A Visit to Eulmildae's Main Branch: Encountering the Roots of Pyeongyang Cold Noodles
Eulmildae, the Holy Ground of Pyeongyang Cold Noodles
Eulmildae is a place that anyone who likes Pyeongyang cold noodles has heard of at least once. The Eulmildae main branch, located near Mapo Gongdeok Station, is a place that is consistently loved among Pyeongyang cold noodle enthusiasts. I heard that the name of Eulmildae originated from a pavilion in Pyeongyang Castle during the Goguryeo era, and now, it has become a representative restaurant for Pyeongyang cold noodles in Seoul. There are several branches other than the main branch, but I periodically visit the main branch to experience its unique atmosphere and taste.
Eulmildae Without Parking Worries
I remember that parking was difficult when visiting Eulmildae in the past, but in the past few years, the affiliated parking lots are well-established, so parking is smooth. If you park at the Hanjin Building parking lot or the Dongdo Middle School GS Times parking lot and get a stamp after your meal, you can use them for free for one hour. Also, you can easily access it on foot by using the nearby Mapo Art Center public parking lot. These points made my visit much more convenient.
Pyeongyang Cold Noodles That Taste Even Better in Winter
Did you know that cold noodles are great even in the cold winter? I especially like visiting Eulmildae in winter. In summer, the wait times are long, but in winter, you can enjoy the food relatively comfortably. This time, I was seated immediately without waiting and started by drinking a cup of warm broth while I placed my order.
Introducing the Eulmildae Menu and Recommendations
The signature menu item at Eulmildae is, of course, Pyeongyang cold noodles . There are a variety of dishes, such as Mul-naengmyeon (cold noodles in broth, 15,000 KRW), Bibim-naengmyeon (spicy cold noodles, 15,000 KRW), and Nokdujeon (mung bean pancake, 12,000 KRW), but I always order Mul-naengmyeon and Nokdujeon together. The Mul-naengmyeon is characterized by a cold broth with ice shavings floating in it, but I personally prefer a menu called 'Geo-naeng' . Geo-naeng is a way to have it served with only the broth, without ice. While it's not on the menu, they will make it for you if you ask for it.
Geo-naeng tastes slightly more seasoned than regular Mul-naengmyeon, which is perfect for my taste. After drinking a sip of the broth and then slurping up the buckwheat noodles, it feels like a hangover cure and brings a sense of peace. I would also highly recommend the Nokdujeon, its crispy texture and savory taste go really well with the cold noodles.
The Amazing Charm of Eulmildae Kimchi
You usually don't expect much from the kimchi at a cold noodle restaurant, but Eulmildae's kimchi was a real exception. Although it doesn't perfectly pair with the cold noodles, the kimchi itself was so delicious that it's perfect for enjoying with Nokdujeon or as a side dish with drinks. This small detail alone is one of the reasons why I keep going back to Eulmildae.
Main Building and Annex, Good Spaces for Families
In addition to the main building, Eulmildae's main branch also has an annex. Especially in the annex, there are floor-sitting tables (Zashiki), which makes it a good place to visit with children. The spacious and clean interior allows you to feel both a traditional old-established restaurant and modern comfort at the same time.
In Conclusion...
If you want to find the roots of Pyeongyang cold noodles, I recommend Eulmildae without hesitation. You can enjoy the taste at nearby branches, but it's also great to experience the special atmosphere of the main branch. On a cold winter day, enjoy the subtle but deep flavor of the cold noodles with a cup of warm broth to warm your mind and body!
Which Pyeongyang cold noodle restaurant do you like? If you have visited Eulmildae, please share your own tips and recommended menus in the comments! 😊
