Ilsan is quite a trek from Gangnam, but every now and then I end up having to go there. Since it’s so far out and it was my first time, I searched the Blue Ribbon app for something to eat, and one naengmyeon place came up. It turned out to be a genuinely skilled kitchen, and I was impressed. The app really is handy wherever you go. I’ve almost never struck out with it, even in places I’ve never been.
Broth
A place that takes its naengmyeon seriously should bring out broth or myeonsu (noodle-cooking water). The broth had a slight off smell, which worried me, but the naengmyeon itself was clean-tasting.
The table
Vinegar, mustard and chili powder are the Korean way of doing it. If you want a sharper kick, just add them to taste.
Pheasant naengmyeon
There’s a thin layer of ice on it, topped with boiled pheasant meat (suyuk). The taste is proper Pyeongyang naengmyeon. It’s not worth a special trip, but if you live in Ilsan it’s worth dropping by once.
Baek-kimchi (white kimchi)
A good place doesn’t slack on the little things.
The noodles
They said they don’t do 100% buckwheat noodles, so I ordered the regular ones, and they were nicely nutty.
We ordered mandu too.
Apparently they have pheasant in them… I’m not sure there’s that much difference in taste compared to chicken. It’s a bit wilder, though.
There aren’t many places this good for a reasonably priced meal. Naengmyeon is a dish I love, so I end up eating it a lot. There are countless famous naengmyeon houses, but nothing makes me happier than a decent one in the neighborhood. These days Eulmildae in Gangnam is close by so I go now and then, but it’s a shame that on my own I can’t eat much. Maybe I should organize a meetup sometime…