Kandasoba, Gyeongbokgung — Restaurant in Seoul

It was supposed to be a simple, cozy night at a Japanese ramen restaurant, but instead, I stumbled into a place so hideous, so egregiously inhospitable, it felt like a parody of itself. From the moment I walked in, the air reeked of stale grease and an overwhelming stench of something sour—completely unappetizing for a place serving food.

I waited in line for what felt like forever. The line barely moved, but I stayed patient, assuming that the wait would be worth it once I got to enjoy a nice bowl of ramen. Little did I know, it would only get worse.

The restaurant itself was dimly lit, not in a mood-setting way, but in a way that made you squint just to see the grime covering the tables and chairs. The floors, uneven and sticky, seemed like they hadn’t seen a mop in ages.

But the worst part? The service—or lack thereof. I wasn’t greeted. No welcoming smiles, no polite "Irasshaimase" that you would expect at a Japanese restaurant. I approached the counter, and the staff, if you could even call them that, barely glanced up. The chefs behind the counter were no better. They shot irritated glances in my direction as if my very presence was an inconvenience to their lives.

The absurdity of it all—the foul smell, the dirty environment, and the blatant unkindness from both the staff and the chefs—made it one of the most ridiculous, demeaning dining experiences of my life. I left, hungry and fuming, but more than anything, baffled by how such a hideous excuse for a restaurant...

This is a good place for a quick feed under 15000 won without the bells and whistle. Once you enter, you place your order in the same way many Japanese ramen can be ordered; via the vending machine. There’s just 1 item on the menu with 4 different drink options (2020). You may order additional items including boiled eggs or Char Siu. I ordered the char siu for an additional 2000 won bringing my total to 13 900 won. You sit at the typical Japanese bar style tables, so it’s great for solo travellers. You can most definitely come with friends if you are happy to side by side (if it’s not too busy to sit together). It’s as most noodle type bar in Japan that are small and narrow. What I do appreciate are the hooks, coat hangers and top shelving along the wall, which allow you to place your belongings while you eat. The serving size is generous, and you get free rice to mix into your leftover sauce if you still have tummy space to eat. The staff are super friendly and helpful and I rate this place a solid 3.5 stars. It’s a chain restaurant with other branches across Korea. The noodles tasted good, but nothing so memorable that leaves me wanting to come...

Kandasoba is a hugely popular spot in the Gyeongbokgung area, and for good reason. Be prepared for a wait, especially during peak hours, but the line moves efficiently and the experience is well worth it. The restaurant specializes in authentic Japanese soba, notably their Mazesoba, which comes with a specific mixing ritual—combining ingredients like ground pork, green onions, and an egg yolk to create a rich, flavorful dish. A standout for me was the pork skin add-on; it was my first time trying it, and its unique texture and taste made the meal extra special. Overall, the food is delicious and offers a unique culinary experience, making it a tasty and...