[Michelin Try It] Tried Pyongyang Naengmyeon for the First Time

You Are the NEXT LEVEL of Naengmyeon

Editor's NoteIf you are interested in food, you have probably heard of the bestseller "Michelin Guide" at least once. According to the official website, it provides useful information for those seeking unforgettable experiences. So, the Drinkit editors took on the challenge to see if the taste could move even the most ordinary and mainstream among us. Michelin Guide restaurants, here we come!

This food is like this: "What is this?" and then suddenly you think about it the next day. From then on, you just can't get out of it... Maybe you’ll even think about it while sleeping tonight. "Ah, what is this, I want to eat Pyeongyang cold noodles!" That's how it goes. - From the line of Son Beom-su in JTBC drama 'Melo Is My Nature'

There is a saying that you can only appreciate the true value of Pyeongyang cold noodles by tasting the broth before and after loosening the noodles, and then once again after adding vinegar and mustard to your liking. And those who love Pyeongyang cold noodles sometimes embark on what is called a ‘Pyeongnaeng Tour’ (a gourmet trip to find the best Pyeongyang cold noodle restaurants). The editors and team members are at an ultra-beginner level, not even close to being Pyeongyang cold noodle experts. If you count the number of times the team members have eaten Pyeongyang cold noodles, it can be counted on one hand. As editors who are ‘Pyeongalmos’ (people who don’t know much about Pyeongyang cold noodles), we intend to write honestly and without exaggeration. What kind of appearance did the Pyeongyang cold noodles selected by the Michelin Guide have?

After much deliberation, the editor chose a restaurant called ‘Nampo Myeonok’ located in Euljiro. This place, boasting a 40-year tradition specializing in Pyeongyang cold noodles, has been featured countless times on broadcasts and was selected as a Michelin Bib Gourmand for five consecutive years from 2017 to 2021.

We ordered cold noodles, bibim cold noodles, and plate dumplings, and cautiously began tasting. The plate dumplings arrived quickly right after ordering. Unlike neat and tidy dumplings, these had a rustic feel that gave a warm, homely impression. The skin was thick and chewy, and the filling was not greasy. It was characterized by a light taste, as if filled tightly with chicken breast. It was very suitable as an appetizer before fully enjoying the cold noodles.

After eating the dumplings, everyone nodded in agreement. Although they looked rustic, the taste was far from rustic, and our bodies responded first. However, opinions among the editors about the cold noodles were quite divided. The three editors participating in the tasting were Sunditer (Pyeongnaeng N times), Taediter (Pyeongnaeng 2 times), and Jeonditer (Pyeongnaeng first challenge).

Three Editors, Three Different Pyeongyang Cold Noodle Reviews

Taediter (Pyeongnaeng 2 times) | Due to poor condition the day before, I felt constantly bloated and uncomfortable. When I sipped the mild Pyeongyang cold noodle broth into my bubbling stomach, I felt my stomach clear up and refresh. It was as if my stomach, worn out by the mundane world, was making amends to the Pyeongyang cold noodles. Unlike the Pyeongyang cold noodles I had before, the meat aroma was not strong.

I heard that Nampo Myeonok mixes dongchimi (radish water kimchi) into the broth, which seemed to be the reason. Rather, it allowed me to feel the coolness and umami more intensely. Be sure to eat the garnishes of pear and cucumber together. Also, I would recommend it to those who, like me, feel bloated and want something light and easy to digest.

Sunditer (Pyeongnaeng N times) | I usually enjoy bibim (spicy mixed) cold noodles, so this time I tried bibim Pyeongyang cold noodles. Unlike other places, the seasoning sauce was not sweet or salty, but it also didn’t have a distinctive taste like regular Pyeongyang cold noodles. After tasting another editor’s Pyeongyang cold noodles, I actually craved Pyeongyang cold noodles. It had a subtly addictive charm. Also, compared to Pyeongyang cold noodles I’ve had elsewhere, the aroma and taste were mild enough to be approachable, so it might not be a bad challenge for first-timers.

You might find yourself reaching for the side dishes of pickled radish and dongchimi repeatedly. The dongchimi jars lined up inside the restaurant seemed to be waiting to meet us, and the clean yet refreshing dongchimi broth was so impressive that I wanted to buy some to take home.

Jeonditer (Pyeongnaeng first challenge) | The broth was too bland and mild for an editor who prefers sweet, spicy, and salty flavors as a Pyeongyang cold noodle beginner. The buckwheat noodles, which had both chewiness and softness, were unique, though. However, it was not a taste I would go out of my way to find and eat again. Pyeongyang cold noodles are somewhat challenging for me…!

I had expected a sharper and cooler taste from the dongchimi, so I thought it would be better if the ratio of dongchimi broth in the soup was increased or if some crushed ice was added. Although it is true that I had high expectations because it was a restaurant selected by the Michelin Guide, I was left somewhat disappointed. It might not be a bad place to visit once with family or elders rather than with peers.

Pyeongyang Cold Noodles, Your Charm Is…

Thinking back to how I was intimidated by Pyeongyang cold noodles, it’s a bit embarrassing. It’s not really a taste that makes you say “What is this?” but I agree that it feels somewhat unfamiliar. At the same time, I think I understand what people mean by addictive. When next summer comes, I feel like I’ll think about it again. The noodles that break softly with a ‘tuk’ when touched with the front teeth but have a soft chewiness, and the broth where the meat aroma naturally blends with the dongchimi broth.

However, even considering that it is a Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant, which is a rating given to places with reasonable prices and excellent taste, the price is on the higher side. A bowl of cold noodles costs 13,000 won, and plate dumplings are 9,000 won. Since we didn’t have a full Korean set meal or meat dishes, considering the price, the desire to eat here frequently is significantly reduced, so please keep that in mind. My bank account, please close your eyes….

Photo by Kim Tae-in