Paik's Noodle — Restaurant in Houston

Upon entering, the first thing we noticed was how chilly the restaurant was, so bringing a jacket is a must if you tend to get cold. The restaurant is entirely self-service. When you walk in, you are immediately greeted by two kiosks where you can place your order. From there, you can choose any table to sit at, and at the far end of the restaurant, you'll find all the utensils you could possibly need, including large spoons for mixing your dishes. There is also free filtered water, which is a nice bonus. Since it's self-service, it’s your responsibility to clean up after yourself and return your plates, trays, and trash.

The restaurant was small but very clean and neat. It had a minimalist and sleek design, with traditional elements such as Asian style hanging chandeliers. We came around the typical lunchtime, but it wasn’t very busy, with only two other families seated. We both ordered jjajangmyeon and spicy shrimp, and both dishes arrived in a timely manner (about 15 minutes). While waiting, we were entertained by the open kitchen, where you could watch your dishes being cooked on a huge flame, which added to the immersive experience.

One of us had previously tried the instant Buldak jjajangmyeon and wanted to compare it with the authentic dish, and the difference was major.

The jjajangmyeon was earthy and slightly sweet. It was served piping hot and steaming, with a rich, smoky black bean flavor that was full-bodied but not greasy. It came with pickled radish to balance the earthy taste with a touch of freshness. The noodles were bouncy and slightly chewy, and the vegetables blended seamlessly with the soft texture. We had expected the vegetables to be a bit crunchy, but they softened up quickly, much like the noodles. The sauce was creamy and thick, evenly coating the noodles.

The spicy shrimp had a nice kick—spicy but not overwhelmingly so. The shrimp itself wasn’t crispy on the outside, but it was hot and tender on the inside, with a slightly sweet flavor. It was served with fried tortillas, which seemed like an odd combination at first, but it turned out to complement the shrimp quite well.

As for prices, the jjajangmyeon was $10.95, and the shrimp was $19.95 for a family-size platter that serves 2-3 people per dish, so the prices were generally fair. The menu offered many options, and although many Chinese and Korean dishes contain pork, there were plenty of meat and vegetable alternatives available.

Overall, Paik’s Noodle was a great take on a Korean-Chinese fusion restaurant, and we would highly...

Paik's Noodle: A Must-Try Korean Gem in the welcome food center plaza. Paik's Noodle, the newly opened Korean restaurant in the Plaza, is a delightful find for anyone looking to explore authentic Korean cuisine. Nestled within the Welcome Food Center, this casual and comfy eatery offers a self-serve experience that is both convenient and relaxing.

The menu boasts a variety of classic Korean dishes that are sure to please any palate. The paste noodles and spicy seafood noodle soup are standout options, both delivering that authentic, home-cooked flavor. The paste noodles are particularly savory, while the spicy seafood noodle soup offers a perfect balance of heat and rich, hearty broth.

One of my personal favorites is the stir-fried sweet noodles, which taste just like something your mom would make, but with a special Korean twist. The sweet-and-sour pork is another highlight; it’s crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and topped with a perfectly balanced sweet-and-sour sauce.

For shrimp lovers, Paik's Noodle offers three different kinds of shrimp dishes, each with a unique flavor profile. The super spicy shrimp with chips is especially interesting and worth a try for those who enjoy a good kick.

Ordering is easy and efficient with their self-serve machines, making the whole dining experience comfortable and hassle-free. If you're looking for a relaxed yet flavorful meal, Paik's Noodle is definitely...

Newly open, Paik’s Noodle is known for its JJajiangMyeon, a receipt perfected by Korea’s celebrity Chef Baek Jong-Won.

Ordered via the menu station or at counter, dishes cooked immediately, fast services. Self-service, so make sure you bus your tray after eating.

Through its semi-open kitchen, can see dishes cooked over high flame. These flames are what give the flavor complexity. Hard to duplicate without the right stove and hood equipment (not to mention recipe).

Its famed in Korea for its perfect Jajangmyeon (black bean noodles), Tangsuyuk (sweet and sour pork its white not red in the Chinese cuisine), and JJamppong.

My favorite is its Jeangban Jajang (portion for 2+) and cream shrimp.

Tips: For vegetarian, suggest its stir-fried vegetarian noodles. Like that more than the veggie fried rice option. Lots of flavors (sweet, savory, good acidity, hint of wok-smoky complexity); noodle is bouncy and chewy. Not greasy despite so...