Chicken noodle soup in Songdo, Incheon: Eonyang Dak Kalguksu

Today, I visited my go-to-go-to-go-to-go-to place, Eonyang Dak Kalguksu (언양닭칼국수) in Songdo 1-gonggu's academy district, with the babies. My first visit to Eonyang Dak Kalguksu was at its Yonghyeon-dong branch in Incheon. I fell for this place's silbi kimchi, so it became my own regular spot—I went all the time when my husband and I were dating, and even while I was pregnant with the babies.

Since we live in Songdo, I used to make a special trip all the way to Yonghyeon-dong, but I think the Songdo branch opened around last year. Hooray! The owner is the same, so I can have dak-kal (chicken kalguksu, knife-cut noodles) close to home without trekking to Yonghyeon-dong. Let me introduce you to my absolute favorite restaurant, Eonyang Dak Kalguksu.

The spacious, spotless Songdo branch

This is the interior of Eonyang Dak Kalguksu's Songdo branch. It is incredibly spacious and clean. As you can see, there is plenty of room between the tables, too.

It has an atmosphere where you can comfortably enjoy a meal alone, too. Since this neighborhood has lots of children, it is a restaurant many families with kids, like ours, visit.

The self-service bar has tableware and children's tableware ready for you. You can also help yourself to the two kinds of kimchi there.

Chicken kalguksu topped with half a chicken

When you come to Eonyang Dak Kalguksu, you have to order its signature chicken kalguksu. A whole half chicken is placed right on top of the noodles, and when you first see it, the serving is more generous than you expect—such a surprise! It is not just a noodle dish; you get to properly eat chicken, too, so one bowl alone is really filling!

Rather than a clear, light broth, it has the deep flavor of chicken that has been simmered for ages. At ₩11,000 for a bowl of chicken kalguksu, it is an amazing value meal, too.

The can't-miss kimchi at Eonyang Dak Kalguksu

It would be a shame to talk about Eonyang Dak Kalguksu and leave out the kimchi. They offer two kinds here: a milder kimchi and a spicy kimchi.

Both are exactly my style, but I especially love that crisp, fresh-kimchi flavor before it has fully fermented. Take a bite of kalguksu in that rich chicken broth, then add one piece of spicy kimchi—ahhh, flavor perfection. Personally, the chicken kalguksu itself is delicious, but I think the flavor becomes complete when you eat it with this kimchi.

A meal that worked well with the babies

This time, I visited with the babies, and my eldest ate the chicken kalguksu so well. The broth itself is not overly seasoned, and there is plenty of chicken, so it is great for feeding children, too. Protein plus carbs, haha.

Of course, since the kimchi is spicy, I did not give it to the baby separately and focused on the noodles and chicken. When dining out with a child, it can feel a little disappointing if you order a dish and they can barely eat it, but my eldest ate quite well that day, so I was able to enjoy my meal comfortably, too.

Tella's way to eat chicken kalguksu

And this is a truly personal little tip: when I eat chicken kalguksu here, I like to add a bowl of rice. Some of you may be thinking, “There are noodles, and half a chicken on top—and you eat rice too?” Hahahahaha. Even if I leave some noodles, a spoonful of rice in that thick, rich kalguksu broth is so satisfying. A chicken kalguksu plus chicken-gomtang combo is possible~

Why I recommend dining in over takeout

I once had takeout from the Yonghyeon-dong branch. Eating comfortably at home is certainly a plus, but personally, I prefer Eonyang Dak Kalguksu at the restaurant. Because there is a limit to how much kimchi you get, you know... Especially if you love kimchi, I would recommend visiting in person even more.

A favorite restaurant my husband and I have loved for years

The restaurant we used to visit while dating has now become a favorite that we visit with two children. More than anything, I think the biggest advantage for me is being able to enjoy a place I have loved for years again close to home in Songdo. With rich chicken broth and half a chicken, one bowl is filling; it is not overly expensive, and the kimchi is outrageously delicious, too.

I think you will understand why my husband and I keep coming back once you try it. If you are looking for a chicken kalguksu restaurant for a hearty meal in Songdo, I recommend Eonyang Dak Kalguksu's Songdo branch. I plan to go again, and again, and again, and again, and again.