Mapo is a neighborhood known for an overwhelming variety of delicious food, making it hard to decide where to go. Among all the great options, one of the most iconic spots near Mapo and Gongdeok area is Eulmildae (Mapo, Seoul), a restaurant specializing in Pyeongyang Naengmyeon (cold noodles).

In the flood of restaurants that have opened recently, the fact that Eulmildae has maintained its position for so long seems to have become a benchmark for what makes a truly great long-standing restaurant.

Even on a weekday, just past 12 pm, there was still a long wait. I’ve been to Eulmildae for about 10 years, but in the last 5 years, I’ve never been able to eat there without waiting.

Since the area is a residential neighborhood, parking is quite difficult, the restaurant has a sign at the entrance to guide customers where to park.

There’s a lot of debate about the broth and the taste, but one of Eulmildae’s biggest advantages is its hand-pulled noodles. For those who truly care about noodles, it’s hard to imagine something better than this.

Thanks to the steady flow of customers, the restaurant has expanded multiple times. I was lucky to be able to sit in a familiar spot today and the 20-minute wait didn’t feel too long.

Once seated, they serve you warm noodle water, which is a nice touch.

 

Menu

The new price list, reflecting years of inflation, felt a bit surprising. We now live in a time when a bowl of cold noodles costs 15,000 won.

The kimchi, which is so delicious, can only be tasted if you order the mung bean pancake.

 

Nokdu Jeon (mung bean pancake)  12,000 won

The mung bean pancake seems to have shrunk quite a bit in size. It’s cooked by being deep-fried in oil, giving it a super crispy outside and a moist inside. For those who enjoy alcohol, this would be a perfect side.

And it tastes incredibly good when paired with the kimchi.

 

Mul-naengmyeon  15,000 won

Now onto the main of the day, the Mul-naengmyeon (cold noodles), is topped with the usual garnishes. The noodles are thick, and the toppings include chilled beef brisket, a slice of pear, cucumber, and half a boiled egg.

Even after soaking in the broth for a while, the noodles don’t easily become soggy, and their chewy texture pairs wonderfully with the flavored broth.

It was surprising to see foreign diners at Eulmildae, something I didn’t expect sitting at the tables enjoying their cold noodles. It seems like good taste has no borders.

​As time passes, there have been some debates about the broth’s flavor. Despite all the controversies, Eulmildae has continued to stay popular and maintain its business. I think that’s one of its greatest strengths. Having loyal fans who keep coming back is a big advantage, and I hope the restaurant stays around for many more years, continuing to serve its delicious food.

 

Address : 24 Sungmun-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul OPEN GOOGLE MAP

Phone : +82-2-717-1922

Operation Hours : Mon-Sun : 11:00 - 22:00

Instagram : Check out more photos

 

Source : https://blog.naver.com/dongll/223386527937

Writer : dongll

Special thanks to dongll

 

eulmildae pyeongyang naengmyeon cold noodles mapo seoul