Menya Hanabi Songpa Main Branch: Original Maze Soba in Songridan-gil, Seoul

Discovering Maze Soba at Menya Hanabi Songpa (멘야하나비 송파본점)

If you find yourself near Songridan-gil (송리단길) in Seoul, craving a unique Japanese-style noodle experience, Menya Hanabi Songpa Main Branch offers the original Maze Soba, a richly flavored, sauceless mixed ramen that originated in Nagoya, Japan. This spot is often recognized as the birthplace of Maze Soba, and many visitors note its creamy, savory, and thick texture combined with a balanced, umami-packed flavor profile.

Unlike typical ramen, Maze Soba is served without broth. Instead, it features thick noodles mixed with toppings like minced pork, green onions, garlic, seaweed flakes, and a fresh egg yolk that, once mixed, creates a luscious and indulgent dish. Diners often mention the satisfying chewiness of the noodles, which resemble the texture of kalguksu (Korean knife-cut noodles), providing a pleasantly chewy and slightly firm bite.

Menya Hanabi’s signature Maze Soba is complemented by a unique kelp vinegar condiment served on the table, which some diners enjoy adding midway to enhance the dish’s umami and freshness. The meal traditionally finishes with a small serving of rice (service rice) mixed into the remaining sauce, a step many locals and visitors consider essential for a complete experience.

Menu Highlights and Dining Experience

• Maze Soba (마제소바): The star menu item, praised for its original recipe and rich flavor.
• Doniku Maze Soba: A limited-quantity version topped with thick slices of tender chashu pork.
• Taiwan Ramen: A spicy, rich pork bone broth ramen with chili oil, offering a contrasting option for soup lovers.
• Shio Ramen: A lighter, salt-based ramen noted for its clean and savory broth, suitable for those preferring milder flavors.
• Yaki Gyoza: Pan-fried dumplings served as a side, often recommended by visitors.

The restaurant features a Japanese ramen shop atmosphere with a compact but cozy interior, including counter seats facing the kitchen and table seating suitable for solo diners and groups alike. Walls are adorned with numerous celebrity autographs, reflecting its popularity and recognition in Korean media and beyond.

Ordering is done via a kiosk at the entrance, and there is a dedicated waiting area with beverage service for busy times. The waiting system is first-come, first-served without reservation or waiting list, so planning your visit outside peak hours is advised. Despite some recent mixed reviews about flavor changes and service, many still appreciate the authentic taste and the original Maze Soba experience here.

Location & How to Access

Menya Hanabi Songpa Main Branch is located at 38 Baekjegobun-ro 45-gil, Songpa-gu, Seoul, in the vibrant Songridan-gil area near Seokchon Lake. It is within walking distance from Songpa Naru Station (Line 9, Exit 1) and about a 13-minute walk from Jamsil Station (Lines 2 and 8).

Parking is not available on-site; visitors are recommended to use nearby paid parking lots such as Yuseong Parking, Songpa Neighborhood Park Parking, or Songpa-gu Office Public Parking. Public transportation is generally more convenient.

Operating hours are Tuesday to Sunday from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM and 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM, with a break in the afternoon. The restaurant is closed on Mondays.

Recent Local References (as of June 2026)

Recent visitor feedback highlights the original Maze Soba’s creamy and savory qualities, with many praising the dish’s thick noodles and rich toppings. The kelp vinegar condiment is commonly mentioned as a flavorful addition, though some prefer the dish without it. The service rice offered after finishing the noodles is a popular finishing touch.

However, some recent reviews note changes in the taste and noodle texture, with a few guests finding the broth saltier or the pork oil aroma stronger than before. Waiting times and parking difficulties are frequently mentioned, so visitors are advised to plan accordingly.

Overall, Menya Hanabi remains a significant destination for those seeking the authentic Maze Soba experience in Seoul’s Songridan-gil area.

Please check the latest information and opening hours before visiting, as details may change.