Naengmyeon(Cold noodles) isn't that bad!

Many foreigners are surprised when they first hear about naengmyeon(cold noodles), a unique Korean dish. They wonder how noodles can be cold since, in their experience, noodles must always be hot in temperature. But in Korea, this cold noodle dish, which originated in North Korea, is beloved by many, even in the heart of winter.

If you find it a bit daunting to try naengmyeon on its own, you can start with Korean charcoal-grilled ribs or galbi. Here's a simple way to enjoy it: first, savor a hearty amount of Korea’s iconic galbi. Then, order the naengmyeon—make sure you have a little room left in your stomach!😅 When you eat, wrap the noodles around a few remaining pieces of meat from the grill. It’s a taste of heaven.😇 Just like how ice cream serves as a refreshing dessert to help settle a full stomach, naengmyeon is the perfect end to a BBQ meal.

In Korea, naengmyeon comes in two main types: Pyongyang naengmyeon and Hamhung naengmyeon. Pyongyang naengmyeon has buckwheat noodles, which are soft and easy to digest because buckwheat is gluten-free. The broth is cold, made with dongchimi—a type of sour watery kimchi soup—which gives it a refreshing taste. Hamhung naengmyeon, on the other hand, is made from potato starch, giving it a chewier texture. This version is usually mixed with spicy sauce and often topped with raw fish. I recommend starting with the milder Pyongyang style for those new to naengmyeon.

When you visit a naengmyeon restaurant in Seoul, don’t be surprised to see scissors on the table. Although some might reach for them, you won’t need them for Pyongyang naengmyeon. The noodles, made primarily of buckwheat, lack stickiness and can be easily bitten through. True Pyongyang naengmyeon connoisseurs frown at using scissors.

Moreover, cutting noodles at the table would shock North Koreans, in particular. They believe that dough length represents longevity, so cutting your noodles with scissors is akin to cutting your own life short—a kind of culinary self-harm if you will.😅

While naengmyeon in winter is more for the die-hard fans, a bowl of cold noodles in the hot summer will be the perfect way to beat the heat. Challenge your biases and give naengmyeon a try!✔️