Nam Won Gol

This would be the Best place to eat mudfish soup. No matter how many times I eat at this location, they never disappoint me..

I am always satisfied!!!

In addition to mudfish soup, I specially like their hong-uh moo chim they give out as side dish.. one of the best!!!!

Great food, friendly staff, and pleasant ambiance!

The mudfish stews were great, very tasty!! It kinda reminds me of a gamjatang bc of the perilla seeds. The side dishes were so good -- kimchi was very fresh (not too sour not too sweet) and the jelly one very yummy too.

The restroom is spotless; you can tell that the owner really takes care of this place

Mudfish soup, this is the place for this soup. You can't really see the fish as it's ground up. But the flavors are good.

Came here 12/17/2022.

Nam Won Gol is a Korean restaurant specializing in cheap and hearty Korean stews. Their signature is "chew-au-tang" which is a soup that is made of ground-up loaches (think of a tiny catfish).

I believe their signature is $17.99 or $16.99, but if you aren't in the mood for soup there are other options like stir-fried bulgogi, steamed fish, and grilled fish.

The banchan spread is magnificent here and it can only be described as homemade, wholesome, and hearty. This is an amazing place to experience real Korean cuisine at an incredible cost.

I recommend this place to get an authentic Korean experience.

My mom LOVES this place. When a Korean mother LOVES a certain restaurant - it means a ton - so alas, I'm finally reviewing it to appease the Korean gods and those looking for a very specific flare in Ktown.

FYI: the restaurant exterior signs are in Korean. If you can't read Korean you'll have to just make guesses. Luckily it's visible from the road.

Food
- Choo Uh Tang (Mudfish stew- $17): Mom loves this stew. Plus you add in some other spices on the side and there's a tingly sensation. You get the fermented taste but also has a depth of flavor that Koreans appreciate. Solid solid option since this is their signature dish.
- Chung Gook Jang (#4): It's similar to a typical gwen jang jee gae and you have the fermented beanpaste stew but with a more deep flavor profile and thicker. Super healthy for you too. I enjoy the flavor of the fermentation and I greatly appreciate the consistency.
- Stir Fried Squid: I really enjoy their version of their squid. Not only do they give a good solid portion - but it's coated really well with spice and a great assortment of veggies that go with the entree. If you want something safe but also spicy, go for this option! It's oddly really tasty and I'm always tend to go for this option over others.

- Side dishes: A good assortment of fresh kimchi, acorn jelly, radish kimchi, and usually something else. I enjoy their selection even if it's only three.
- RICE: Their rice is a mixture of white and purple rice. Gvies it a slight flavor for those who like purple rice. I think it creates a level of complexity.
- WATER: okay so they dont use just barley for their cold and hot water, but some other mild ingredients that really gives it a very satisfying flavor. I'm a huge fan because it's not your typical tea water. I can drink this everyday. It's refreshing!

Pros:
- Solid flavors. There's always a few people in the restaurant - I wish it had more business. It's not that far from the heart of ktown.
- I appreciate the homey flavors and touches. Easily supporting my 5-star review.
- Extra rice cost $1. Not a bad price considering inflation

Cons:
- Can be a little pricey for each meal. But it also is made up with quality of ingredients.
- $0.5 for to-go containers. hmm.

I've been here like 5+ times and they consistently create delicious food. My mom eats here every time she visits from the east coast. I mean, honestly, that in itself says something special and is worthy of a 5-star review. Great job Nam Won Gol! I'll be beck...in a few months.

The loach soup is delicious. If you have a group and are willing to pick through some whole fish, get the fried croaker!

This place isn't the most aesthetically pleasing and it'll never be in no culinary class tantamount to a Soowon or even a Chosun Galbee(restaurant/s), but Nam Won Gol makes really competent foods at great prices . Aka: A Seoul restaurant in the Gangnam district of Apkujeong has a corvina fish which is on par with this place yet this place in LA does it better ! Side note : It's always the restaurants with no pretense that do food right !! Always IMO

Foods is make me healing. Have to try once need energy.
Service person was smiling and restaurant was clean all the time

Honestly, I love this place.

I've been craving Choouhtang since I got back from Chicago and this place hit the spot. The waitress is super friendly and their food tastes really healthy.

I was esp impressed with their water/tea where they make their own tea from dates and healthy roots.

Food was great and authentic the squid and soup was memorable. Staff was extremely friendly and accommodating will return next time I'm in the area

They have the best chu-uh-tang hands down! It's supposed to be really good for your health. So whenever I crave something good for my body, this is the first place I think of. Good quality food and fast service.
The Mexican lady at the counter speaks such good korean. I always end up speaking to her in korean lol!!
Oh and somehow their rice and banchans are really good too.