If you're looking to taste authentic Pyongyang naengmyeon, this is the place!
I found a charming Pyeongyang Cold Buckwheat Noodles restaurant that makes you crave a bowl even in the cold weather!
"Samjiyeon Pyongyang Naengmyeon Specialty Restaurant"
Adress >> 74-4, Hosu-ro 856beon-gil, Ilsanseo-gu, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
Business hours: Daily 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
This place stands out from others. Right as you step inside, you'll see a machine that makes buckwheat noodles. To ensure the best taste, they make fresh noodles every day and use them all up by the end of the day. The machine doesn’t run continuously, so it seems they use it in the early morning. When I visited, the machine was idle, which makes sense—having it running during mealtime might be a bit distracting, don’t you think?
The menu here is always placed on the table in a compact size. Let's take a look at the main dishes listed on the white background. In order, they have mul naengmyeon (cold noodle soup), bibim naengmyeon (spicy mixed noodles), hoe naengmyeon (cold noodles with raw fish), and a "double portion" option for those who want a larger serving! In Korea, a double portion is called "gopbaegi." It’s the perfect choice when you’re feeling extra hungry. But don’t jump into it too quickly—Koreans are known for their generous servings, so you might end up with a very full belly!
Below the main dishes, you'll find suyuk (boiled meat), mandu (dumplings), and "sari," which refers to additional options you can add to your main dish. For example, you can get extra slices of raw fish (hoe) for your hoe naengmyeon.
You might be curious about the menu items on the yellow background. These are seasonal dishes that are only available from October to March. Since Korea has four distinct seasons and a deep appreciation for seasonal ingredients, many restaurants create special dishes that are only served during the summer or winter. The seasonal menu includes nokdujeon (mung bean pancakes), bajirak kalguksu (clam noodle soup), and sogogi manduguk (beef dumpling soup). If the cold winter winds make you crave something warm instead of a chilled dish, these are the perfect choices!
When you order your food, they serve these side dishes. On the left, there's yeolmu kimchi (young radish kimchi), and on the right, mu jeorim (pickled radish). In Korea, yeolmu kimchi is a popular dish, and did you know it’s just as healthy as regular napa cabbage kimchi? Rich in vitamin C, yeolmu helps boost the immune system, aiding the body in fighting off bacteria and viruses. It also promotes collagen production and has antioxidant properties, which can slow aging and keep skin firm. The potassium content helps regulate blood pressure by removing excess sodium from the body. Yeolmu also contains enzymes that break down starch and is rich in dietary fiber, which improves digestion and prevents constipation! It’s not too spicy but has a refreshing taste, with a crisp texture that fills your mouth with a burst of green, fresh flavor.
What’s this? This kettle, served alongside water, contains warm broth. Since naengmyeon is a cold dish, suddenly eating something chilled can be a bit of a shock to your stomach. That’s why it’s a good idea to sip this warm broth before your meal arrives. The savory, slightly salty flavor stimulates your appetite and gets your body ready to enjoy the delicious dishes that are on the way! You’ll probably see a lot of people drinking this broth like water even before their naengmyeon arrives. I know I do!
Each naengmyeon restaurant has its own style of serving this warm broth. Some places provide it in a kettle like this, while others have a large container where you can help yourself. Most naengmyeon specialty restaurants in Korea offer warm broth, so don’t forget to try it when you visit!
Finally, the mul naengmyeon I ordered has arrived! The charm of Pyongyang naengmyeon lies in its very light and subtle broth. Unlike other types of naengmyeon where people usually add vinegar or mustard, I recommend savoring the original taste of the broth. That’s why I prefer to enjoy it just as it is, without adding anything!
The broth here is made using native Korean chicken, Hanwoo beef broth, and dongchimi (radish water kimchi), giving it a light, savory, and deeply flavorful taste. You might imagine that a meat-based broth would be heavy, but it’s not at all. The combination with the soft buckwheat noodles is perfect, making it hard to stop eating!
Now it’s time for the bibim naengmyeon! This dish uses the same broth base as the mul naengmyeon, but with added fruits and natural ingredients to create a refreshing, tangy flavor, plus a touch of spiciness. You get to enjoy a mix of sweet, sour, and spicy all in one bite. The level of spiciness varies from restaurant to restaurant, and the bibim naengmyeon here leans towards the spicy side. If it gets a bit too hot for you, just take a sip of the warm broth to soothe your mouth!
This place is one of the best Pyongyang naengmyeon restaurants I’ve tried while living in Korea. Especially the mul naengmyeon—it was completely my style! Of course, I’ve never actually been to North Korea, but I’m sure it would taste quite similar.
Pyongyang naengmyeon is definitely a dish that divides opinions. Its unique, mild flavor might not appeal to those who prefer bold and spicy tastes. But once you get hooked, you’ll find yourself craving it even on chilly days—it's quite a fascinating experience! Stay tuned for my next food adventure!