After-work autumn cold prawn ramen in Yongsan: Menya Seoul

Last time it was my junior coworker, this time it's my wife. Since I work in Yongsan, there's a place I visit regularly — Menya Seoul, located on the 7th floor of Yongsan I'Park Mall.

This was my 5th visit, and there's always a reason to keep coming back. This time in particular was my second visit with my wife, and the reason was a new menu item she'd love: the giant prawn cold ramen.

This is a review from a weekday evening after work, chatting away with my wife over ramen at Menya Seoul. She really loves sour flavors, and based on my past experience with this dish, I really wanted to share it with her this time.

Where is Menya Seoul Yongsan I'Park Mall Branch and how do you get there?

Menya Seoul is located on the 7th floor of I'Park Mall near Yongsan Station in Seoul. There are many restaurants on this floor, and you can easily reach it by taking the elevator or escalator up from the 3rd floor Dopamine Station. Their signature dish is the dongpo pork chashu ramen. A bronze plaque that wasn't there before has now been put up, so you can spot it right as you step off the elevator.

This time, though, I went for something to eat cool even in fall — the giant prawn cold ramen. Last time I tried it, the broth with grilled lemon was so refreshing that I confidently ordered it again.

The concept this time seems to be "cool even in fall." There are customers who want summer menus even in autumn, and I think this is a great option for them.

About 15 minutes after ordering, the giant prawn cold ramen arrived. I could tell each bowl was carefully prepared in the kitchen, one by one — that stuck with me.

What comes in the giant prawn cold ramen, and how does it taste?

The visual alone makes your mouth water. There's one big fried giant prawn, a soft-boiled egg, seaweed, chashu pork, and two slices related to the grilled lemon.

I started with the noodles first — tossed in the sour broth, it's an incredibly appetite-stimulating flavor.

Then I tried the fried giant prawn alongside it.

A bite of the egg yolk, too.

Then back to the fried giant prawn again, coating my mouth with richness.

Finishing it off with the chashu pork makes for a very filling meal.

If it gets a bit rich, just eat some pickled radish. Repeating this pattern of bites makes for a really delicious meal. The thin chashu really whets the appetite.

There's always a reason for visiting somewhere often. I'll probably keep coming back.

When the cold winter comes, I'll have to try the dongpo pork chashu ramen again. By then, I'll be craving fatty foods, so I'll probably enjoy the dongpo pork even more than the giant prawn cold ramen.

Menya Seoul Yongsan I'Park Mall Branch: hours, payment and menu

• Address: 55 Hangang-daero 23-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, 7th floor
• Hours: 11:00-21:00
• Card payment accepted
• Signature menu: Dongpo Pork Chashu Ramen / Jambon Chashu Ramen / Cold Ramen