A Taste of Vietnam in Seoul: Finding Authentic Phở and Bánh Mì at Hanoi Byeol in Mangwon

하노이의별 : star of hanoi by Mangwon

It all started on a lazy weekend morning. A friend sent a photo from their trip to Da Nang, Vietnam, and suddenly, a craving for authentic Vietnamese food hit me like a ton of bricks. I couldn't just hop on a plane, so I did the next best thing: I searched for a genuine Vietnamese restaurant right here in Seoul. My quest led me to Hanoi Byeol in Mangwon-dong, a place that promised a real taste of Hanoi.

Tucked away on a cozy neighborhood boulevard between Mapo City Hall and Mangwon Station, Hanoi Byeol felt like a hidden gem. The clean, open-kitchen interior immediately gave me a sense of trust and quality. As we all know, cleanliness is paramount in a good restaurant.

The Great Phở Debate: Northern vs. Southern Style

Before diving into the menu, it's worth noting that Vietnamese cuisine, much like Korean, varies by region. When it comes to phở, there's a distinct difference between the northern (Hanoi) and southern (Ho Chi Minh) styles.

🍜 Northern (Hanoi) Phở: Characterized by a clear, light, and savory broth flavored simply with bones and spices. It’s a clean, profound taste, often garnished with a generous amount of green onions. Sauces are used sparingly.

🌿 Southern (Ho Chi Minh) Phở: Features a sweeter, richer, and more complex broth. It's served with a platter of fresh herbs like bean sprouts and basil, and diners customize their bowls with hoisin and chili sauce.

Hanoi Byeol, as its name suggests, specializes in the traditional Hanoi style, and I was excited to experience that authentic, clean flavor.

What We Ordered: A Feast of Flavors

The menu was extensive, but we knew what we came for. We ordered the Brisket Phở, a Bánh Mì, and of course, a cold Terra beer to beat the heat.

The Brisket Phở arrived, and it was a visual masterpiece. The broth was light yet deeply flavorful, without the heavy, meaty feel you sometimes get. The brisket was perfectly tender. It was so good, we even ordered extra noodles, which came with a choice of toppings.

The Bánh Mì That Transported Me to Vietnam

Finding a truly great bánh mì in Seoul has been a challenge. I’ve often wondered why the ones here never quite match the magic of those in Hanoi or Hoi An. But Hanoi Byeol’s bánh mì was different. It was, in a word, perfect. The baguette was crisp, and the sweet and sour radish provided the perfect kick.

It came with a side of perfectly crispy fries, which was an unexpected but delightful surprise. Paired with a lemon black tea, I felt like I could have been sitting at a cafe in Hanoi.

Thanks to Hanoi Byeol, my craving was satisfied. I don't think I'll need to book a flight to Vietnam just yet. If you're in Seoul and miss the taste of Vietnam, a trip to Hanoi Byeol for their phở and bánh mì will give you that authentic experience you're looking for.

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A Local's Guide to Exploring Mangwon-dong

After your delicious meal, why not explore the charming neighborhood of Mangwon? Here are a few curated travel plans starting from Hanoi Byeol.

1. Vietnamese Food Trail:

• Prom Ha Noi: A nearby spot specializing in bánh xèo and bún chả, with a great drink selection.
• Hanoi Baguette: A small shop perfect for grabbing a quick, hearty bánh mì to-go.
• This entire food tour is just a 5-minute walk from Mangwon Station, perfect for a 2-3 hour culinary adventure.

2. Parks and Cafes:

• Mangwon Hangang Park: Enjoy a relaxing stroll along the Han River.
• Rooftop Cafe 817 Workshop: A hidden gem with a great view of the city.
• Mangwon-dong Cafe Street: Explore a variety of stylish cafes, perfect for people-watching.

3. Markets and Shops:

• Mangwon Market: Experience a traditional Korean market with fresh produce and tasty street food.
• Local Bookstores & Vintage Shops: Discover unique, hidden gems that only locals know about.

Enjoy your authentic taste of Vietnam in the heart of Seoul!