Best Noodles and Dumplings in Korea!

Do you happen to like noodles and dumplings?

Simple is the best. Let me introduce you to a delicious restaurant that brings this to life!

"Bukchon Son Mandu"

Adress >> 42-5, Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea

Business hours: Mon-Sun 11:00 AM - 08:00 PM

 

"Bukchon Son Mandu" is a popular restaurant in Korea. Its main branch is located in Insadong, but you can find its locations almost everywhere. Although it's a franchise, they do an excellent job of maintaining the original flavors, making it one of my favorite go-to spots! 

On the table, there are kkakdugi (cubed radish kimchi), kimchi, danmuji (pickled radish), and a cute spoon.

There are three types of side dishes to enjoy with your meal: cubed radish kimchi (kkakdugi), napa cabbage kimchi, and pickled radish (danmuji).

  • 깍두기 (Kkakdugi): This is a type of kimchi made with cubed radish. It has a crunchy texture and is seasoned with a spicy and slightly tangy chili paste mixture. Kkakdugi is typically enjoyed with hot, hearty soups. It's a must-have side dish at Korean soup restaurants, adding a refreshing crunch to balance the rich flavors of the broth.
  • 배추김치 (Napa Cabbage Kimchi): The most iconic type of kimchi, made by fermenting napa cabbage with a mixture of chili flakes, garlic, ginger, and fish sauce. It’s tangy, spicy, and packed with umami flavors—basically a must-have on every Korean table.
  • 단무지 (Danmuji): Bright yellow pickled radish, usually slightly sweet and tangy. It’s often served as a refreshing palate cleanser. It’s not just a staple for regular noodle dishes but also pairs perfectly with jjajangmyeon (black bean noodles) and Korean street food favorites like tteokbokki and gimbap.

The kimchi here isn’t overly spicy. It leans more on the sweet side, with a noticeably tangier flavor. This might be because it’s made with seasonings carefully crafted to perfectly complement the dishes they serve.

A dish of noodles coated in red chili sauce, topped with fresh green cucumber slices—Bibim Guksu.

First up, we have bibim guksu(Spicy Noodles). This dish, made with a gochujang-based sauce, features thin wheat noodles coated in a perfectly seasoned, umami-rich dressing. When it comes to bibim guksu, thin noodles are preferred over thicker ones. After boiling the noodles, they’re rinsed several times in cold water before being mixed with the sauce. That’s because it’s meant to be enjoyed cold, making it a refreshing and flavorful treat! 

Bibim guksu is usually served with common toppings like lettuce or cucumber. Here, they add cucumber, which creates a beautiful contrast between the red noodles and the fresh green cucumber. Plus, the crisp and refreshing cucumber balances out the spiciness of the noodles, making the dish even more harmonious in flavor. To top it off, sesame seeds are sprinkled generously, enhancing the nutty flavor. And let’s not forget the drizzle of sesame oil—it’s a must for bibim guksu, adding a rich aroma and taste that makes the dish even more irresistible. Writing about it is making me crave it all over again!

Noodles in a clear broth, topped with fried tofu and seaweed flakes.

This dish is anchovy noodle soup (myeolchi guksu). The broth is made by simmering anchovies, but don’t worry—there aren’t whole anchovies floating in your soup! Its clear broth is light, nutty, and refreshing. It’s topped generously with fried tofu strips and seaweed flakes, giving it a hearty yet clean flavor. While it might remind you of Korea’s janchi guksu (banquet noodles), it’s a completely different dish with its own unique character. 

Of course, they’re quite similar! Janchi guksu also uses an anchovy-based broth, so the two aren’t vastly different. However, the ingredients used set them apart. Janchi guksu typically requires more preparation, as it involves chopping and cooking a variety of vegetables to serve as toppings. This extra step makes it a bit more labor-intensive compared to anchovy noodle soup.

Anchovy noodle soup has a perfectly seasoned broth, so there’s no need to add any extra seasoning. While the thin noodles on their own might feel a bit plain, the soft yet chewy texture of the fried tofu adds just the right balance, making the dish incredibly satisfying and delicious!

On a stainless steel plate, there are three half-moon-shaped fried dumplings.

Ta-da! Here’s my favorite—fried dumplings! These are the signature dumplings of this place, freshly made and fried to perfection on the same day. And let me tell you, they are absolutely delicious, especially when paired with bibim guksu.

The filling is a flavorful mix of glass noodles, meat, and vegetables, while the outer layer is incredibly crispy. With every bite, you get that satisfying crunch, followed by the juicy, savory filling bursting with flavor. It’s the ultimate combination of textures and tastes! 

The dumplings are generously sized, so you don’t have to worry about them not being filling enough. Each order comes with three dumplings, and when paired with a bowl of noodles, it makes for a very satisfying meal.

Fried dumplings go particularly well with bibim guksu rather than anchovy noodle soup. Since the dumplings are fried in oil, they have a rich, nutty flavor but can feel slightly heavy. That’s where the spicy bibim guksu comes in—it balances out the richness while enhancing the sweetness of the noodles, creating a perfect harmony of flavors! 

On a stainless steel plate, there are nine bite-sized mini dumplings.

These are mini dumplings—bite-sized delights with a paper-thin wrapper so delicate you can almost see the filling inside. Unlike the fried dumplings, these are steamed, making them incredibly soft and juicy. Their small size means no need to fuss with taking bites; you can simply pop them into your mouth, making them a perfect side to pair with other dishes.

Inside the dumpling wrapper, you’ll find a generous filling of meat, vegetables, and glass noodles, bursting with a nutty and savory aroma. Since they’re handmade daily, the size is consistent, but the shapes aren’t perfectly uniform—which only adds to their charm and authenticity!

Korea is home to countless noodle and dumpling restaurants. Among them, it’s no easy feat to maintain consistent flavor over the years while remaining a favorite across many locations. This spot, while not flashy, delivers the best flavors through the simplest dishes. I highly recommend giving it a try—you’ll get a true taste of what Koreans love.

Stay tuned for our next food adventure! 

Back to blog