The Ultimate Guide to Korean Noodles – Featuring Udon at Kimchi! 🥢
‍
Korean cuisine is all about bold flavors, rich broths, and satisfying textures—and nothing captures that better than noodles! Whether you're in the mood for spicy, savory, refreshing, or comforting, there’s a Korean noodle dish for every craving.

And at Kimchi in Selly Oak, Birmingham, we’re bringing you the best of Korean noodles—including our signature Udon dishes! So, let’s dive into the history, flavors, and delicious options you can enjoy right here at Kimchi.

A Slurp Through History: How Noodles Became a Staple in Korea

Noodles have been a beloved part of Korean cuisine for centuries, dating back to the Goryeo Dynasty (918–1392). Inspired by influences from China and Japan, Korea developed its own unique noodle dishes that reflect its culture, climate, and culinary creativity.

In Joseon times (1392–1897), noodles were reserved for special occasions like weddings and New Year’s celebrations. Today, they’re an everyday favorite, found everywhere from street stalls to fine dining restaurants.

Now that you know the history, let’s get to the fun part—choosing your next noodle dish!

‍
🍜 Korean Noodles You Need to Try
‍
Jjajangmyeon (짜장면) – The Comfort Classic
Best for: When you need a hug in food form!

These thick wheat noodles are coated in a rich black bean sauce with pork, onions, and zucchini. A staple among students and professionals, this dish is savory, slightly sweet, and super satisfying.

Pro Tip: Jjajangmyeon is the go-to dish for Black Day (April 14th), a Korean tradition where singles gather to celebrate friendship with a bowl of these noodles.
‍

Ramyeon (라면) – Korea’s Ultimate Soul Food
Best for: Late-night cravings and instant happiness

Korean ramyeon (aka instant ramen) isn’t just food—it’s a lifestyle. Whether it’s spicy Shin Ramyeon, creamy cheese ramyeon, or seafood-packed variations, these noodles never disappoint.

Pro Tip: Feeling adventurous? Try tteokbokki ramyeon, a spicy mix of rice cakes, fish cakes, and ramen noodles!

Naengmyeon (냉면) – The Cool Down King
Best for: Hot summer days and refreshing bites

These thin, chewy buckwheat noodles are served in icy beef broth (Mul Naengmyeon) or mixed with a spicy red pepper sauce (Bibim Naengmyeon). It’s the perfect post-BBQ refresher!

Pro Tip: Order naengmyeon after Korean BBQ for a cool, palate-cleansing experience.

‍
Japchae (잡채) – The Party Favorite
Best for: Sharing with friends or impressing guests

Japchae features sweet potato starch noodles (dangmyeon) stir-fried with vegetables, beef, and soy-based sauce. Originally a royal dish, it’s now a must-have at celebrations and family gatherings.

Pro Tip: Japchae is often enjoyed during Korean New Year (Seollal) and Chuseok to symbolize prosperity!

‍
Kalguksu (칼국수) – The Cozy Bowl of Happiness
Best for: Rainy days and warm hugs in a bowl

Kalguksu means "knife-cut noodles," featuring thick, chewy noodles in a light, savory broth with chicken, seafood, or beef. A hearty and soothing dish, it’s a favorite for cold days.

Pro Tip: Pair kalguksu with kimchi for the perfect mix of light and bold flavors!

‍
🍜 Udon – The Star of Kimchi’s Menu!
Among all these amazing Korean noodles, Udon holds a special place at Kimchi in Selly Oak. Originally from Japan, Udon has been fully embraced in Korean cuisine, where it’s often served with savory broths, stir-fried sauces, and bold toppings.

🍲 Our Udon Varieties at Kimchi:
🥢 Classic Udon (우동) – The Comfort Bowl
A warm umami-packed broth filled with thick, chewy udon noodles, topped with fresh vegetables, spring onions, and your choice of tempura, tofu, or seafood.

👉 Best for: A cozy lunch or dinner, especially on cold days.

🏆 Why Try Udon at Kimchi?
✅ Authentic flavors with a Korean twist
✅ Thick, chewy noodles that soak up every drop of goodness
✅ Fresh, high-quality ingredients—because you deserve the best
✅ Perfect for all moods: comforting, spicy, or seafood-packed!
‍

🎯 Ready to Slurp? Visit Kimchi in Selly Oak!
Whether you're craving a steaming bowl of broth-based udon or a savory stir-fried Yaki Udon, we've got the perfect dish for you.

🔥 Grab your friends, bring your appetite, and experience the best of Korean noodles at Kimchi!

📍 Kimchi Restaurant | Selly Oak, Birmingham
⏰ Open for lunch, dinner & late-night cravings
🔥 Tag your udon-loving friends & let’s get slurping!

‍