Take yourself to a hidden gem in the capital specializing in cuisine made from homemade tofu

"Baegi Handmade Tofu" in Seokgwan-dong, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul (Park Jun-hee/The Korea Herald)

Many think of tofu as a popular ingredient alternative to meat ora go-to for weight loss, as it’s an easy way to incorporate healthy protein into a balanced diet.

But tofu, made from coagulated soy milk, can also be seen as a humble shape-shifter and a blank canvas of flavor.

With its soft, adaptable texture, tofu can be reshaped into various dishes using different seasonings and cooking methods. So why not let your taste buds explore the versatility of soy?

In Seongbuk-gu, northern Seoul, serene residential streets nestled near apartments guide first-timers to an area called Seokgwan-dong. A good seven-minute walk from Seokgye Station on Subway Line Nos. 1 and 6 will take you to Baegi Handmade Tofu, a hidden gem in the capital specializing in cuisine made from homemade bean curd.

From the outside, the restaurant reminds of a "pojangmacha," or a covered cart bar that offers snacks and alcoholic beverages. The restaurant is famous among residents and small in size, with only eight tables accommodating four people each. But you will turn your way back as you gravitate toward the savory tofu aroma, calling you to stop by for a delightful meal to warm your soul during the frosty season. It is also because the restaurant makes the tofu early in the morning.

Once you sit down, a handful of side dishes reminiscent of grandma's cooking are served. They are kongnamul muchim, or seasoned soybean sprouts, stir-fried aged kimchi, stir-fried dried anchovies and biji jjigae, or ground soybean stew.

The eatery has four main meal menus. The most popular meal is the tofu bossam set, or boiled pork served in bite-size pieces with tofu served with a bowl of rice, perilla oil tofu stew, seasoned dried radish and napa cabbage. The set meal is offered at 12,000 won ($8.27).

Before trying the tofu and pork, have a spoon of the tofu stew to indulge in the natural taste and texture of tofu. Then try the tofu and a piece of bossam by wrapping it with radish and cabbage. In three bits, you will feel euphoric and like you have just tasted a heavenly gift -- it is mouthwatering, and people would have to stop Iron Man from coming because his finger snap gesture after a taste could wipe the restaurant out.

Sundubu jjigae, or spicy, seasoned Korean soft tofu stew made with silky soft tofu, cheonggukjang, rich soybean paste stew, and tofu stew are other meals served at Baegi Handmade Tofu. All the menus are priced at 9,000 won ($6.30).

Other meals include tofu jaeyuk kimchi, or tofu with stir-fried kimchi and pork, tofu kimchi jjigae, or kimchi stew with tofu, ojingeo bokkeum, or spicy stir-fried squid, dakbal, or pieces of seasoned chicken feet served in a plate, dwaeji kkeopdaegi, or pig skin, green onion pancakes, garlic chive pancakes and Korean potato pancakes. These dishes are priced between 10,000 won and 17,000 won each.

Kongguksu, or soy milk noodle soup, is a summer dish that is served from May to September, while raw oysters, guljeon, or pan-fried battered oysters, and gulmuchim, or seasoned fresh oysters, are winter dishes available from November to March. Bottles of soju and beer are also available.

Baegi Handmade Tofu is open every day from 10:00 a.m. to 10 p.m. except on Mondays.

Address: 127-42 Seokgwan-dong, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul

"Baegi Handmade Tofu" in Seokgwan-dong, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul (Park Jun-hee/The Korea Herald)
The tofu ossam set is served with a bowl of rice and tofu stew at Baegi Handmade Tofu. (Park Jun-hee/The Korea Herald)
The tofu ossam set is served with a bowl of rice and tofu stew at Baegi Handmade Tofu. (Park Jun-hee/The Korea Herald)
Gamjajeon, or Korean potato pancakes, are served at Baegi Handmade Tofu. (Park Jun-hee/The Korea Herald)
Gamjajeon, or Korean potato pancakes, are served at Baegi Handmade Tofu. (Park Jun-hee/The Korea Herald)