bell and a few others. While these are good for a quick bite, sometimes you want something different. Just outside Camp Humphreys, there are a variety of restaurants serving plenty of options.
Across the street from the base on “Shopping Ro,” you can grab an American-style burger, Turkish kebab, Korean fried chicken and more. Recently, I was in the mood for something I had never had before and that’s when I found Swoyanbhu Nepalese Indian Restaurant.
The restaurant entrance has pictures of all the dishes on the menu to help you decide what you want before you walk in.
The exterior of Swoyambhu Nepalese Indian restaurant, South Korea December 17, 2024. (Photo by Christopher Green)
The interior of Swoyambhu Nepalese Indian restaurant, South Korea December 17, 2024. (Photo by Christopher Green)
Swoyanbhu is on the second floor and inside it has a warm and inviting atmosphere with colorful and intricate wood carvings on the walls. The menu was in both English and Korean with pictures next to each item, so it was very easy to understand.
I ordered samosas (4,000 won or about $2.75), fried pastries filled with potatoes, green peas and spices served with a green and red sauce on the side. For my main course, I ordered lamb tikka (20,000 won) consisting of a well-marinated meat served over a bed of cabbage and carrots on a sizzling clay plate.
Everything was brought to me hot and fresh, and the samosas mixed with the green and red sauce were an explosion of spice and flavor. When the waiter brought the marinated lamb, I could hear the food sizzling on the clay plate and the aroma was amazing. The lamb was spicy and savory.
Samosa Swoyambhu Nepalese Indian restaurant, South Korea December 17, 2024. (Photo by Christopher Green)
I was in the mood for something different and Swoyambhu really hit the spot. This was my first time trying Nepalese Indian food and I was impressed with the options. The food was delicious, and I plan to head back for more.
THINGS TO KNOW
Address: 106 Anjeongsunhwan-ro, Paengseong-eup, Pyeongtaek-si, Gyeonggi-do
Directions: Two blocks from Camp Humphreys walking gate.
Hours: They are open 7 days a week from 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Menu prices: Meals range from $15 to $140
Tel: 031-653-3305
