Woorijip Noodle Bar

You may or may not realize this, but I go to Woorijip a LOT, which is unusual for me.  I don’t find myself returning to a lot of places because I adore variety or just want to keep trying new places.  But really, this place has excellent prices, delicious foodstuffs for bento, and it’s convenient to some of the things I like to do after work on a weekday with my buddy Cookie. 

Recently, I’d read over at Blondie & Brownie about the noodle bar at Woorijip.  Huh?  WHAT NOODLE BAR?  I quickly sent the link to Cookie and we were all, “Uh hello we’ve got to get over there ASAP,” and so we did. 

Cookie the eternal vegetarian opted for the egg ramen, which she said she liked but needed more to be full.  It did look a little sad, but I know she enjoyed it and just wished it was spicier.  I should have given her my kimchi.

For some reason, I found myself drawn to the vegetable dumpling soup with rice cakes.  I think I just wanted rice cakes and was willing to pretend there was meat in this (it may be part of how I grew up or something, but if I don’t eat meat in a meal, I don’t feel as satisfied).  It came quickly and piping hot. 

Shot of the rice cakes.  I was plenty full once I’d finished this, and found the broth salty and satisfying on that cold night (I believe it was snowing that night too).  I did add some bits of kimchi into mine to spice it up a bit, but it was fine without that as well. 

The sides of kimchi and takuan (pickled daikon) that come with each soup. 

Do note the limited hours of the noodle bar (credit to Blondie & Brownie for taking the photo!), and that you pay for your soups at that window, but pay up front for other items (we were a bit confused as to where to pay for what, but were quickly informed of what was what when we tried to pay for other stuff in the back…). 

Yvo says: Anyone who’s been to Woorijip knows that you’re not winning any ambiance or service awards (if there is table service – I don’t believe there is), but the food is cheap and satisfying.  I think my soup was $6 and Cookie’s was $5 – there’s a big cooler of corn tea in the back for you to help yourself – it’s an excellent place to grab a quick and cheap bite, delicious as well.  I recommend the place fully but know that this is a cafeteria style place for quick bites, not for lingering!  Thanks go to Brownie for alerting me to the existence of the noodle bar in the back of Woorijip (and its hours, which is really why I constantly don’t notice it- I’m usually there too late!). 
highly recommended