Hwaseong pho restaurant solo meal with buffalo wings: Mibundang

Having pho solo near Dongtan Station

Pho is one of those things I crave regularly! I went back to Mibundang for a solo meal for the first time in a while. Mibundang Dongtan Station Branch (미분당 동탄역점) is near Dongtan Station, so it is easy to stop by after taking the SRT or visiting Lotte Department Store. I often pop in when I have errands nearby and start craving pho.

Since it is close to Dongtan Station, there can sometimes be a wait around lunch or dinner. But there is a parasol and hovenia tea ready outside the restaurant, which really shows the owner’s thoughtful service. Haha.

Open-kitchen counter seats and a comfortable setting

Ta-da! I came just as break time was nearly over, and I was the only one left when I finished, so I took some photos. Every seat is an open-kitchen counter seat, making this such a nice place for a quiet solo meal!

Because it is an open kitchen, you can see the whole cooking process at a glance. What I have especially loved every time I visit Mibundang Dongtan Station Branch is how clean it is! It was spotless on my last visit and this time too, always so clean haha.

Open the drawer in front of your seat and you will find a set of cutlery, with napkins right beside it. Having everything sorted from the seat made the meal feel very comfortable.

Look slightly upward and there are hot sauce, chili sauce, and hoisin sauce. Enjoy them with your pho however you like.

They first bring side dishes, water, and a small plate. If you need more side dishes or water, place them on top and the staff will notice and take care of it, so keep that in mind.

The restroom is inside the building; check the sign near the entrance. There is also mouthwash, candy, and toothpicks ready for after your meal. Such thoughtful service•• I was very satisfied.

How to order and the brisket-and-beef-belly pho

Before the pho arrived, I got my sauces ready. All three sauces are delicious, so I use every one!

Here is a photo of the Mibundang menu! Order at the kiosk outside the restaurant. If there is a wait, a staff member will guide people in order; if there is no wait, just go in and they will show you to a seat.

I ordered the brisket-and-beef-belly pho! It is what I order every single time I come to Mibundang. Look at all that thinly sliced beef belly and brisket piled on top—there are loads of noodles, bean sprouts, and meat, so it is perfect for a hearty meal.. 〰️〰️

This pho is delicious because you get both tender beef belly and chewy brisket. It is also topped generously with Cheongyang chili peppers, so the broth is gently spicy and peppery while still smooth. So good.. seriously..

The first sip of the pho broth without adding anything is sooo delicious. It was hot and absolutely perfect for the weather lately..

My preference is to put noodles, bean sprouts, and meat into a bowl, then mix them with hot sauce and chili sauce. It is sooo good ㅠㅠ If you like spicy food, you really have to try it this way.

You can enjoy it together with the spicy broth too.

Add the pickled onions too, and it is heavenly!

Buffalo wings I could not skip, even on a solo meal

I am the kind of person who cannot give up a side dish even when eating alone.. I had been thinking about buffalo wings for the first time in a while, so I ordered them.

Buffalo wings that are crispy outside and juicy inside! They go so well with pho, so I would recommend them if you are deciding on a side?

Mibundang also offers takeout?! You can choose fully cooked or partially cooked takeout, so I will have to get some when I want to eat comfortably at home ◡̈