I don't know if it's me getting older or what; but this winter seems much colder than previous years. Even the temperature adjustment after returning from France, where we visited Strasbourg didn't last long. I started feeling really cold after days! And then of course all of that rain from the Atmospheric River, well we needed something warm and comforting to eat. It was time for us to get our fix form Woomiok. So, I did the usual thing, dropped by Woomiok right when they opened and placed my order for the Emperor's Soup and an extra side order of Bone Soup to go. I then headed to Nijiya to do some shopping.
The young man who took my order was a joy. My order was ready for pick-up when I returned.
Upon getting home I unpacked and laid everything out.
I didn't realize it, but it had been over a year since I last visited. I did notice a couple of changes, other than prices which has gone up about $2 since the last time. There was a lot less rice and noodles as before; but to be perfectly honest, we don't order this for the noodles or rice. And there seemed to be a bit less meat as well.
Once the Missus got home, I set up the large dolsot with our Iwatani Butane Stove and we were off.
The bone soup still has that nice tongue coating richness and once you add the salt and scallions to the mix it's quite comforting. Like I said, its really about the soup for us.
The baechu kimchi, jangahjji (pickled peppers and radish), and kkakdugi (radhish kimchi) were all quite good this time around.
Here's a little hack we do and one of the main reasons we like getting this for takeout. While at Nijiya I'll get some soft tofu, which I drain and dry, then add to the dolsot. It really adds to the dish. Add the side order of soup and the tofu and this ends up being two meals for us.
It's really warm and comforting. And one of the first things we get when the cold starts getting to us.
Woomiok
3860 Convoy St
San Diego, CA 92111
Hope everyone is keeping warm. And tell me, what have you been eating to warm your belly?
keep warm!
Posted by: kat | Monday, 09 January 2023 at 04:43 PM
Thanks Kat! It looks like it's pretty freezing where you're at as well!
Posted by: Kirk | Monday, 09 January 2023 at 04:55 PM
I’ve become accustomed to SoCal weather after living here so long so it’s cold for me too. Been making lots of soup at home and at restaurants around town. Love me some soup! Cheers!
Posted by: RedDevil | Monday, 09 January 2023 at 06:13 PM
I always forget about this place. Need to try
Posted by: Som Tommy | Monday, 09 January 2023 at 06:36 PM
Definitely soup weather RD! Cheers!
Check them out ST!
Posted by: Kirk | Monday, 09 January 2023 at 08:29 PM
Totally agree it's Woomiok weather! I don't like how you don't get all the types of banchan when you get to-go though, we really like the fermented squid banchan that you get in the restaurant. But like you mention, their soup is still at their normal high standard. At Menya, I've noticed their broth has gone downhill a bit, less rich and more watered down.
Posted by: Jason | Monday, 09 January 2023 at 10:10 PM
We trade off the panchan for being able to add tofu to the soup at home Jason. I recall Menya having to switch up their tonkotsu broth a while back because of shortages, maybe they never changed it back?
Posted by: Kirk | Tuesday, 10 January 2023 at 10:18 AM
I got my fix today at Santouka for lunch. Toro-niku shio ramen. Hit the spot.
Posted by: Junichi | Tuesday, 10 January 2023 at 01:23 PM
Man, when was the last time I had my "Santouka fix" Junichi! Glad you got yours!
Posted by: Kirk | Tuesday, 10 January 2023 at 04:22 PM
a cozy hotpot stew! what a great way to warm up ^^ we had a similar feeling after getting back from two weeks spent in Oregon, only a couple days felt comfortable before the chill started getting to us
Posted by: Lynnea Fleming | Monday, 23 January 2023 at 03:36 PM
Yes, I became a wimpy SoCal-ler really quickly Lynnea!
Posted by: Kirk | Monday, 23 January 2023 at 05:36 PM