We had a pretty hot end of August – beginning of September. And for that reason, over the space of a couple of weeks, I was really craving Bi Bim Naengmyun. While checking for dog friendly Asian places….which is a rarity here in San Diego….I saw Woomiok mentioned several times! And while we’ve mostly done takeout from Woomiok since the days of Covid. It had been a while since I’d last visited. And I’d never had the naengmyun from the place….and even though I’ve seen the tables along the walkway. I had never seen anyone sitting there. So, this was going to be an interesting one!
We arrived right at opening and I peeked my head into the restaurant and asked if JJ and I could sit at an outdoor table. In my experience with Woomiok, folks have always been very nice and this time was no exception. I will say, that sitting on the walkway is kinda interesting…
As folks keep walking past…..though many of them smiled at JJ and a couple even asked to pet him!
The folks working were very nice….but as I’ve mentioned before; there’s “Dog Friendly” versus “Dog’s Allowed”; Woomiok falls in the latter category. But, no complaints as the service was very attentive considering I was sitting outside and a bit out of the way from folks.
I order the Bi Bim Naengmyun which is prices at $16.99 for lunch.
The panchan was better than I recalled; especially the baechu kimchi – so refreshing, fermented nicely, with good spice. And the Musaengchae was quite crunchy…..nicely pickled as well. This was a nice start.
Soon enough the standard accoutrements arrived. Pungent mustard and vinegar. I usually don’t need this for my Bi Bim Naengmyun, but for the version that Woomiok serves, it came in handy.
Of the three versions I had during that two week period; this was my least favorite version. For some reason, the noodles weren’t as “rubber-bandy” stretchy and chewy. Strange. The boiled egg was severely over cooked….look at the grey ring. I’m used to having the standard soup served with ice on the side….this was served in the bowl along with the usually spicy Gochugaru, which watered things down. For some reason, it seemed on the blander side of the scale and I actually added mustard and vinegar for some “zip”.
Well, I’ll pass on this in the future. As I mentioned earlier; the folks working were so nice and seeing the outdoor tables at Okan made me wonder if JJ would be welcomed sitting outside there as well?
Woomiok
3860 Convoy St
San Diego, CA 92111
Current Hours:
Sun – Thurs 11am – 9pm
Fri – Sat 11am – 10pm
If this was the weakest link, I can’t wait to see the others
I’ll try to get those done soon ST!
bummer
Yes, it was Kat!
I like their banchan and kimchee, and their soups are pretty solid. Noting to skip the cold noodles.
There’s a new spot inside the H Mart food hall at Balboa, Chodang Tofu & BBQ. It’s a chain from Korea and they have naengmyeon. I went recently to try the tofu jjigae and kalbi, and it was pretty decent for a fast-casual spot. Their “spicy” level wasn’t spicy enough for me, but that’s just my preference. May be worth checking out.
I saw that place the last time I went to H Mart Mar! Thanks for the recommendation; I’ll add it to my “list”!
Love this place. The banchan and oxtail soup are delish! A little pricey, but aren’t most places these days?
Woomiok’s panchan has definitely gotten better over time Julie! I’ll stick with their bone soups which are quite good.