Chanton

Perched on the second floor of a corner building right by Shinjuku-sanchome Station, Chanbuta is a lively destination centered on savory pork dishes and a wide array of Korean small plates. Accented with dark wood and red tones, the interior provides both counter seats and tables, lending itself equally well to casual dining or spirited group outings.

Thick-Cut Pork and a Range of Samgyeopsal Flavors

Headlining the menu is samgyeopsal grilled pork belly, highlighted by a limited-supply premium cut of Iwanaka pork noted for its sweet fat, as well as fragrant house miso-marinated and basil-seasoned variations. Because the kitchen sears the meat and portions it into bite-sized cuts before delivering it on a heated stone pan, guests can tuck into the crispy exterior and juicy center with ssam lettuce and kimchi without worrying about popping grease or smoke clinging to their clothes.

House Saeujeang and Drink-Friendly Starters

A popular companion for an initial drink while the meat cooks is the specialty otsumami saeujeang, or seasoned raw shrimp. Cured thoroughly in a seasoned soy sauce marinade, the shrimp carry a dense, velvety sweetness that turns deeper and sharper when mixed with egg yolk and slices of green chili. The appetizer lineup continues with addictive combinations like cream cheese kimchi, which pairs rich dairy with piquancy, and tender stir-fried baby octopus cooked with crisp vegetables.

Comforting Gimbap and Simmering Pots

To close out the meal, the kitchen rolls out bite-sized otsumami gimbap shaped like takoyaki spheres, alongside crisp chijimi pancakes and sizzling dolsot bibimbap. Substantial hot pots including richly stocked budae jjigae and slow-simmered samgyetang round out the menu, welcoming diners to settle in with lightly carbonated draft makgeolli or Korean beer in hand.