Cheongha Garden

Bibim Makguksu

Perilla Seed Makguksu (Large Portion)

Vegetable Buckwheat Pancake

The weather was so hot that all I could think about was refreshing makguksu (buckwheat noodles).
So once again, we set out to find a makguksu restaurant.

Looking it up, it was quite a famous place known for having inevitable waiting lines, so we headed there with some apprehension.

It turned out there was no separate reservation system, and phone reservations were not accepted if there was a wait.
There was ample parking space in front of the restaurant, but if the crowd got larger, double parking seemed likely necessary.

Fortunately, the timing was great, so we were seated immediately without waiting.
Shortly after we arrived and placed our order, the entire restaurant filled up in an instant.

We ordered Bibim Makguksu, Perilla Seed Makguksu (Large Portion), and Vegetable Buckwheat Pancake.

After waiting just a little while, the vegetable buckwheat pancake was served quickly first.
I had eaten vegetable pancakes many times, but this was my first time having one made with buckwheat flour.
As expected, it was crispy and delicious, with a deep aroma of buckwheat.

Seeing us enjoy the buckwheat pancake, the neighboring table ordered one additionally as well.

Right around when we finished most of the pancake, the makguksu dishes were served.

The Bibim Makguksu was milder and less spicy or overwhelming than expected.
It was served with gentle dongchimi (radish water kimchi) broth, which was also pleasantly light and refreshing.
You can add seasonings to your preference, but we only added a tiny bit.

The Perilla Seed Makguksu had plenty of perilla oil, which I really enjoyed.
It had lots of perilla seeds as well, making it exceptionally savory and nutty.
It was exactly the classic perilla seed makguksu flavor you would expect.

Compared to Namgyeong Makguksu, it was less sweet and on the subtler, milder side.
Personally, the style of Namgyeong Makguksu suited my taste a bit more.

Still, it was definitely a place worthy of being called a great restaurant.