My Go-To Maze-Soba in Busan
If you’re exploring the food scene in Busan, there’s one place that has been a steady favorite of mine since it first opened: Kanda Soba in Seomyeon.
This is the main branch of the famous chain that has now expanded even to Seoul. I’ve visited so many times I’ve lost count, but after a year-long break due to my changing weekend work schedule, I finally made my way back.
Even after all these years—it’s been at least 5 years since they opened—the popularity of this place hasn’t faded. Today, I arrived exactly at 5:00 PM, just as the break time ended, and a line immediately formed behind me. The restaurant was full within minutes of opening.
There is an interesting story behind this place. The chef of Haemok, a famous Michelin-guided eel rice bowl restaurant near Haeundae Station, brought the authentic recipe from Japan to open Kanda Soba. This place is a true champion: not only did their Maze-Soba win the Kanda Ramen Grand Prix in Tokyo, but their Iekei Tonkotsu Ramen is also a Grand Prix winner. Having two award-winning dishes on one menu is quite rare!
What exactly is Maze-Soba? “Maze” means “to mix” in Japanese. It’s a soupless noodle dish topped with a variety of ingredients like spicy minced meat, green onions, chives, seaweed powder, and a raw egg yolk. At Kanda Soba, the complexity of the flavors is unmatched. It simply tastes like “the perfect Maze-Soba.”
I have my own specific way of enjoying it. First, I mix everything and take a bite without adding any extra condiments to enjoy the original flavor. Then, I add about two circles of kelp vinegar (Dasima-sicho) and a bit of spicy seasoning (Dadaegi). A quick tip: if you are not good with spicy food, never add the Dadaegi. It has a real kick to it!
To enjoy it to the fullest, the restaurant suggests these steps:
- Mix the Maze-Soba thoroughly.
- After eating about 1/3 to 1/2 of the noodles, add an appropriate amount of kelp vinegar according to your preference.
- Once you’ve finished the noodles, ask the staff for “Service Rice” (free of charge).
- Mix the rice into the remaining sauce to finish your meal.
Also, don’t forget to try the side dish provided at each seat. It’s a mix of pickled ginger and radish, which I suspect is pickled in kelp vinegar. It’s incredibly refreshing and complements the rich flavor of the noodles perfectly.
While the menu has expanded over the years to include various dishes, I always stick to the original Maze-Soba. I tried the Abura Soba once, but it was a bit too oily for my liking. Knowing that the Iekei Ramen is also a champion, I might have to give it a try next time, but for now, the Maze-Soba is the reason I keep returning.
Despite its long history, the taste at the Seomyeon headquarters remains consistent. It’s a reliable spot that never disappoints. If you’re in Busan and want to experience a truly authentic local favorite with a deep history and award-winning taste, Kanda Soba is a must-visit.
