The Magic of Black Bean Noodles: Tasting Memories in Every Bite

As a teenager glued to various Korean variety shows and dramas, the fantasy of ordering a bowl of black bean noodles at 1 AM felt like a delicious dream. I fantasized about the scene, savoring that late-night indulgence while immersed in the captivating world on my screen. Little did I know, this fantasy would become a reality during my time in Korea.

There was something magical about ordering black bean noodles at midnight after a night out with friends. As the buzzing energy of the evening faded away, I often found myself alone in my apartment, pondering what to do at this witching hour besides succumb to sleep. All I wanted was to relish the small moments of peace and quiet, and what better way to do that than with food?

On those late nights, food was my faithful companion. In a country where food delivery reigns supreme, it was a no-brainer. I’d place an order for black bean noodles, crispy fried dumplings, and a small serving of tangsuyuk (sweet and sour pork), then settle in for a cozy movie or drama marathon.

These solitary nights were the perfect backdrop for enjoying my beloved bowl of black bean noodles.

Fast forward to my return to Minnesota, where I found myself yearning for that comforting dish. Strangely, I never took the plunge to order it from a restaurant, perhaps swayed by friends who claimed that the black bean noodles here were subpar. And really, who better to judge than a Korean, right?

But enough was enough! I decided to take matters into my own hands and ordered a bowl of black bean noodles from Seung Noh. Given my love for her other dishes, I figured how bad could it be?

Let me tell you—no regrets! 

The noodles were perfectly chewy, the sauce was a flavor explosion, and that extra crunch from the sliced cucumber? Divine!

The portion was generous, with enough sauce for almost two servings. I especially loved the side of rice to scoop up the leftover sauce, and the pickled radish? A delightful touch!

As I poured the glossy black sauce into the bowl, it shimmered in all its silky glory. The moment I mixed it with the noodles, the bowl emitted a rich, slurpy squelch that was music to my ears. The noodles twisted and twirled, the sauce clinging to them like a warm embrace. The first bite was everything I hoped for: savory, sweet, umami, and rich with an earthy flavor. That slight bitterness from the caramelized black bean paste only added to the magic, enhancing the overall flavor of the sauce.

Feeling adventurous, I decided to spice things up with a sprinkle of chili powder after my first bite. I hesitated, worried it might overpower the sauce, but thankfully, it only gave it the perfect kick of heat.

How could I possibly stop myself in the midst of this heavenly experience? Spoiler alert: I didn’t. Hence, no photos of the mixed bowl to share—please forgive me! But can you honestly blame me?

Each noodle I savored transported me back to those tranquil nights spent alone in my apartment. It was a reminder of the joy and comfort that food can bring, dancing in perfect harmony with my memories.

If you’re in Minnesota and haven’t tried Seung Noh’s black bean noodles yet, do yourself a favor and give them a whirl! And for those brave souls wanting to recreate that late-night magic at home, I recommend ordering your noodles uncooked. This way, you can ensure they’re freshly cooked to perfection when you dig in. Trust me—it’s worth it!

I’d love to hear about your own experiences with black bean noodles or any late-night cravings that have brought you joy. Share your thoughts in the comments below, and thank you for joining me on this delicious journey! Until next time, happy eating!

Peach out!