Ojang-dong Hamheung Naengmyeon - Best in Seoul!

오장동흥남집  (Ojang-dong, HeungnamJib) 

90-10 Ojang-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea +82 2-2267-9500

In my office, you must be well prepared to talk about good Naengmyeon in Seoul. Maybe because it's filled with older generation ahjussi and our proximity to 2 of the reputed 5 best ones in Seoul. Everyone has their favourite that is always better than others (and if you don't agree - you're just too young to taste properly).

There are actually different types Naengmyeon (냉면) usually differentiated by the regions they come from. The more well known ones are 평양냉면 (Pyeongyang Naengmyeon) and 함흥냉면 (Hamheung Naengmyeon). 평양냉면 has more subtle (some may even argue bland – but that’s blasphemous) broth, where as 함흥냉면 (originated from 함흥 province up in N.Korea) is known for its tougher and thinner noodles.

As it is with lots of famous Korean food, there’s a small area in Seoul called 오장동 (near Dongdaemun) where the 3 most famous 함흥냉면 restaurants are located. Now, I am not qualified in both age and knowledge to rank the three, but my favourite (following the advice of my grandpa) is definitely 오장동 함흥집 (which is the FIRST among the 3 to be established!)  

오장동 함흥집 has been operating for over 62 years since the first owner brought the recipe with her when she came down from North Korea! It’s usually super busy during lunch and dinner so it’s best to go either a little earlier!

The menu is rather straight forward with 5 types of Naengmyeon being offered (Sashimi, Beef, Mixed, Warm Soup, Mul Naengmyeon) at 9,000 KRW (you can also order more noodles too). You’d be quite silly to other anything but the house special which is회냉면 (sashimi) which comes with Sole Sashimi.

You also get served with warm broth to drink from a cup! It’s really rich and rather salty but goes perfectly with the slightly spicy naengmyeon. The noodles are also much tougher than your usual ones as it is made from sweet potato instead of potato starch.

I can’t quite describe what the sauce tastes of but it is just a perfect blend of garlic, fish-sauce, chili and sugar that it really just hits the spot! You should mix in 겨자 (korean mustard sauce), vinegar, sesame oil and sugar adjusted to your preference.

If you’ve been in Korea and have only tried the typical 물냉면 from the franchises – you should make your way to try the 회냉면 here. It’s definitely a taste you’ll remember and crave as time goes on!