[Hongdae / Yeonnam] Vietnamese street restaurant, blow away the midsummer with cold rice noodles!Yeonnam Rice Noodle Restaurant HONGDAE, KOREA

[Hongdae / Yeonnam] Vietnamese street restaurant, blow away the midsummer with cold rice noodles!Yeonnam Rice Noodle Restaurant HONGDAE, KOREA

Escape the Seoul summer heat with a refreshing bowl of cold rice noodles at Yeonnam Vietnamese Street Restaurant. Discover authentic Vietnamese flavors and a vibrant atmosphere in the heart of Yeonnam-dong.

I sometimes crave Vietnamese food, and living in Mapo, I'm lucky. Mapo is culinarily close to Vietnam, with many great places to get Vietnamese rice noodles. Today, I'm taking you to Yeonnam Vietnamese Street Restaurant (연남 베트남노상식당), a fantastic spot in Yeonnam-dong that's also perfect for cold rice noodles!

The Vibe: A Slice of Vietnam in Seoul

Located right in front of Yeonnam Exit 3, this restaurant instantly transports you to the bustling streets of Vietnam. The moment you step in, you'll feel the authentic vibe – from the decor to the lively atmosphere. It's a place that perfectly captures the casualness of a street-side eatery while maintaining a high standard of food quality.

A Taste of History: The Story of Vietnamese Rice Noodles

Have you ever wondered about the origin of Vietnamese rice noodles? Vietnam, a country that thrived on rice farming, also has a rich French cultural influence due to its history as a French colony. This influence is seen in architecture, food, and more. Vietnamese rice noodles, or pho, have a fascinating history rooted in this cultural blend.

Interestingly, cold rice noodles as we know them in Korea don't actually exist in Vietnam. However, there are similar dishes with vermicelli noodles. This restaurant cleverly adapts this concept, offering a refreshing Korean twist on Vietnamese flavors, perfect for the hot summer months.

The Menu: Beat the Heat with Deliciousness

On a day when the temperature soared above 30 degrees Celsius, we knew exactly what to order to beat the heat:

• Frozen Rice Noodles (냉쌀국수): This is the ultimate summer savior. The icy broth is incredibly refreshing, and the noodles are perfectly chewy. It was so good, my teeth were chattering!
• Street Pad Thai: A classic choice, and this version is fantastic. It's a proper Pad Thai, with a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors.
• Gum Seung (껌승): This is rice served with flavorful pork ribs. The funny thing is, it was served with Korean steamed rice, which made it even better than expected. The spicy ribs with rice were irresistible!
• Midday Beer: At just 3,000 won, how could we resist a refreshing draft beer?

The portions are incredibly generous, and the value for money is outstanding. You can easily pay with their convenient kiosk system. The combination of hot rice noodles, gum seung, and cold rice noodles creates a delightful culinary adventure.

As noon approached, the restaurant quickly filled up, a testament to its popularity. If I worked in the neighborhood, I would definitely stop by once a week. The sheer amount of food is crazy!

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Your Quick Guide to Yeonnam Vietnamese Street Restaurant

• Name: Yeonnam Vietnamese Street Restaurant (연남 베트남노상식당)
• Address: 서울 마포구 월드컵북로2길 91 진빌딩 1층 (연남동)
• How to Get There: Located right in front of Yeonnam Exit 3 (Hongik University Station). Use Google Maps for precise directions.
• Hours: Daily 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM (Break time: 3:30 PM - 5:00 PM; Last order: 9:00 PM)
• Contact: 02-338-0300

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A Local's Guide: 3 Ways to Explore Yeonnam-dong

After enjoying your delicious Vietnamese meal, explore the charming and trendy Yeonnam-dong neighborhood with these curated courses.

Course 1: Yeonnam-dong Hipster Emotional Tour

• Yeonnam Vietnamese Street Restaurant: Start your culinary adventure here.
• Yeonnam Toma (연남토마): A cozy converted house serving delicious mentaiko basil oil pasta and tea stone Chinese cream pasta. Perfect for a date night.
• Soi Yeon Nam (소이연남): Featured on Wednesday Night Market, this hidden gem offers authentic Thai flavors.

Course 2: Stroll Through Quiet Alleys and Cafes

• Yeonnam Vietnamese Street Restaurant: Begin your day here.
• Yeonhadong (연하동): This Japanese restaurant specializes in salmon sushi and karaage-don. A must-visit for salmon lovers in Yeonnam-dong.
• Richmond Confectionery (리치몬드 제과점): Satisfy your sweet tooth with unique sweets.
• Seogyo Park (서교공원): A quick stroll here is a great way to clear your stomach and soak up the neighborhood atmosphere.

Course 3: Experience the Real Yeonnam-dong Local Flavor

• Yeonnam Vietnamese Street Restaurant: Fuel up before your exploration.
• Bada Sashimi (바다회사랑): Enjoy thick yellowtail sashimi and a spicy soup to revitalize your appetite.
• Nishimuramen Yeonnam Main Branch (니시무라멘 연남본점): Finish your food tour with Michelin Guide-selected ramen. If there's a line, grab it to go and enjoy it in a nearby park!

All three of these courses are easily accessible from Yeonnam Vietnamese Street Restaurant, offering a natural flow within a short walk or distance. As a local, these are some of my favorites, so be sure to stop by!