I love noodles, so the season doesn’t really matter to me. Summer or winter, I have to have a great bowl of Pyongyang naengmyeon before a trip back to Korea feels worth it. Luckily there’s a Pyeongyang Myeonok three minutes from the office – or, unluckily, a lunch date to go to Daegabang fell through – so I popped over during my lunch break.
Myeonsu (noodle water)
If they don’t serve this, you can’t call it a naengmyeon place
The spread
Simple.
Pyeonyuk, probably a half plate
This is more famous here than the naengmyeon. It’s a bit pricey, but once you order it you’ll understand why. If you try to save a little by ordering the jeyuk (boiled pork) instead, it’s a taste you’ll regret for a long time. As I ate I was craving soju badly, but drinking at lunch and then working tipsy -_-;; felt a bit much, so I held back.
Mandu
You can’t not order mandu in winter. Generously filled and cooked right through. The price and portion are on the big side, so it would be tough to order on your own. Luckily I was with a friend who eats well that day, so we got to try a bit of everything.
Pyongyang naengmyeon
I’d heard rumours that the quality goes up and down, and sure enough, that day it didn’t have quite the huge impact it used to. Still, it’s not so bad you’d want to run out mid-bowl, so it’d be fine to come here when naengmyeon isn’t the main event and you’re craving the pyeonyuk or mandu.
To eat properly here you really shouldn’t go alone. At least two people, and three or more to be comfortable. I’m already worried because I’ll be craving it like crazy once next winter comes around.