Cycle 14 – Item 894
9 (Sun) April 2023
Pyeonsu
3.5
-Buam, Jongro, Seoul, Republic of Korea-
with W, various WHO WPRO K-staff alumni
Jaha Sonmandu (자하손만두) is a Korean restaurant. Specializes in mandu, as well as other northern-style fare.
Earlier in the afternoon, several former colleagues from WHO got together for a trek in the hills bordering Bukhansan. The gathering concluded with dinner at Jaha Sonmandu.
We passed on the trek and joined the dinner.
First time seeing the gang since last July (see 13.185 Naeng Memil Guksu).
When I was a PhD candidate at Yonsei University, one of my professors used to love this restaurant, so he took me there for lunch on several occasions. I recall that I’d really enjoyed the mandu, so I was looking forward to experiencing the food again, after all these years.
Pyeonsu (편수) is a Korean dish. A type of mandu, with the same filling as all Korean mandu: minced beef/pork + dubu + mung bean sprouts, as well as garlic + onion + chives. The only difference is the pyramidal shape, made by pinching the 4 corners of a square wrapper to a point. Pyeonsu can be steamed (as here) or boiled in a soup.
The pyeonsu weren’t as good as I remembered. Very northern in its light-handed seasoning, though perhaps a bit too lean, almost bland. But crafted with great care, the texture managed to feel luxurious, despite the austerity of the flavors. In any case, I didn’t really enjoy them.
Having arrived late, we just ate what was already on the table.
(See also HANSIK)
(See also RESTAURANTS IN KOREA)