First up: California Market. Can one enjoy a delicious meal inside a supermarket? Why yes, one can!
Being within arm's reach of canned goods and packaged rice cake sweets doesn't bother me one bit (okay, maybe not for a first date if we're going to be real). The sauce was a bit soupy, but I loved the balance of flavors: spicy, sweet and tangy. The trio of perfection makes this version sing.
The mild, pickled radish isn't worth tweeting home about, but I still ate all of it.
Some hot beef broth. That description may not dazzle you, but I think it's the same goodness that is served cold in regular naengmyun. I find the stuff irresistible and very comforting.
Up next: Ham Hung. I had high hopes for this joint that has a loyal following and a disconcerting interior; the slightly claustrophobic dining area is located behind swinging doors, which made me feel like I was visiting a front operation to play hwa-tu (a Korean card game).
You'll notice there is a lot more protein (pork and beef)! But, it didn't taste like the kind of noodles that draw praise from the Koreatown crowd (they're tough cookies, folks). The sauce didn't have the depth of flavor I was expecting. Normally, I am easily appeased by a bowl of noodles (even if mediocre), but this batch was quite uninspired. I did enjoy the surprisingly pickled cucumbers in Ham Hung's take as bibim naengmyun is usually served with fresh unseasoned cukes.
Their spicy pickled radish passed the mark. Their beef broth didn't get much love from me, so I guess I didn't care that much when the server took my personal kettle o' broth while I was still eating. What, I don't get my kettle for the whole duration of my meal? Pfft.
Final spot: Yu Chun. I've had their regular naengmyun and rather adored it, so wanted to see if their bibim style was on par.
Visually very appealing! I really like the hefty dose of sesame thrown in and julienned cucumber just makes me happy. The flavor was solid, but there was something overwhelming about this bowl of boldness. Maybe I'm a purist and prefer less adorned, straightforward noodles; there were a lot of toppings in this mix.
I did not care for their beef broth because it was cold with ice chunks! Yes, it works in naengmyun, but it is so bizarre sipping on cold icy beef broth when it is not part of your noodle entree. If that doesn't make sense to you, go try this situation and report back to me, please. Their pickled radish is fine; although when you've already got a whole mess of them already mingling with your noodles, an additional helping is not that enticing.
And the moment you've been waiting impatiently for! I have ranked them as follows:
1. California Market is the winner! After all my research, it figures I am back to my old stand-by. The beef slices aren't plentiful, but taste trumps quantity here.
2. Yu Chun. Flavor wise, it's a teensy step down, but it is an actual restaurant with windows! And the portions are bigger.
3. Ham Hung. Maybe there is a magnetic force that gets people to come back again and again, but it just wasn't for me. I don't get the appeal; maybe the classic naengmyun is a better choice (they had a 2 for 1 special when I visited).
By no means am I saying that I have done a comprehensive overview of all LA establishments offering up bibim naengmyun. But, I like the rule of threes and feel like I satisfied my curiosity about a couple places with a reputation for the dish. I've had my fill for now, but speak up if you'd like to endorse your go-to spot!
California Market
450 S. Western Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90020
(213) 368-1410
*The last food stall next to the Chinese place
Yu Chun Chic Naeng Myung
3185 W. Olympic Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90006
(213) 382-3815
Ham Hung
809 S. Ardmore Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90005
(213) 381-1520
12 comments:
Here is my dirty secret -- I don't like naengmyun. I don't dig cold noodles of any kind.
Don't disown me.
omg. beef broth w/any naenmyung ftmfw!
i actually love the bibim n. at california market. i also like the version at you and me (nuh du, nah du), at chosun galbee but i think my fave is chunge wah but it's been a whiles... there's too much msg and salt for me to partake too often. which is a shame bc these noodles are one of the best asian noodles ever.
Love this post since I am a bibim naengmyun addict!
And I have to agree with you, California Market's version is my fave too.
Gah, craving a bowl right now!
Yum! Next time I visit I know you'll take me to only the best!
I like the comparison post btw!
price! PRICE!?#$# I don't care how good it may be, ain't paying $10 for bibim anything.
Corner House has regular naengmyun for $5. Al Be Ne is down at $7ish.
Chinese kimchi-fied naengmyun can be found for $4.50 in secret undisclosed locale.
Can you take me on a cold noodle tour de force? I think it would also be a good idea to do a cold noodle comparison - Japanese Soba vs. Korean Bibim n. vs. Vietnamese Bun...etc!
Thoughts? Oh yeah? I thoughts so. :)
Weezermonkey: Disown you? Never! :P To each their own temperature preferences for noodles.
Ddokbaro: Still think you should start a food blog, dude. Your eats should be shared with the world wide web!
Yutjangsah: I have actually been to You and Me! I didn't know if that was a place respectable Ktown folk went. Hmm, when I googled Chunge Wah, all that came up was a funeral service. Where is it located?
Daily Gluttony: You know, I think your California Market post a couple years ago might have been responsible for my first visit!
Mary: Next time you visit our fair city, we will eat well, friend! :)
TonyC: Sorry I forgot to include the crucial deets. CA Market and Ham Hung were about $8, Yu Chun was about $9. Chinese kimchi-fied naengmyun -- very intriguing!
Jessica: I'm totally into it, although I may have to train my stomach weeks beforehand. My schedule is crazed at the moment, but I'll be in touch. Let's make it happen!
omg, i love cold noodles. gonna get me some now!!
Pandalicious: Yes, summer's designated meal should be cold noodles all day every day. :P Thanks for stopping by!
Wow, I never even knew California Market had ready-to-eat naengmyun. I've got to try it now when I'm near the area at lunch.
I'm never sure what to do with the side of beef broth usually. Are you supposed to dump it into your bowl or just sip it?
nakedsushi: Yes, CA Market's a good place for a quick bite (haven't tried the other food stalls, so can't vouch for them)! I sip the broth, though I always find it strange to drink savory stuff.
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