One day when we were out on the search for a quick lunch in Seoul, we happened upon a little noodle restaurant called Xiao Bao, nestled among the many, many BBQ joints. This would become my favorite spot of our trip and one that I will be sure to visit again once we return to Korea.
Okay, so what is so special about these 'noods'?
Not only are the noodles handmade, but they come in a variety of different thickness and textures. There were 8 different styles of noodles to choose from to be exact. Everything ranging from your average ramen-thickness noodle, to bigger-than-Udon noodles with a unique basketweave-like texture. Each noodle was simmered in a flavorful broth, tender slices of beef optional but recommended. As you sit and slurp you can watch the noodles be prepared in the kitchen at the back. It is quite the show as you watch strands upon strands of fresh noodles be hand-cut and tossed into a steaming broth.
When we wandered in and sat down at a table we were graciously handed English-versions of the menus, which stated that women most favored noodle style #4, while men preferred style #6. Me? I gave no preferential treatment and took a liking to every style.
The small restaurant was packed full at lunch, with businessmen and businesswomen dressed in the apron-like smock provided, dining in between meetings. The apron was given to prevent any accidental splashing of the tasty broth from getting on the businessmen's crisp white dress shirts. Although Brent and I were horribly underdressed compared to the other diners, we knew well enough that we too would absolutely benefit from the aprons. I would prove this when I managed to splash a bit of spicy broth into my eye as I slurped down those tasty noodles. Brent was a lot more neat and managed to finish his noodles free of eye injury.
But Xiao Bao doesn't just offer tasty beef broth noodles, they offered a variety of other dishes as well including various seafood dishes that I had never heard of or seen before and another one of my favorites - dumplings!
Next time you are in Seoul, specifically Myeongdong, make sure you stop by Xiao Bao to fill your belly full of the most delicious, flavorful noodles (and make sure to grab a Cass beer too!). I can promise you that you will be craving those 'noods' and be right back the next day like we were. And make sure you say "감사합니다" (thank you) as you leave the restaurant happy as can be.
Not only are the noodles handmade, but they come in a variety of different thickness and textures. There were 8 different styles of noodles to choose from to be exact. Everything ranging from your average ramen-thickness noodle, to bigger-than-Udon noodles with a unique basketweave-like texture. Each noodle was simmered in a flavorful broth, tender slices of beef optional but recommended. As you sit and slurp you can watch the noodles be prepared in the kitchen at the back. It is quite the show as you watch strands upon strands of fresh noodles be hand-cut and tossed into a steaming broth.
When we wandered in and sat down at a table we were graciously handed English-versions of the menus, which stated that women most favored noodle style #4, while men preferred style #6. Me? I gave no preferential treatment and took a liking to every style.
The small restaurant was packed full at lunch, with businessmen and businesswomen dressed in the apron-like smock provided, dining in between meetings. The apron was given to prevent any accidental splashing of the tasty broth from getting on the businessmen's crisp white dress shirts. Although Brent and I were horribly underdressed compared to the other diners, we knew well enough that we too would absolutely benefit from the aprons. I would prove this when I managed to splash a bit of spicy broth into my eye as I slurped down those tasty noodles. Brent was a lot more neat and managed to finish his noodles free of eye injury.
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| For the record, it is NOT recommended to get spicy chili beef broth in your eye. Ouch! |
Next time you are in Seoul, specifically Myeongdong, make sure you stop by Xiao Bao to fill your belly full of the most delicious, flavorful noodles (and make sure to grab a Cass beer too!). I can promise you that you will be craving those 'noods' and be right back the next day like we were. And make sure you say "감사합니다" (thank you) as you leave the restaurant happy as can be.
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