If you’re planning a trip to Seoul this fall, make sure to include a scenic drive along the Bugak Skyway Drive Course (북악스카이웨이 드라이브 코스), one of the top three driving routes in the city. This route takes you around the lush mountains near Gyeongbokgung Palace (경복궁), offering a beautiful journey through nature and some spectacular views from the Palgakjeong Pavilion (팔각정), where you can enjoy a panoramic view of Seoul.
After soaking in the views along Bugak Skyway, you’ll find yourself descending into the charming neighborhood of Buam-dong (부암동), home to a delightful hidden gem: the restaurant "Lanzhou Oxy Beef Noodles (란주우우육면)." While the restaurant may be modest in size, it has gained a reputation among locals as a must-visit spot for its authentic flavors. The menu features a variety of dishes, including Lanzhou beef noodles (란주 우육면), tomato and egg noodles (토마토 계란면), crispy eggplant (가지튀김), guobaorou (꿔바로우), boiled dumplings (물만두), and fragrant shrimp (향리새우).
Despite its compact size, the atmosphere inside the restaurant is warm and inviting. When I visited, the place was buzzing with customers, and I had to wait about five minutes to be seated – a testament to its popularity. The dishes were, without exception, delicious, but two truly stood out to me: the crispy eggplant (가지튀김) and the fragrant shrimp (향리새우).
Crispy eggplant is not an easy dish to perfect. Eggplant tends to become soggy when fried, but at Lanzhou Oxy Beef Noodles (란주우우육면), it was fried to perfection – crispy on the outside, tender and moist on the inside. The dish was delicately seasoned with a soy-based sauce and caramelized to give a delightful crunch. The fragrant shrimp (향리새우), my second favorite, were also fried to a perfect crisp, seasoned with just the right amount of spices to enhance their flavor without being overpowering. The best part was the crunch and savory taste of the shrimp heads, which paired excellently with a cold beer – highly recommended!
After enjoying some appetizers, I suggest ending your meal with either the Lanzhou beef noodles (란주 우육면) or the tomato and egg noodles (토마토 계란면). The beef noodles have a subtle flavor, so if you prefer something bolder, you can add a splash of chili oil, which is conveniently available on every table, to enhance the depth of flavor. If you're not a fan of noodles, you can always opt for a bowl of steamed rice (공기밥) to accompany the delicious side dishes.
So, the next time you find yourself driving along Bugak Skyway or exploring Buam-dong, make sure to stop by Lanzhou Oxy Beef Noodles (란주우우육면). It's an experience that combines the best of Seoul's scenic beauty and culinary charm – a perfect way to savor the flavors of the city!
Location: Naver Map
Check out these related articles:
"Discovering a Hidden Gem Café in Buam-dong: Bingsu and Cozy Atmosphere at 스탐티쉬 (STAMMTISCH)."
"Explore Seoul: A City of Over 100 Mountains, a 1,200-Meter-Wide River, and Five Royal Palaces."
