This is CityNomix. Marunouchi, the beating heart of Tokyo. In this district of towering skyscrapers and fast-walking business elites, I found myself wandering once again, driven by a specific craving. My destination? Surakkan, the Korean dining gem located on the 5th floor of the Shin-Marunouchi Building.
Some of you might recall my previous passionate post about Surakkan’s “Sundubu Jigae.” I was floored by the purity of their broth—a rich, concentrated seafood essence drawn from clams and shrimp. I declared then that “basics are best.” If you missed that deep dive into their standard offering, I highly recommend checking it out to understand the foundation of this restaurant’s quality.
👉 Marunouchi Lunch: Rediscovering the Power of Basics at Surakkan
However, curiosity is a ravenous beast. Once you know the “basics,” you inevitably crave the “advanced.” What happens if you add a twist to that perfect soup? Or better yet, what if you combine it with the crown jewel of Korean mixed rice dishes? Driven by this culinary curiosity, I returned to find a new “optimal solution” for lunch in Marunouchi: the “Jeonju Stone Pot Bibimbap and Special Jigae (Bacon & Vegetable) Set.”
Choosing the “Correct Answer” in the Lunch Labyrinth
The restaurant floor of the Shin-Marunouchi Building is a competitive battlefield. Calm at 11:00 AM, it transforms into a bustling hub of hungry office workers by noon. Choosing where to eat here is a strategic decision that affects your afternoon productivity.
Scanning the menu, my eyes locked onto “Special Jigae.” It promised the same seafood base I loved, but with an unexpected addition: Bacon and Vegetables. Bacon in a Korean stew? I paused. The classic recipe relies on seafood umami. Would the smoky, cured flavor of Western bacon clash with the delicate clam broth? Or would they harmonize?
To answer this question—and satisfy my desire for a proper Bibimbap—I ordered the set without hesitation. Priced just under 2,000 yen, it’s a high-value proposition for this prime location.
When the tray arrived (as seen in the image above), I knew I had won. The visual impact is overwhelming.
The “Bacon” Revolution in Korean Stew
I started with the intriguing “Special Jigae.” dipping my spoon into the bubbling red broth.
“…Aha! So that’s how it is.”
If the standard Sundubu was a direct hit of seafood freshness, this Special Jigae is a complex ensemble of land and sea. The profound depth of the clams and shrimp is still there, anchoring the flavor. But now, it’s overlaid with the sweet richness of animal fat and the distinct smokiness of bacon.
Adding pork to jigae is common, but choosing bacon is a stroke of genius. The cured meat offers a condensed umami and a smoky aroma that adds incredible body and creaminess to the spicy soup. The sweetness of the fat that follows the spicy kick makes this broth dangerously addictive—a true “rice thief,” as they say in Korea.
The generous serving of vegetables (chives, green onions, onions) absorbs this bacon-infused lipid goodness, becoming sweeter and providing a nice textural crunch. “Seafood x Bacon.” This combination has officially become my new standard for a rich, hearty lunch.
The Sensory Art of “Jeonju Stone Pot Bibimbap”
Next, I turned my attention to the other star: the Jeonju Stone Pot Bibimbap. Bearing the name of Jeonju, Korea’s food capital, implies a commitment to tradition and quality.
The rice sizzles and pops in the searing hot stone bowl—a sound that serves as the best appetizer. A bright egg yolk sits in the center, surrounded by colorful namul, kimchi, and minced meat. It’s too beautiful to disturb, but the rule of Bibimbap is to mix vigorously.
As I turned the rice over from the bottom, the aroma of toasted sesame oil and gochujang filled the air. The heat of the stone bowl creates Nurungji (scorched rice) at the bottom. The contrast between the fluffy, spicy mixed rice and the crunchy, nutty scorched parts is pure bliss. Sipping the rich bacon stew and then taking a bite of this fragrant rice creates an infinite loop of happiness.
Verdict: The Ultimate Power Lunch for the Marunouchi Worker
The six side dishes included in the set are not mere afterthoughts. From the tangy kimchi to the gentle namul, each small plate provides a refreshing palate cleanser and a boost of nutrition. Getting this variety of vegetables in one meal is a luxury for the busy urbanite.
By the end of the meal, I felt a pleasant warmth radiating from within. It wasn’t just a full stomach; it was a recharge of vitality. This is why I keep coming back to Surakkan.
“When in doubt in Marunouchi, go to Surakkan.”
This has become my personal motto. Whether you want the purity of the standard Sundubu or the rich indulgence of the Bacon Jigae & Bibimbap set, this restaurant delivers. If you are a business traveler or an expat looking for a reliable, high-quality meal near Tokyo Station that justifies the price (approx. 2,000 yen), this set is an unbeatable choice. Trust me, the unexpected marriage of bacon and spicy seafood stew is a flavor profile you need to experience.
Shop Information
Surakkan (Shin-Marunouchi Building Branch)
Address: Shin-Marunouchi Building 5F, 1-5-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Access: 1-minute walk from JR Tokyo Station Marunouchi North Exit (Connected via underground passage)
Official Menu: https://suragan-marunouchi.com/food
Google Map:
