Cold buckwheat noodles are a tasty and healthy dish, served at restaurant ‘When Buckwheat Flowers Blossom.’ / Korea Times Photo by Min Hee-young





By Min Hee-young
Korea Times Intern

The restaurant ``When Buckwheat Flowers Blossom'' proves that healthy eating does not have to be punishing, but rather, pleasant.

It opened in 2006, but possesses a traditional ambiance that would easily allow it to feign a longer history.

Having a rugged appearance, its exterior is characteristic of Korean restaurants decades ago. The interior is similarly endearing ― tight seating, faded yellowed wallpaper, and low tables with seat-mats.

The restaurant borrowed its name from the title of a famous short story by novelist Lee Hyo-seok, but shares little in common with the struggling village markets in the story.

In its short existence, the small but bustling restaurant has achieved local fame for its mouthwatering well-being noodles ― a good source for protein, minerals, and antioxidants.

As a self-advertising poster in the restaurant states, When Buckwheat Flowers Blossom serves, "Noodles for people who know good noodles."

We ordered cold buckwheat noodles (5,000 won) and soybean noodles (5,000), which were accompanied by kimchi and cubed radish kimchi.

The buckwheat noodles were served in an iced beef broth garnished with sliced cucumbers, sliced Asian pears, pickled radish, half a hard-boiled egg, and a quarter of a tomato. The slender brown noodles had a good texture and were cooked just right for a pleasant chewing experience - crunchy and frigid cold. The seasoning was a perfect blend of pepper paste, onions, garlic, and vinegar - refined and tangy.

The soybean buckwheat noodles were served in a cold soymilk based broth, accompanied by shredded cucumbers and Asian pears. While the noodles were a delectable texture, I've had better, creamier, smoother broth. The seasoning was also slightly too sweet. But served with flakes of floating shaved ice, the dish still makes a refreshing summer treat.

While cold buckwheat noodles are the restaurant's specialty, we recommend you also try other dishes that complement the main dish. Korean dumplings and pancakes, all made with buckwheat, were popular options among neighboring customers.

The restaurant also serves beer and soju, as well as an assortment of bottled nonalcoholic refreshments.

When Buckwheat Flowers Blossom is located near exit 4 of Gyeongbokgung on subway line 4. Call (02) 734-0367 for details.

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