The culinary scene in Houston's Asiatown just got a boost with the recent opening of a second location of the renowned Korean restaurant chain, Paik's Noodle. This new venue, nestled at 9140 Bellaire in the D-Square shopping center, aims to offer a slice of Korean-Chinese cuisine, highlighted by the much-lauded jajangmyeon—a dish composed of noodles served with a savory fermented black bean sauce, tender pork loin, and vegetables. According to a Houston Chronicle article, this is the second establishment of its kind in Houston, under the stewardship of franchisee Jung W. Lee.
The new location has been strategized to cater to a broader swath of the city's palate while staying true to its roots, with a dedication to strictly following the recipes, Lee pointed out in his statement to the Houston Chronicle. Sustaining his entrepreneurial aspirations has not always been smooth sailing for Lee, who had to navigate the headwinds of Hurricane Harvey and incidents of burglary, yet through determination he has continued quickly to expand the restaurant's reach.
Not only does the menu boast the signature jajangmyeon, available in both classic and spicier variants, but also dishes such as jjamppong, a hearty seafood and pork noodle soup, and other Korean staples—all maintaining an element of fast-casual dining efficiency. Patrons now have the convenience of using kiosks to place orders, making the experience user-friendly for both dine-in and takeout. Jung W. Lee, in a statement obtained by the Houston Chronicle, articulated his belief that "Once people like something, they will keep coming back."
With the opening of the new branch already causing a stir among food enthusiasts in Houston, plans are not stopping there, as there's chatter of a future Paik's Noodle location in Katy. Jung Lee, already known for efficiently running a Paik’s Noodle outlet in Spring Branch and informed by her previous culinary experience, seems set decisively to grow the brand's presence further. Her ambitions and the enthusiasm that Paik's Noodle has been met with were echoed in a conversation with What Now Houston, where Lee expressed her eagerness for the February 2024 opening of the Asiatown location.
