Saejeol ramen shop: karai paitan spicier than Shin Ramyun, Oreno

Yesterday I went to Oreno Ramen Eunpyeong, which was just named a Michelin Bib Gourmand pick. It's a place I go to all the time, but this time I brought a friend! So today I'm sharing my story about Oreno Ramen Eunpyeong, which has become a go-to spot near Saejeol Station and Bulgwangcheon.

How to get to Oreno Ramen Eunpyeong, and parking

Oreno Ramen Eunpyeong is a 5-minute walk from Saejeol Station, and there's room for 1–2 cars in front of the shop. Walk along Bulgwangcheon-gil and you'll spot the sign right away, so it's pretty easy to reach.

Bar seats and an open kitchen, great for eating solo

The shop has bar seats and regular tables. Bar seats are good if you're eating alone, and regular tables suit couples or groups.

I sat at the bar, and the kitchen is right in front of you, so you naturally end up watching your food being made, haha. Two staff members were hard at work in the kitchen, and seeing the process with my own eyes was fun and reassuring.

Looking around, quite a few people were there on their own. I come solo a lot too, and it works well both alone and with a friend.

Oreno Ramen menu and prices

The menu at Oreno Ramen Eunpyeong is just two items: tori paitan and karai paitan. That's how focused they are on ramen!

• Tori paitan ₩13,000
• Karai paitan ₩13,000
• Extra tsukune chashu (grilled chicken meatball) ₩3,000
• Extra soft-boiled egg ₩1,000

This time I ordered the karai paitan and the tori paitan.

How does the tori paitan broth taste?

The tori paitan (creamy white chicken broth ramen) had a rich yet clean broth. First, the look of the bowl? Total pass!

I took a sip of the tori paitan broth and it was rich but clean. No wonder it got a Michelin Bib Gourmand. I heard it was the first Korean ramen specialty shop to get one!

How spicy is the karai paitan?

The karai paitan is the chicken broth with a little heat added, and it's slightly spicier than Shin Ramyun. Plain spicy and delicious spicy are two different things, you know. Oreno Ramen's karai paitan was exactly that delicious kind of spicy, the kind that keeps you eating even as it burns!

If you like spicy food, I think you'll love it.

Before we knew it, my friend and I had our noses buried in our ramen bowls, haha.

My own recipe with broth and rice refills

At Oreno Ramen Eunpyeong you can refill the broth, noodles, steamed rice and even kimchi. I refilled the broth and the rice, and putting rice into the ramen broth is honestly so good. You have to try it to know.

A regular's egg and tsukune combo

When I came alone last week, I added one soft-boiled egg and one tsukune. I thought I'd die of fullness that time too, lol. Every time I come solo I eat it this way: egg and tsukune flex~ It's perfect for a big solo meal.

Visitor information for Oreno Ramen Eunpyeong

• Address: 366 Bulgwangcheon-gil, Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul, South Korea
• About 5 minutes on foot from Exit 1 of Saejeol Station
• Hours: daily 11:00–20:30
• Break time: 14:30–17:00
• Last order: 20:00
• Parking: 1–2 cars in front of the shop (tight); calling ahead is recommended

A Bulgwangcheon stroll after your meal

Oreno Ramen Eunpyeong is right by Bulgwangcheon stream, so it's nice to walk along it after eating. It's just right for a walk when the weather is cool like these days. In cherry blossom season especially, it's a great spot to stop by before or after a stroll.

Verdict: rich, spicy, endless refills

Oreno Ramen Eunpyeong has solid fundamentals, as you'd expect from a Michelin Bib Gourmand place. It's my regular spot, after all, haha. With only two menu items, it feels like they focus on one thing. The broth, noodles and toppings are all made with care. (I watched it being made with my own two eyes!)

Having a place like this near home is a real small joy, haha. Thanks to another chance, I got to introduce one of my go-to eateries today! If you're looking for a good spot near Saejeol Station or Bulgwangcheon, stop by when you're hungry passing through and you'll leave full.