Kalguksu holds a special place in the hearts of Koreans and is a beloved and familiar dish. Here’s how Koreans perceive and feel about kalguksu:
1. Traditional Food: Kalguksu is a traditional dish with a long history, enjoyed in various ways across different regions of Korea. It is made by cutting dough into noodles and cooking them in a broth with various ingredients, making it a common homemade meal.
2. Comfort Food: Kalguksu is warm and simple, providing comfort to Koreans. Especially in the cold winter months, a bowl of hot kalguksu warms both the body and the soul.
3. Healthy Meal: Kalguksu is considered a nutritious meal, made with a variety of ingredients such as vegetables, seafood, and meat. Clam kalguksu, in particular, is known for its high nutritional value and great taste.
4. Family Dish: Kalguksu is perfect for family gatherings. It is often cooked in large pots, with everyone in the family sitting around and enjoying it together, a common scene in Korean households.
5. Versatile Variations: Kalguksu can be adapted with different ingredients and cooking methods, resulting in unique variations across regions. For example, dak kalguksu uses chicken broth, while spicy kalguksu features a hot and spicy broth.
6. Dining Out and Leisure: Kalguksu restaurants are widespread across Korea, making it a popular choice for dining out. These restaurants often serve kalguksu with side dishes such as barley rice, kimchi, and dumplings, offering a more substantial meal.
In summary, kalguksu is a dish that embodies tradition, comfort, health, and family for Koreans.
Introduction to Old-Fashioned Kalguksu in Nowon Station
Location: 1417 Dongil-ro, Nowon-gu, Seoul, right in front of Exit 8 of Nowon Station. It is next to Starbucks, opposite Lotte Department Store at Nowon Station.
Features:
- Popularity: This noodle restaurant is famous for its long waiting lines, indicating its popularity. It is especially crowded during lunchtime.
- Operating Hours: There is a waiting period from 2:30 PM to 4 PM during which you cannot place orders or eat. Orders are taken from 4 PM, and dining is available from 4:30 PM.
- Parking: Parking can be tricky, so using public transportation is recommended.
Recommended Dishes:
- Kalguksu: The main dish, featuring clams and various vegetables, making the broth flavorful and refreshing.
- Spicy Handmade Noodles (Eolkeun Sujebi): Recommended for those who enjoy spicy food.
- Black Soybean Noodles (Heuk Kongguksu): A unique dish made from domestic Seoritae soybeans, especially popular in summer.
- King-Sized Dumplings (Wang Mandu): A side dish filled with tofu and meat, offering a savory and deep flavor.
- Boiled Pork (Suyuk) and Bossam: Available only in the afternoon, these tender and delicious meat dishes are also very popular.
Interior:
- Two Floors: The restaurant has two floors, but it is not very spacious. The second floor has more seating inside compared to the first floor.
- Barley Rice: Barley rice is provided as a basic side dish, which is good to mix with sesame oil, young radish kimchi, and red pepper paste.
Additional Information:
- Waiting System: There is a system in place to notify you of your waiting turn via KakaoTalk.
- Atmosphere: The restaurant has a simple and traditional atmosphere, allowing you to experience food prepared with long-standing care and dedication.
Old-Fashioned Kalguksu in Nowon Station is a renowned restaurant with a rich history and tradition, offering hearty and meticulously prepared dishes. Be mindful of the potential waiting time during peak hours when planning your visit.