Cycle 15 – Item 139

23 (Thu) May 2024

 Pyeongyang Memil Mul Guksu

2.0

at Bongmilga

-Seongsu, Seongdong, Seoul, Republic of Korea-

with W

Bongmilga is a Korean restaurant.  Specializes in northern fare, including Pyeongyang-style mul naeng myeon.  Part of a growing chain – the original is recognized by the Michelin Guide as a Bib Gourmand restaurant, which GMTD had noted back in 2018 (see generally 9.145 Mul Naeng Myeon) – currently 3 locations.

“Pyeongyang Memil Mul Guksu” is what the restaurant calls their version of Pyeongyang-style mul naeng myeon.  The name, which I’ve never heard before, breaks down as “memil = buckwheat” (PYS MNM noodles are comprised primarily of buckwheat, often with tiny amounts of potato starch for chewiness) + “mul = water” + “guksu = noodles.”  Seems entirely unnecessary and confusing, given that “Pyeongyang-style mul naeng myeon” is so well-established – surely, every first-time customer must ask “Is this different than standard PYS MNM?”, as if a restaurant were to rename their burger as “ground beef sandwich.”

Regardless of the name, it wasn’t very good.  The noodles were firm with decent buckwheat flavor but soulless.  The broth was horribly plain, zero beef flavor, actually like water, the kind of thing that gives MYS MNM a bad rap.  I’m wondering if the original location is any better.

(See also MNM)

(See also HANSIK)

(See also RESTAURANTS IN KOREA)