A reliable source… for dinner

On numerous occasions I have found myself ending the workday, shutting down for the night (way past a traditional dinnertime), and scrounging around for something to eat. When there weren’t leftovers from lunch or a random smattering of ingredients in the refrigerator – resulting in one’s personal episode of “Chopped” – there’s always the old reliable ramen.

While the ramen collection sits proudly on top of the refrigerator, with a variety of flavors on display, the old favorite sits along the side. Whenever I’m not in the mood for a hot, steaming bowl of ramen, with a delicious broth ready to be savored after slurping a big pile of noodles, there is always jjajangmyeon.

At first, was unfamiliar with the dish and had no idea how much of a classic it was in South Korea. Going through the instructions, it said to drain most of the water, with the remaining left to be mixed with the sauce powder. Putting it all together, it was delicious, rich, and savory – became apparent why the dish is so popular.

On the first visit to Seoul, had work obligations and was left to scrounge for dinner late into the evening. Staying in the Myeongdong section of the city, there was plenty of activity late at night and managed to find a hole-in-the-wall spot selling a variety of local fare. Spotted jjajangmyeon on the menu and there was no question a fresh-made bowl needed to be sampled.

Obviously, it was better than the instant variety.

The sauce was creamier and, with real bits of meat scattered throughout, the savory flavor was even more pronounced. Visited Seoul again the following year, stayed in the same neighborhood, and, by chance, found the same spot – ordered jjajangmyeon.

Locally, there is NOWHERE to find jjajangmyeon; and the places that purport to sell it are just serving an order of the instant pack (and adding half a hardboiled egg as a garnish). At least, on those late nights at home, can enjoy a bowl of one of the most unique-tasting noodle dishes and pair it properly, with danmuji (picked radish).