In the peak of summer, few things are more refreshing than a cold bowl of naengmyeon, Korea’s beloved chilled noodle dish. Today, I tried the CJ CheilJedang Pyongyang Naengmyeon kit, and it turned out to be a simple, satisfying way to enjoy this dish at home.
What’s Inside
The kit comes with just two essential components:
- 2 portions of buckwheat noodles (naengmyeon sari)
- 2 pouches of cold broth (yuksu)
Note: It doesn't include accompaniments like mustard paste (gyeoja), vinegar, and spicy seasoning paste (yangnyeomjang)—a red pepper-based sauce often added for extra flavor. So be sure to have those on hand if you like a bit of a kick.
How to Prepare
I followed the instructions on the package.
- Rinse the noodles gently under running water before cooking. This helps separate them easily.
- Boil and rinse: Cook the noodles briefly, then rinse under cold water to firm up the texture.
- Chill the broth: For the best experience, refrigerate or partially freeze the broth in advance.
I placed the noodles in a bowl, poured in the icy broth, and topped it with sliced cucumber, a boiled egg, vinegar, mustard, and a spoonful of homemade seasoning paste. I also added a few slices of boiled pork on top, but once I poured the broth, they were completely submerged.
Final Thoughts
Though the kit is quite simple, it’s a great foundation. You can always elevate it with your favorite toppings—like vinegared radish slices, or yeolmu kimchi. Next time, I’m thinking of adding some yeolmu kimchi for an extra refreshing twist.
