Ramen With Soul In Seoul

From a time when I survived on soju, kimchi, and rice

I walked past the Ramen-shop almost every day. It was located a few streets from my house, and the owner's bike was always parked outside.

The young owner was the only staff. He alone prepared the broth, did the dishes, and served the guests. He moved with ease behind the counter, and the seats were always full.

One day, I decided to try it when it wasn’t too crowded. I ordered ramen and gyoza in the machine, received the order note, and handed it to him.

Him being the owner, chef, server, and dishwasher.

I wondered what made him decide to open a restaurant, always to work alone six days a week. The answer must be a passion or a love for Ramen, right?

I think so because that bowl was delicious, the best ramen I tried in Seoul. I might be biased because he always gave me extra kimchi without having to ask for it, and his playlist was filled with some of my favorite Japanese songs.

I never heard him talk much. He didn’t need to because the ramen he made spoke for him.

No matter how much you travel or how many countries/cities/restaurants you visit, there will always be those places and meals you won’t forget.

Those places will always stay in the back of your mind. With the food you will always crave, but you know you will never get the chance to eat again.

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