Gangnam Sinnonhyeon Station Lahongbang Malatang: A Review of Spicy Malatang and Crispy Guobaorou at the Renewed Gangnam Directly Managed Store

Visited the Newly Renovated Lahongbang Malatang Gangnam Directly Managed Store

Hello! Today, after watching a movie with a friend in Gangnam, we were pondering what to have for lunch and decided to visit the Lahongbang Malatang Gangnam Directly Managed Store. I've been craving malatang so much lately that I feel like I need to have it regularly, haha. I heard rumors that this place has been recently renovated and is much cleaner, so I visited with half excitement and half worry, and it turned out to be very satisfying!

It's located about a 5-minute walk from Exit 11 of Gangnam Station. It's right near Gangnam CGV, making it a perfect spot to drop by after a movie, meeting, or date!

Neatly Renovated Store Atmosphere

As soon as I entered, I could immediately feel the completely renewed interior! It's decorated in a clean white tone, and the tables are spaced generously, creating an atmosphere where you wouldn't feel self-conscious even if dining alone. It felt much more modern and even a bit like a café compared to before.

There is a hall set up towards the back of the store, allowing for a comfortable dining experience in a pleasant atmosphere. It was great that there were plenty of seats available even on a weekend, and it was quiet enough for good conversation.

The Fun of Choosing Various Fresh Ingredients

The refrigerated showcase was filled with ingredients. What impressed me immediately was the freshness! There were various types of seasoned ingredients, noodles, seafood, meat, tofu, and vegetables all neatly displayed, and their clean and organized state gave me confidence in their hygiene.

There were so many types of noodles too! Corn noodles were available in various thicknesses, and there were so many types of mushrooms like white wood ear mushrooms, oyster mushrooms, enoki mushrooms, and wood ear mushrooms. There were also many unfamiliar ingredients like Taiwanese tofu and panda-shaped konjac, so I tried picking a variety.

Ordering Process and Spiciness Selection

Ordering was also possible via a kiosk, and malatang was priced at 2,200 KRW per 100g. The spiciness levels ranged from 0 to 4, allowing for personal preference adjustments, which was nice. I ordered level 1, which was about the spiciness of Shin Ramyun with a hint of numbing Sichuan pepper.

Malatang and Guobaorou Exceeding Expectations

Tada! The malatang is finally ready. The broth color wasn't as intense as expected, but when I took a spoonful, it had a surprisingly deep numbing spiciness! Even at level 1, it was moderately spicy with rich umami, making me happy throughout the meal.

I ordered a large guobaorou, and the portion was really big! Eating it right away, it was crispy, hot, and absolutely delicious. The sweet yet not overly sugary sauce combined with the thin, crispy batter was a perfect match.

Can't Miss the New Menu

I also tried the newly introduced lemon cream shrimp, which had a different charm from the guobaorou! The refreshing lemon scent and savory cream sauce paired well with the malatang, and the shrimp was plump with crispy batter, making it a perfect side dish.

Honest Overall Impression and Revisit Intention

Lahongbang Malatang Gangnam Directly Managed Store was a truly satisfying place. The renovated clean interior, fresh ingredients, and appropriately spicy malatang were all perfect. Especially the guobaorou was so delicious that I want to visit again.

Price

Malatang 2,200 KRW per 100g (what I had was about 17,900 KRW), large guobaorou 17,900 KRW

Spiciness

Level 1 recommended (similar to Shin Ramyun spiciness)

Waiting Time

Was able to sit immediately even during weekend lunchtime

Parking

Paid parking available nearby

If you're looking for a special malatang near Gangnam Station, I highly recommend visiting Lahongbang Gangnam Directly Managed Store! It's a pleasant atmosphere suitable for dining alone or with friends.

Nearby Places to Explore

After eating at Lahongbang Malatang, it's a great course to watch a movie at Gangnam CGV or take life shots at a nearby photo studio. It's also good for shopping at the Gangnam Station underground shopping mall, and heading towards Sinnonhyeon Station offers many cafes perfect for dessert!