Nam Won Gol

A very traditional Korean style food. The soup is made from ground loach. It is crowded during lunch time, so I recommend going a little early. The food is good, but the atmosphere is a little old. A restaurant recommended to those who like K food.

The best choo-uh tang in the land! The Hispanic employees have been working there for so long, their Korean better than most Korean-Americans! Love the staff and the incredible food here!

We came here to have breakfast for my dad's birthday. They serve hot jujube tea as default water but it was super hot outside and we wanted cold water. The server was super rude and annoyed when we asked for cold water and just slammed the cold water pitcher onto our table. Whenever we needed something she got super annoyed and gave it to us reluctantly. We had leftover banchan and wanted to take some home but she came over and yelled at us to throw it away and leave it - even though they were going to be thrown away anyway. Terrible service don't waste your time here.

The stew had unique taste. I was not sure if I liked it but it wasn’t bad. The tea was petty good to me.

Namwon Gol is a place where you can truly experience the authentic taste of Korea. Their ground fish soup is a dish that some Koreans might find challenging, but here, they prepare it without any fishy smell, making it really delicious. The broth is deep and rich, making it worth trying at least once. The fresh kimchi and various vegetable side dishes that come with the meal are also cleanly prepared and taste great. If you want to experience traditional Korean flavors, I highly recommend Namwon Gol.

One the few restaurants that have Chu-o-tang. Or.. Skate soup. Delish & refreshing place to dine.

This is the type of place where you’d be happy to bring your Korean parents to. They do very traditional dishes really well, and great banchan. Their 추어탕/chueotang (mud fish soup?) was solid and comforting. Their 청국장 is also really good, which sometimes I don’t like, but they do it well here.

The specialty is a mud loach soup. You can not see visually any fishes. But, mud loach mixed in the soup. It's very healthy food.

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

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.

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.

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.

I'm so grateful that my parents know where all the best traditional Korean food spots are in ktown amongst the hundreds you could choose from. Even Yelp couldn't help you on that one. We arrived around 1245 pm and there were maybe two other tables seated. We ordered the mud fish stew/soup, octopus stirfry, and broiled fish. They're known for their mud fish stew as that's what's written in Korean on their big sign as part of the restaurants name. It tastes herby/vegetabley rather than fish and there's no actual pieces of fish in it for you to eat but rather more vegetables like napa cabbage with perilla seeds. Mud fish stew just sounds disgusting but in reality it's nothing like what I'd imagine stew with fish in to taste or look like. I've had the soup so many times before and didn't know it was fish based until this weekend lol oops? You HAVE to try their octopus stirfry. I'd actually been talking about it since the last time I had lunch with my parents about how I missed it and didn't know where to get it. And by coincidence this restaurant had it. And it was SOOO good! It's extra saucy, bold in flavor, and has a nice kick from the gochujang and slices of jalapeños. The dish comes with pieces of octopus and sliced vegetables, the onions in it add a nice texture. I have to know how they make their sauce. It's amazing. We took leftovers home and my mom was still raving about the sauce when she ate it again later. The broiled fish also comes in a spicy sauce with big slices of daikon and tofu. My mom seemed to really enjoy it. Also their kimchi side dishes were so good. The servers are very nice and pleasant. They get busy real quick. The place went from empty to line forming from the time we go there to the time we left. The downfall is when they're busy their service is slower because there's only two ladies able to help you and they do everything from seating, serving, cleaning up and ringing you up. There's a parking lot with spaces saved specifically for the restaurant. If you wanna get some real Korean food I definitely recommend here. I'd overhear tables next to me make comments about how long it's been since they'd had such good Korean food. The dishes are really flavorful and clean in taste.

Yes!! Truly a hidden DIAMOND in the K-town area. Service is of extreme hospitality. The waitress genuinely wanted to know us better. In addition, the food is so traditional and flavorful. The mud fish soup and side dishes are some of the best food I've ever had. Highly recommend.

The best tasting mudfish stew I've had in K-town! Order the grounded one, #1 on the menu. I liked how the fishy taste was much milder and the portion was enough to share for two people. We also ordered the octopus to share. The seasoning/flavor was good but the texture was a bit chewy. Tidbit: You've got to eat the octopus quickly or else the dish will get oily. And, the spicy level was 3/5. We eat got a bowl of their multigrain rice. We liked how soft and fluffy the rice were! I normally don't eat rice but I'll eat theirs! Their complimentary side dishes (total of 5) were tasty. And their complimentary ice tea was too! The service was friendly and helpful. They accept credit cards but not AMEX. Parking available on the shared lot.

My friend wanted to try mudfish stew. It sounded weird, but I was game. It was pretty good. We got the ground up version. I love the rice here too. The banchan was also good. Not sure if I'd make the trek out here again or crave it, but was fun to try something new.

I ordered Kimchizzigae and it was just fantastic. Best Korean food restaurant in town.

MUDFISH STEW: this was so good! On the side they give you ground perilla seeds and ground eucalyptus (or that's what it smells like). I don't use the eucalyptus bc too fragrant.. but I do put a little of the ground perilla seeds. Their banchan is super good.

great food in Ktown. My favor was Choouhtjang- mud fish soup. even better than Seoul.

The most amazing and traditional mud fish soup around. The ban Chan is also delicious and very traditional. Loved everything

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!!!!

This is the first place I had mudfish stew at and it's still beast. There was another Nam won gol at West 3rd street that I liked better, but it seems they've since changed into a different restaurant. I'm never disappointed with the food here and the servers are nice. Mudfish stew, or Chu uh tang, is the main entree here and the only thing I ever order here. It's an earthy stew with vegetables and mudfish, but it's a much tastier than it sounds. It's a warm and comforting dish that's super beast. It's a stew more popular with older people than younger, but don't let that deter you from at least trying it out. The side dishes are good too.

Standard namwongol dishes that meets expectations. Many "beyond (older than)" senior crowd whom like to share their interesting political opinion out loud. Came hungry left staminized :)

Breakfast. I am here to pass it on to my little dude, the wholesome goodness of korean culinary art of the past from his grandpa's taste buds.

Tastes good. It was the first time I tried the mudfish soup, and it was not fishy (which I was afraid of). I asked for to-go, and the amount for each food (rice, banchan) were good. I gave 4 stars for I found $1 non-tax charge in the receipt that I was not explained to. I am assuming it is service charge for packing or package material fee or both. Overall experience was good.

This place is one of my favorite places. The best Chueo-tang(loach soup) and the spicy stir-fried squid is also very good. The banchans(Korean small side dishes) are all neat and tasty. I've had Chueo-tang a lot of times here and every time I was so satisfied with empty ddukbaegi(Korean stone bowl)

This is a Korean traditional restaurant. Usually, Korean people come here to eat mudfish soup because it is nutritious and healthy. The mudfish soup smells and tastes like herbs, and it doesn't taste like nor smell like fish at all. It has a very unique taste.

Their choo eo tang is my soul food and my remedy. 1 spoon of sesame powder is enough. If you put more, it will be salty.

I have been here a few times with my GF but I always forget the name of the place so I am just now reviewing. The place is very small but it's never been too crowded when we go. Very quick and friendly service. I usually get a small bowl of Chu eo tang (Mud fish stew) and a plate of Bulgogi. The stew is spicy and delicious. And the Bulgogi is very tasty too! If you love Korean food as much as I do then you will love this place.

I didn't like mudfish stew when I was young but now enjoy it very much. Also tried the one in Fullerton but wasn't as good as the Pico location

It's called Chu Uh Tang (mudfish stew) and it is one of my all-time favorite Korean dishes. Right before I have to go back to SD for school, I love to grab either a bowl of soondae gook or chu uh tang. Today, I was craving chu uh tang. This place has the best mudfish stew in all of LA. Absolutely delicious! Mudfish stew is made by grinding up the whole mudfish, bones and all, so I look for a certain consistency and Nam Won Gol's is perfect. This stew is chock full of calcium from the fish bones as well as protein and good fats (unsaturated) from the fish. In addition there is tons of vegetables and health benefits from the fermented bean paste as well. My parents always tell me this stew is supposed to make you strong. Popeye had spinach, Koreans have Chu Uh Tang. The flavor of the stew is mild and does not fall into the "spicy" category as is typical of most Korean dishes. On its own the stew is nice, but I highly recommend adjusting it with some minced garlic, jalapeno, ground sesame seeds, and a special spice blend called san cho. San cho has a very earthy/floral scent and gives the stew a lovely undertone of a similar flavor profile. I like to add in a lot, but if this is your first time, I would say start with a small amount since you can always add more as san cho can be overpowering. The ground sesame seeds add a nice nutty flavor which balances out with everything else going on in the bowl just beautifully. The mudfish stew is served with rice and the portions here are spot on (see pic). The side dishes here are delicious as well. They serve kimchi, beansprouts, marinated crab, and another one of my favorites dotori muk (Korean acorn jelly) salad. The food here is very authentic and my idea of real comfort food. If you want to expand your knowledge of Korean cuisine or your taste buds are longing for something flavorful and satisfying I highly recommend a bowl of Chu Uh Tang from Nam Won Gol. Priced at $8.99 it is what I consider to be a perfect meal.

The mudfish stew was definitely different! People kept warning us that it was strong, and that it was an acquired taste, but it was actually very mild. Maybe my taste buds just need to become attuned to the subtlety! Our next-door-table-neighbors were there to stew themselves out of hangovers. It did have that medicinal, herby, I'm-eating-something-good-for-me aura about it. We got our stew spices mixed for us by a very kindly waitress who later stopped by to chat about the texture of our stir-fried octopus. While the sauce was deep red and incredibly flavorful, the octopus itself was like car tires - it may as well have been gum. There were a few pieces we physically couldn't grind up with our wimpy hominid-molars. The waitress was very concerned that we were anything less than thrilled with any of our lunch, and laboriously explained in halting English that Koreans generally preferred to work hard to chew their octopus. She admitted that her American-born daughter preferred it tender. The mudfish stew-nursing couple next to us gave us the tip to order the squid next time if we wanted tenderness with the same amazing sauce. However, nearly everyone in the entire restaurant had pots of stew, and the menu was fully half mudfish. Clearly mudfish is The Thing. This is a fondly-written three star review - we felt well-taken care of, met some kind strangers, and enjoyed a new experience!

I never even knew what mudfish stew was before coming here, and it definitely does not have an appetizing name. Contrary to my initial beliefs, this restaurant shattered my expectations. It is a fantastic soup on a chilly day, on a hungover morning, or a company lunch... whatever, you name it. They definitely don't skimp on their side dishes which are quality and filling! Give it a shot for an exotic dish :)

They are known for their delicious and healthy mud fish soup. Friendly people running the restaurant. Go try it!

The best mudfish stew in Los Angeles. I can't find any other place that's better with the stew than this place. Make sure to add Sancho to the soup!

I do like this place because I can try one of traditional korean food. I think foods are great, but may need clean customer's tables professionally ....

I come here for the mudfish stew and the mudfish stew only. My peoples believe it's good for the body, as far as a cure all for all kinds of medical maladies... or something along those lines. I don't know about all that, but it is indeed quite tasty. The place is usually frequented by the older generations, looking for something to up their vitality and energy points. (insert super geek video game reference here). If you don't feel like sitting around a bunch of older Korean ladies and gents silently judging you as you eat, you can always call in your order.

Tried the mudfish stew and it completely hit the spot! We also had beef bulgogi and spicy pork bulgogi. Excellent service and delicious food overall!

I'm giving this place 3 stars based on the fermented bean stew that I got. This place is famous for their mudfish stew (I know, sounds really appetizing), but I've never had it and I was starving so I didn't want to risk getting something I might not like. The bean stew I got was not tasty. Chungkukchang is supposed to be really stinky and a bit sour (I know, this sounds tasty too) but this was neither. The flavor was bland. The Korean grandmas that I came with loved their mudfish stew, though. Also the side dishes were delicious and never ending. I only came here because the grandmas wanted mudfish stew. I wouldn't come here on my own again.

The food is DELICIOUS here, if you're interested in some traditional Korean dishes. Their go-to meal at this establishment is the first dish on the menu- Choo-uh-tang! It's a two in one meal, as it is healthy and tasty. Their stews are all great and very filling and top that all off with some rice and numerous side dishes. Food takes a while to prepare (because the best homemade meals requires patience) so be ready to pick on some side dishes while you wait. Free parking in the lot (Slicey's Pizza and Pico Seafood is in the same plaza) so no extra valet $ required Come hungry, leave satisfied..:)

Power and strength for men! Mud fish is known for giving stamina to men smoother skins to women. Try their mudfish stew. It doesn't smell at all. Very tasty indeed. I also recommend stir fried squid. It's little spicy though. You can ask for less spicy. If you like Korean food, this place will be a hidden treasure for you.

Hi everyone, I come here to order mud fish stew with fresh vegetables, with banchan, no rice, food is awesome haha

their kimchi is DELICIOUS!!!! i don't think i've had chu-uh tang before so i have nothing to compare it to. but it was quite good. the stew literally looks like the mud they are from. i don't think this stew is for everyone. it's not spicy at all. their squid OHJINGUH bokkeum (spicy-ish sauteed w onions and jalapeno) is pretty good. the food here is pretty good, so i may come back to try the rest. they close at 9pm which is kinda early but it's because the area isn't that great.

this place has the best chu-uh-tang in ktown... said my mommy. mommys are always right. if you never tried chu uh tang, you might not like it but if you just go pass the idea of slimy mudfish you'll be alright. chu uh tang is korean fall specialty food. it's made with slimy mudfish (mi kku ra gi) found in shallow muddy water. it's very nutritious. this place grounds the fish so the soup looks like a typical vegetable bean paste soup. chu uh tang is served in a large stone bowl with rice mixed with wild rice here. make sure to add a small spoonful of ground garlic and jalapeno. adding a small pinch of san cho powder (a type of herb) will enhance the flavor but don't add too much because it will be overpowering. at last, add some sesame seeds and you are ready to eat.

I am not a fan of Chu Uh Tang, so how did I end up at Nam Won Gol? I was with my hungover sister & sick-with-the-flu mother. They insisted that their only cure was to get a bowl of Chu Uh Tang. I denied at first, but eventually went with them since I was battling something on my own. Hunger. As soon as you enter the restaurant, you are welcomed with the smell of Chu Uh Tang. I gotta admit. It actually smells very appetizing, but I am not fond of the taste! Aside from the mudfish's, there aren't many options. I opted for the squid stir-fried (ohjinguh bokkeum) as opposed to octopus since a Yelp review suggested to go for the squid for a more tender texture. BEST. DECISION. EVER. No joke. It was the best ohjinguh bokkeum I ever had. Sorry, mom! Their sauce is really something else. It has the perfect amount of spice and sweetness to it! On one scoop of rice, put octopus and veggies and top it off with their perfectly fermented kimchi. It will be heaven in your mouth.

This small restaurant on Pico is famous for their Choo-Uh Tang, which is ground mudfish stew. Yes, that's right, ground. Not my favorite, I had one in Korea and it was decent but I'm not a big fan. My mum was craving it and there is none in Vegas, so we came here for lunch. When we got there around 12:30-1pm, it was half-empty. Strange, I thought, maybe the B rating is turning people off? Suffice to say that my doubts were gone within 1/2 hour, as the place filled up and had people waiting outside for seats. So apparently I'm the only one who cringe at anything below A. The service is just okay. They put on a good face but at the end of the day they are too busy to tend to you properly and the service you do get is hurried. But most come here not for the service, but for the food. So the food... My mum likes the mudfish stew, so I'm guessing it's as good as advertised. I order the spicy stir-fried squid, others in the party order bulgogi and broiled yellow corvina. The squid is very good, some say it is the best in town but I'm wondering if there is a difference after a certain point. It's as good as any good stir-fried squid dish I've had, although I can't say it stands out above others. The bulgogi was pretty good, not great. The fish was nicely plump and meaty. The price point is a bit high, I thought, as pretty much everything is approaching $15. Not sure it's worth all that. Regardless, it was a solid meal and one of the very reliable Korean restaurant where you know you will get a good meal. Nothing wrong with that. Probably a 3.5 stars overall. Table-for-1 Factor: It's perfectly fine, but if they get busy it may be difficult to get seated.

Didn't know what to expect because I've never had mudfish stew before. But it is amazing! The stew has a very clean taste, with a buttery umami flavor that kicks in without making the broth feel too heavy. Plus, the lady who runs the restaurant is super nice :)

Excellent and authentic. Their main dish, chu uh tang, is hard to find in the US. I had tried it in Korea a long time ago and was surprised to see it here. It was very good. A great option for an adventurous eater who wants to try something different. I also got the pork bulgogi which was very good. Finally, the side dishes were great. Loved the kimchee, it was done in a fresher style which is my favorite. Take it from someone with high standards for Korean food - this place is great.

CHU-UH TANG = mudfish stew LOLOLOL HAVE YOU EVER SEEN A MUDFISH?! I, for one, have not! At least not until my coworker was like.. they're cute! *shows me picture, I scream because it's so slimy* Well, no matter, we still go to eat it. It tastes JUST LIKE YUHM-SO TANG = goat stew, except without meat. It was pretty good though, and apparently it's good for your health. My coworker claims that it gives you renewed energy and you don't get food coma... and he was right! I didn't get food coma! CRAYCRAY! Anyway, they also serve this nifty sidedish called "honguh" which is seasoned skate wing. It's like.. sweet pickled skate wing and radish. I used to eat it all the time like 10 yrs ago, but I almost forgot what it was. It was really good though. I just told my dad that I had this for lunch, and he's like.. Wow! Now you are a true Korean (in Korean, duh haha)!

Get mudfish stew #1 and you will embark on the "culinary" adventure of your lifetime. I would not recommend getting mudfish stew with vegetables aka #2. They are very different!! #2 has a very peculiar taste!! The waitress is super nice and friendly. Mudfish supposedly makes you beautiful. Do it. #1.

Chu Uh Tang. Banchan. Delicious. Inexpensive. Know how to season. I don't know much about Chu Uh Tang, but a place I definitely will frequent when I get the C.U.T. urge which I know have cause of this joint.

I had issue of constant diarrhea and vomit that doctors could not diagnos easily. I ended up switching to acupuncture and was told to add some energy by eating chu uh tang(mudfish stew) since i live close to this place, i didnt think and just tried. The serving lady explained to me one by one since it was my first time. She had amazing sidedishes for me and my friend. The stew was awesome with their homemade soypaste and herb fading the smell of mudfish.