I heard that a tantanmen specialist had opened in Sangsu-dong and that it now had a branch in Hongdae. A while ago another branch opened in Nonhyeon, too. It seems to have gotten popular after appearing on some TV show, Saenghwarui Darin or whatever it was called, but I visited before it was on TV.

The entrance

It is literally at Hongdae (the university, not the Hongdae shopping district), so access is very good.

The menu

A menu with a certain pride to it.

I just ordered the regular tantanmen.

The taste is not Japanese style but slightly rearranged Korean style, which makes it suit Korean palates better. The rich (nutty) flavour is toned down a bit and some spiciness is added. They clearly did a lot of research.

The noodles

The portion is a little small, but hey, tantanmen is a snack..

Stir-fried kimchi

Well done.

The biggest shame about this place is that it does not stay open late at night. I usually eat tantanmen as a second stop, to sober up after drinking my fill at the first, and I wanted to use it that way, but sadly that was not possible. Once it gets more popular and more branches open, I am sure they will stay open late someday. I am waiting for that day.

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