Last Updated on April 22, 2014 by Nancie
Linking this post to Foodie Tuesday (April 22, 2014), hosted by Inside Journeys.
Welcome to another week of Travel Photo Thursday. This seems to be the week for traditional Korean food here at BTS. Strangely enough this was all totally unplanned. I traveled into Seoul last Sunday to attend a book club meeting in Seoul’s Myeon Dong, and ended up experiencing all of this fab food. Today’s post is all about Korean noodles, and specifically, a noodle dish called Kalguksu.
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A big THANK YOU to Connie, my friend and colleague, who recognized this well-known Myeon Dong Korean noodle restaurant. She not only strongly suggested that we have dinner here, but provided a bit of insight into the dish itself. Koreans love their noodles, and with very little research I discovered that there are more than 13 (thirteen) different Korean noodle dishes. Now, I love noodles, but seldom eat them, because they land directly on my hips! However, after experiencing the noodle deliciousness of last Sunday, I want to try them all. I’ll just have to space my noodle eating out over a few months!
The name of the restaurant in English is Myeong Dong Kyo Ja, and it’s been around since 1966. I took this shot of the entrance after we ate. As you can see, no line-up. Earlier in the day people were lined up 20 deep. This was just a temporary lull.
The restaurant is spread over several floors. I was standing on the stairs waiting for a seat on the second floor when I took this shot. These are the four Korean traditional food dishes the restaurant has on offer. I was told that the most famous, and the dish that the restaurant is most well known for, is Gogi Kalguksu…on the far left.
And here it is… Kalguksu…The biggest bowl of noodles I have ever seen! Kalguksu literally means “knife noodles”. This particular Kalguksu is made with a rich chicken broth, and you can also see meat floating in the broth, plus delicious small dumplings filled with more meaty goodness. I don’t know what kind of meat, but you can read a great description of this dish on their website (in English) Believe it or not, this dish is usually eaten in the summer! The Kalguksu was served with only one side dish…Kimchi. One of the best I have ever eaten. As you can see this was one huge bowl of noodles, and as much I hated to leave any, I ate about half. I would not hesitate to go back here. This was one of the best Korean traditional noodles dishes I have ever eaten!
You can learn more about Kalguksu here.
Have you ever eaten Korean noodles? What did you think?
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This is the 149th post for Travel Photo Thursday. You can browse the archives here.
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Travelers Tip
Cost: 8,000 Won; free Kimchi refills
Myeong Dong Kyo Ja has a fabulous website (3 languages). For hours and location, check it out.
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In case you missed this weeks early post featuring a Korean food stall.
31 responses to “Travel Photo Thursday — October 31, 2013 — Traditional Korean Noodles”
I love noodles and never worry about carbs BUT I have never tried Korean noodles. I’m betting I’d like the I do always like to know what kind of meat I’m eating. I’m not good in the mystery department.
Hi Leigh. You are so active that I am sure you burn every carb you eat. I have to say that when I read the description on their website I was surprised that the broth was chicken. I thought it was either pork (the color), or possible beef. I also think (and still do) that the meat was pork. Very surprised that the website is not clear.
“One of the best” is high praise. You must now owe your friend a favor for introducing you to this dish. I’ll admit that I’ve never heard of it either. That whole menu looks delicious. I can see myself gravitating towards the dumplings. Well, if I ever happen to be in Seoul, I’ll have to search this out. Having a picture of the entrance certainly helps.
Hi Michele…Yes, do owe her big time. I am so glad that I ignored my “no carb” rule and went for it! The restaurant website also gives good directions.
One thing I couldn’t understand in Singapore is a lot of the local dishes were a soup – like your picture – the food floating in broth. I couldn’t really come to terms with it. I guess if I lived there I would come to enjoy it.
Thanks for hosting, and have a great weekend coming up.
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Nancie, please bring them on! More, more, noodles please!!!
I love Korean food but I have not heard of this noodle dish before. Now I have to drag my Korean friend to Koreatown to help me find this divine sounding noodle.
Hi Marisol! It really is outstanding. You won’t regret your search!
Well, so much for my thoughts of cutting back on food after I got home. Your post has me thinking we must have some noodles somewhere hidden away. This is a great find, Nancie and how interesting a post! I am with you, “Over the lips, past the gums, lookout hips, here it comes” when talking carbs these days.
Haha Jackie! I take all the blame 🙂 I know how hard it is to get back on track after traveling. Now I am dealing with the change of season. It seems like all I want to do these days is eat and sleep. I think I’m a bear 🙂
I’m a big fan of noodles, although because of my diabetes I cannot eat them to my heart’s content. But most of them have a low glycemic index, so I managed to try every interesting noodle dish I found during my travels (^_^)
That Kalguksu dish looks yummy!
Hi! Lots of interesting noodle dishes in Japan. How great that they have a low glycemic index.
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I’m not normally a big fan of noodles because I’m always trying to cut down on carbs BUT your photos make the dishes look very appealing and I particularly like the look of kalguksu with kimchi!
Hi Johanna. I hear you. I am also in the cut down on carbs camp. However, can never resist a traditional food that looks so delicious 🙂 I’m adding an extra mile to the walking this week!
Oh my, that kalguksu looks so delicious. I didn’t realize there were that many noodle dishes. I admit my Korean dishes experience have been limited to Korean BBQ, kimchee and bulgogi. It looks like I need to explore the noodle part of Korean food too. I suddenly feel the need to visit Koreatown soon.
Hi Mary! I usually avoid the Korean noodles because of the carbs, but now that I have Kalguksu, I want to try them all! Except, black noodles. I tried those a couple of times, and really dislike them!
Hi Jill. Many Asian countries are big on soup. I think it’s because they are generally cheap to make and very filling. I eat a lot more soup living here, than I ever did in Canada.
I woke up this morning with a scratchy throat and because of that the photo of the Kalguksu looks totally awesome. Now I want some.
Hi Sharlene! Feel better soon. This would be the perfect remedy for a sore throat!
Isn’t it wonderful when you come across a dish that you can add to your all-time favorites list? That really was one huge portion – you were good to get through half. You know, I don’t think I’ve ever had Korean noodles, but I’m obviously missing out on something.
Hi Cathy! Yes, I almost quaked when I saw the huge bowl. When you have the chance do try some.
I must have been Asian in a previous life. I love all of their food. Whether it is Chinese, Thai, Korean, or Vietnamese, I love it. I am currently traveling around Spain and just today we ran into a Cantonese restaurant and we had to try it. I am so glad I did. I love Spanish food but after a while I need the hot and spicy Umami of the Asian food.
Hi Eduardo! I am glad you found Travel Photo Thursday…welcome! You are in one of my favorite countries. I was in Spain a couple of years ago, and loved every moment. I’m a big fan of Asian food, too. Hard to pick a favorite, but Thai is high on my list.
OH my gosh my mouth is literally salivating looking at the heavenly bowl of goodness, Nancie! Then you sent me over the edge describing the meat filled dumplings. I love filled dumplings!! 🙂
Thanks, Mike! I did my job well, then 🙂
Another really interesting food post, Nancie. What a variety of dishes there are in all Asian countries.
[…] I’d hazard a guess that they taste a whole lot better. I recently treated you to these traditional Korean noodles […]
That is the dish I would order. So huge, surely nobody could eat it all! Oh my. You can actually see the flavour in it!
Hi Jan! Yes the portion is HUGE. I did not finish the bowl. It was so good that I hated to leave even a taste behind, but I knew I would be sick if I ate any more!
Those noodles like delicious, I adore pretty much all types of noodles and I hate to admit it but I reckon I’d finish the bowl!!! #FoodieTuesday