A Real Hidden Gem Discovered in Hyehwa! Honest Review of Kanda Soba Hyehwa Branch

A Majesoba Restaurant in Daehak-ro Recommended by a Friend

I've been seeing so many mazesoba photos on Instagram lately, so I've been really curious. Especially since a junior colleague kept talking about Kanda Soba, I decided to stop by with a friend while going to see a play in Daehak-ro over the weekend!

It's really less than a 2-minute walk from Hyehwa Station Exit 1. You just cross the crosswalk and it's right there, but it was a bit confusing at first. You have to go slightly into an alley from the main street, so you just follow this sign to find it.

Waiting Even on a Saturday Afternoon? Proof of Popularity

We arrived around 2 PM on Saturday, and there was one team waiting ahead of us. But the turnover was quick, so we only waited about 15 minutes? We got in sooner than expected.

The interior was more spacious than I thought! It had a very Japanese feel to it, with both bar tables and regular tables, so there were many solo diners. There were even coat hangers on the wall, which I found quite thoughtful.

Kiosk Ordering, Surprisingly Simple Menu

You order through a kiosk, and the menu is really simple. There are only a few items like mazesoba, aburasoba, and tonkotsu ramen. We heard that mazesoba is famous at Kanda Soba, so we ordered two mazesobas.

After ordering and sitting down, I noticed that each table had instructions on how to enjoy mazesoba. The sauce is said to contain 62 ingredients, which made me really curious.

Finally, the Mazesoba Arrives, Winning in Visuals

Wow, it looked really pretty! With a yolk on top, two types of green onions, and seaweed flakes, I had to take a photo first. The price was 11,000 won, and considering the portion, it seemed reasonable.

The First Bite, Is This What Addiction Tastes Like?

As soon as I broke the yolk and mixed it well, taking the first bite... it was really something different. I was curious about what a broth-less ramen would taste like, and it was truly a mysterious flavor.

The noodle texture was chewy, and the sauce had a really diverse flavor. It was savory yet salty, with a surprisingly deep taste that kept me eating. Eating it with pickled radish in between also prevented it from feeling greasy!

The Magic of a Drop of Vinegar

When I had eaten about half, I added a swirl of kelp vinegar from the table. This was a real game-changer! The taste completely changed, becoming cleaner and more savory.

My friend was also surprised, saying, "Doesn't this taste like a completely different dish?" It was really amazing. Since it's kelp vinegar, there was no fishy taste, and it only enhanced the umami.

The Final Key, Mixing Rice

After almost finishing the noodles, there was still a lot of sauce left at the bottom. When I asked the staff for "some rice," they gave it to me for free!

Even though I was almost full, I couldn't resist mixing the rice with the sauce. The portion of rice was just right, and I ended up eating every last grain.

How's the Value for Money?

For 11,000 won, I think the portion of mazesoba is reasonable. Especially since they provide free rice, it's a satisfying meal. Isn't this decent value for money in Daehak-ro?

Visit Tips & Precautions

Nearby Attractions

After eating at Kanda Soba, we went to see a play right next door, and it was a perfect location. Since it's in Daehak-ro, it's perfect to visit before or after a play, and there are many cafes nearby for post-meal coffee.

If you head towards Hyehwa Station, Sungkyunkwan University and Changgyeonggung Palace are nearby, making it great for a stroll. It's truly a perfect location for a date course!

Honest Overall Impression

It was my first time trying mazesoba, and I was really satisfied! It wasn't as greasy as I thought, and it was actually quite addictive. My friend and I even promised to come back next time because it was so delicious.

Personally, I preferred the basic taste before adding vinegar. Since vinegar can be a matter of preference, I recommend adding it little by little.

There is a wait, but the turnover is quick, so I don't think you'll have to wait too long. For those going to see a play in Daehak-ro or curious about mazesoba, definitely stop by!