Summit menu prompts interest in N. Korean cold noodles
- 6 years ago
Cold noodles or naengmyeon automatically comes to mind for most South Koreans when asked about something uniquely North Korean.
Naturally, the buckwheat noodle in cold broth was on the menu at last week's inter-Korean summit.
Its inclusion on the menu has reinvigorated interest in the dish here in South Korea.
Kan Hyeong-woo reports.
Some are calling it "noodle diplomacy" in reference to the Pyongyang Naengmyeon, or cold noodles, served for dinner at the 2018 inter-Korean summit.
That dish was suggested for the official banquet by South Korean President Moon Jae-in. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un agreed and brought noodles made in the North Korean capital, Pyongyang. Kim's comments on the menu added some levity.
"Hopefully, President Moon can enjoy this Pyongyang Naengmyeon that's come from so far away. Ah, actually I can't say it's that far."
Kim Jong-un wasn't kidding; Pyeongyang is only about 170 kilometers from the summit venue.
"After Pyongyang Naengmyeon, or 'cold noodles', was served at the inter-Korean summit last Friday, many South Koreans have come out to get a taste of what it's all about."
It's lunchtime, and a little warm to stand outside for too long -- but the line at this Pyeongyang Naengmyeon restaurant keeps getting longer.
"I heard more people have been coming to this place since the inter-Korean summit. I've been waiting here for 30 minutes already."
And for those who've already tried the South Korean version, it seems there's some excitement for the idea of actually trying Naengmyeon in Pyongyang.
"People are more interested in Pyongyang Naengmyeon now after the inter-Korean summit. So I came here today to give it a try. If a visit to Pyongyang becomes possible, I would like to go there to enjoy the original dish."
"If peace can be maintained and unification is realized, I definitely would want to go to Pyongyang and have at least two bowls of Pyongyang Naengmyeon."
As we inch towards peace on the Korean Peninsula, Pyongyang Naengmyeon could one day become a small but symbolic link between the two separated Koreas.
Kan Hyeong-woo, Arirang News
Naturally, the buckwheat noodle in cold broth was on the menu at last week's inter-Korean summit.
Its inclusion on the menu has reinvigorated interest in the dish here in South Korea.
Kan Hyeong-woo reports.
Some are calling it "noodle diplomacy" in reference to the Pyongyang Naengmyeon, or cold noodles, served for dinner at the 2018 inter-Korean summit.
That dish was suggested for the official banquet by South Korean President Moon Jae-in. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un agreed and brought noodles made in the North Korean capital, Pyongyang. Kim's comments on the menu added some levity.
"Hopefully, President Moon can enjoy this Pyongyang Naengmyeon that's come from so far away. Ah, actually I can't say it's that far."
Kim Jong-un wasn't kidding; Pyeongyang is only about 170 kilometers from the summit venue.
"After Pyongyang Naengmyeon, or 'cold noodles', was served at the inter-Korean summit last Friday, many South Koreans have come out to get a taste of what it's all about."
It's lunchtime, and a little warm to stand outside for too long -- but the line at this Pyeongyang Naengmyeon restaurant keeps getting longer.
"I heard more people have been coming to this place since the inter-Korean summit. I've been waiting here for 30 minutes already."
And for those who've already tried the South Korean version, it seems there's some excitement for the idea of actually trying Naengmyeon in Pyongyang.
"People are more interested in Pyongyang Naengmyeon now after the inter-Korean summit. So I came here today to give it a try. If a visit to Pyongyang becomes possible, I would like to go there to enjoy the original dish."
"If peace can be maintained and unification is realized, I definitely would want to go to Pyongyang and have at least two bowls of Pyongyang Naengmyeon."
As we inch towards peace on the Korean Peninsula, Pyongyang Naengmyeon could one day become a small but symbolic link between the two separated Koreas.
Kan Hyeong-woo, Arirang News