There is no better-known Korean restaurant than this one. A simple search on Google for must-try restaurants in Seoul, and I GUARANTEE this restaurant will show up on any list you find.
The value proposition is straightforward, a Michelin-approved restaurant where every dish is priced below 15 USD.
Myeongdong Kyoja (‘Kyoja’ means ‘dumplings’) was established in Myeongdong in 1966 and has since expanded to three locations. It earned its first Michelin Bib Gourmand in 2017 and has consistently won the award since. If you’re planning to visit the original restaurant, here are the details:
Myeongdong Kyoja Main Restaurant
Address: 29 Myeongdong 10-gil, Jung District, Seoul, South Korea
Timings: 10:30 AM to 9 PM KST
Find Myeondong Kyoja on Google Maps
Since it’s a popular spot, you might face a queue even on weekdays. I recommend weekdays post lunch before dinner if you want to avoid crowds.
Plan accordingly to avoid surprises!
The Menu
Myeondong Kyoja’s menu consists of only four items:
- Kalguksu: Knife-cut noodles with thick chicken broth and garnish.
- Mandu: Steamed dumplings stuffed with pork, vegetables, and leek, covered in sesame oil.
- Bibimguksu: Mixed noodles with kimchi and soy sauce, balancing spicy and sour flavours.
- Kongguksu: Also known as bean noodle or soymilk noodle soup, a summer delicacy.
Here’s what I thought:
The Review
Kalguksu – Knife-cut Noodles
Kalguksu is the signature dish of Myeondong Kyoja. For 8 USD (11,000 KRW), the portion size was huge. The large pot of hand-cut noodles in thick chicken broth was brimming with flavour, and I found bits of minced meat and wontons in the soup. It was delicious!
The soup was so flavourful that it was hard to stop. The noodles were hot and perfectly cooked. After tasting them, I understood their popularity. I visited in winter, and there’s no better dish than a warm bowl of noodles and soup on a cold evening.
Mandu – Pork Dumplings
Next up was Mandu, or Korean pork dumplings. Priced at 9 USD (12,000 KRW) for 10 plump dumplings, the soft and juicy texture of pork and vegetables was flavoured to perfection.
The stuffing had just the right amount, with a perfect balance of meat and fat. The stuffing-to-dumpling skin ratio was a winner! If you’re in Myeongdong, indulge in this delicacy.
Bibimguksu – Spicy Mixed Noodles
I also tried Bibimguksu, priced at 8 USD (11,000 KRW). These spicy mixed noodles, made from Somyeon (thin wheat noodles), were incredibly hot and flavourful.
Bibimguksu is wheat noodles with lots of kimchi. For those seeking a fiery food adventure, this is your dish. It was delicious but extremely spicy, so if you’re not into very hot food, you might not want to try this more than once. Even then, it’s worth experiencing.
Kongguksu - Cold Soy Milk Noodles
Kongguksu is a special dish available only during the warmer months in Seoul, from April to October. I missed out on it during my winter visit when it was unavailable, but I got the chance to try it when I visited again in the summer.
It comprises noodles made with chlorella, making them rich in amino acids while giving them their signature green color. They are served in cold soy milk, which might seem unusual and unappealing to some, but I found it thoroughly enjoyable.
As someone who was initially apprehensive about trying this dish, I can say it was a delightful surprise. The unique flavors and refreshing taste made it a memorable part of my summer visit.
Verdict: Myeongdong Kyoja is a Must-Visit.
In my opinion, Myeongdong Kyoja is worth visiting on your next trip to Seoul. Their menu offers a new yet comfortable cuisine. The Kalguksu is a warm hug that leaves you wanting more, the Mandu is a flavorful delight, and the Bibimguksu is perfect for those seeking a fiery food adventure with its incredibly hot and flavorful spicy mixed noodles. Additionally, the Kongguksu, available only during the warmer months, is a refreshing and unique experience. The restaurant lives up to its hype. Don’t miss this place when you visit South Korea!
If you’re visiting Seoul for the first time, check out my 2024 Essential Guide for First-Time Travellers to Seoul, South Korea, where I cover everything from the best time to visit, what passes you’ll need, what apps to download, and much more.
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