I didn't have many friends during that time, but I never ate alone. In the restaurant I was embarrassed to say "I'll come alone". I also hate that the people around me are watching me all the time.
"The noble act of eating without being disturbed by anyone. This is the best healing given to modern people equally. This is the definition of eating alone mentioned in the TV series "Lonely Foodie". After seeing the protagonist of the TV series eating delicious food alone, I suddenly became curious. "If I eat alone, can I feel like the protagonist?"
Gao Dehwan, the editor who pretends to be a lonely foodie, ate dinner alone three times in three days after work. From restaurants where you can relax and eat alone, to restaurants that make you feel extremely embarrassed.
1. Ramen shop| Difficulty eating alone (low)
First, I went to a restaurant that is famous for eating alone. As soon as I entered, there was no staff to guide me to my seat, but an ordering machine like I saw in Japan. After choosing the menu and paying, I grabbed my voucher and looked for a seat. I was relieved that no one greeted me.
Although it was already seven o'clock in the evening, which was the evening rush, there were no customers around. The atmosphere reminiscent of a library and the space designed for eating alone made me feel comfortable. I watched the emotional graffiti in a slightly dark atmosphere while waiting for the food to be served. I enjoyed waiting comfortably without worrying about my surroundings.
If you leave your meal voucher on the table, the staff will bring you food. Since I eat in a space enclosed on all sides, I can fully focus on my palate. When I tasted the ramen alone, soon the bowl was empty. Thanks to the delicious ramen, I felt pretty good. There's nothing wrong with eating alone, right?
2. Western Restaurant| Difficulty of eating alone (medium)
I was delighted after successfully completing my first solo meal. Full of confidence, I found a western restaurant with a nice atmosphere. But as soon as I entered the store, I regretted it. This is because the interior where classical music is played looks like an anniversary dinner or gathering place. But when I came in, I closed my eyes and sat down.
"Is there anyone around you?" When the clerk said
"No, I'm alone," I whispered, looking around, the store was full of couples except me.
I wish there was no one, but I was sitting in the distance and there was a strange sense of tension. Although I was skeptical, since I was in a place with a good atmosphere, I ordered a set meal with the intention of getting full.
The hardest time is waiting for food. Sitting alone in an empty place, feeling embarrassed and lonely. But as soon as the seafood pasta and steak risotto, which looked really delicious, came out, I didn't care about anything else. Instead, since no one eats with me, I can only focus on the food. I finished the set meal in a good mood and left the restaurant. I have to come back next time.
3. Beef Restaurant | Difficulty eating alone (high)
Now I'm more confident that I can eat alone anywhere. Alone for my third meal, I decided to go to a famous beef restaurant near the office. Sure enough, the narrow space was packed with people, and the staff guided us to a narrow seat in the corner of the store. As soon as you sit down, you'll see a reminder of meal time limits. Before I knew it, I showed caution, so I ordered two portions of assorted beef.
As soon as I sat down, side dishes and beef were served, and the staff came to help me roast beef. When roasting beef, the staff recommended a delicious way to eat it, but I didn't listen to anything because I felt like I had to eat it quickly and leave. The thought of eating alone in a noisy, narrow space made me feel so embarrassed that I didn't know if the beef was in my mouth or my nose. In this atmosphere, I finished my food in an instant, which was completely different from when I ate alone before. The beef cooked over an open flame tastes good, but I would love to eat it with someone next time.
The biggest reason I'm afraid of eating alone is because of other people's opinions. However, unexpectedly, people did not strangely look at people eating alone and did not whisper. I probably pay more attention to them when I eat.
If you're not worried about the people around you, you'll naturally focus on food. You can even restore your lost appetite by taking a closer look at each ingredient and tasting more flavor with each bite.
If you are still unfamiliar or afraid of eating alone, you may want to try eating alone. As the TV series "Lonely Foodie" says, the noble act of eating alone may be the best cure for us who are tired.