Bulgwangcheon ramen shop after a cherry blossom walk: Oreno Ramen

The weather has gotten so nice lately, hasn't it? It's the perfect season for a walk along Bulgwangcheon. A few days ago I was happily strolling the cherry blossom path there, and I finally made it to a gem of a restaurant I'd had starred in my map app for ages. I absolutely love noodles, especially rich Japanese-style ramen, so I ran over with huge expectations. 🍜

It's the new Eunpyeong branch of Oreno Ramen, the brand that's been named a Michelin Bib Gourmand for several years in a row and is called the ruler of Seoul's ramen scene. For anyone put off by the long waits at the main branch, or Eunpyeong locals for whom Hapjeong is a trek, this is the best news ever. Let me say the conclusion up front: Oreno Ramen Eunpyeong is, without question, the best ramen place of all the restaurants I've visited recently, and the first one I'd take friends to when they visit my neighborhood. So let me get into an honest, detailed review of what won me over!

Where is Oreno Ramen Eunpyeong, and what's the atmosphere like?

Oreno Ramen Eunpyeong is on the 1st floor at 366 Bulgwangcheon-gil, Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul. Get off at Saejeol Station and walk along the stream, and you'll spot it quickly. The walking path is right in front of the restaurant, so after a big meal you can stroll to digest. It's a perfect date course.

The exterior is clean and modern with no fuss, but the warm wood tones remind me of an artisan's ramen shop hidden in a back alley in Japan. Inside it's tidy and pleasant. There are bar-style counter seats, so eating alone is no pressure at all, plus regular tables where you can sit across from a friend or partner. If you sit by the window, you can watch the relaxed scenery of Bulgwangcheon and passersby through the big glass windows, so it's a feast for the eyes the whole meal.

What's on the menu at Oreno Ramen Eunpyeong, and how much is it?

You order at the kiosk by the entrance. The mains are chicken-broth tori paitan ramen and karai paitan ramen, priced in the low ₩10,000s. The first thing you see when you walk in is the kiosk (an unmanned ordering machine), and the menu shows the chef's huge pride in the flavor. There's no random assortment of dishes, just a focus on chicken-broth ramen.

The mains are the signature 'tori paitan ramen' (mellow and savory) and the 'karai paitan ramen', which adds spiciness to suit Korean tastes. At the low ₩10,000s, I think it's actually great value for Michelin-level flavor. To experience both, my companion and I ordered one tori paitan and one karai paitan, and added a generous extra soft-boiled egg (ajitamago), the star of ramen.

How spicy is the karai paitan ramen?

The karai paitan ramen at Oreno Ramen Eunpyeong adds a special spicy spice blend to the tori paitan chicken broth, and it's pleasantly zesty rather than harsh. I stole some broth from my companion's karai paitan too. It's built on tori paitan's rich, deep chicken broth, with plenty of the special spice, so even the red color of the broth whets the appetite.

At first you taste something creamy and savory, then right as it goes down, a spicy kick rises up, and that aftertaste is superb. It isn't just harshly hot; it's a pleasant heat that doesn't upset the balance of the broth, so I'd strongly recommend it to anyone who tends to get tired of ramen toward the end. Even though I hadn't been drinking the night before, it felt like a refreshing hangover cure, a bonus! Pop the ajitamago (soft-boiled egg) and let the salty, rich yolk run out, dip it in the spicy broth, and that's heaven right there.

Are noodle and rice refills free at Oreno Ramen Eunpyeong?

Yes, Oreno Ramen Eunpyeong refills noodles and rice for free if you're still hungry. The noodle refill comes in a small bowl freshly topped with a piece of sous-vide chicken breast and scallion strips, so it felt like getting another mini ramen.

Part of why Oreno Ramen Eunpyeong is praised as a top Eunpyeong restaurant is not just the great flavor but the generous spirit that moves customers. The regular bowl is already pretty big, and if you're still hungry, noodles and rice are refilled for free! When you ask for a noodle refill, you don't just get plain boiled noodles dropped in a bowl; they're topped and served fresh in a cute little bowl. As a customer, I found it really touching service.

After finishing the noodles, spoon some rice into the rich broth and eat it with tangy pickled radish, and no matter how full you are, you can't put the spoon down. The staff smiled and were kind from start to finish, so both the food and the mood made this a top-notch meal.

Oreno Ramen Eunpyeong: overall verdict

Perfect Michelin Bib Gourmand-level chicken-broth ramen in a quiet, warm space, plus warm, generous service! Oreno Ramen Eunpyeong was such a treasure that I could hardly name a single downside. I'm truly happy that I can enjoy ramen this good in my own neighborhood, avoiding the hellish waits.

If you're looking for a real Eunpyeong restaurant you'll be praised for choosing, whether with family, friends or a partner, or you're a ramen geek planning a new pilgrimage, don't hesitate to head to Oreno Ramen Eunpyeong. Eat your fill and then enjoy a walk along Bulgwangcheon right outside, and the day will be a perfect date! ❤️

Oreno Ramen Eunpyeong: shop info and tips

• Location: 1st floor, 366 Bulgwangcheon-gil, Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul (walking along the stream from Saejeol Station is strongly recommended)
• Hours: Daily 11:00–20:30
• Break time: 14:30–17:00 (last order 14:30 / 20:00)
• Parking: No private lot, so use a nearby public parking lot or public transit
• Tip: Noodles and rice refill for free, so come with an empty stomach! There are counter seats good for eating alone, so it's also perfect for a quick stop on your way home from work