Myeongdong Kyoja 명동 교자

Name: Myeongdong Kyoja 명동 교자

Location: 25-2 2-ga, Myeongdong, Jung-gu, Seoul
Cuisine: Korean
Website: http://www.mdkj.co.kr/en/
Total Price: ₩ 24,000

Myeongdong Kyoja is a famous Kalguksu 칼국수 restaurant that had first opened in 1966 in Suha-dong (later moving to Myeongdong), and is well known by many people around the world. Kalguksu, also known as knife noodles, is a Korean noodle soup that uses homemade knife-cut noodles and freshly made chicken broth. Myeongdong Kyoja has two locations in Myeongdong, one being the branch restaurant that was established in 1969 and the other being the main restaurant that had opened in 1975. This restaurant attracts many tourists that have heard great reviews online, and it is also popular among the people living in Seoul.

We had planned an afternoon to visit Myeongdong for the sole purpose of eating Kalguksu at Myeongdong Kyoja. The restaurant was located within the huge shopping area of Myeongdong, which is a popular tourist destination filled with many clothing stores and delicious street food. There were many people dining at the restaurant but we were able to get a seat within 2 minutes of walking in. After placing our orders, the waitress gave us the bill in advance to keep the restaurant flowing at a fast pace which we didn't mind. We had ordered a set of mandu and two kalguksu. Our food came out very fresh considering how fast they served it to us, and they gave us their house-made kimchi on the side.

Mandu 만두 (₩ 8,000). Korean steamed dumplings filled with minced pork and vegetables wrapped in handmade dough. There were 10 mandus but Kevin (bf) stole one before I was able to snap a picture of it! The mandus were out of this world! The wrapping was made perfectly thin which enclosed all the succulent juices of the filling inside. The pork and vegetable filling were outstanding and simply the best Korean dumpling we've ever tried.

Kalguksu 칼국수 (₩ 8,000). Handmade knife noodles boiled in top quality chicken broth, topped with mandu, zucchini, mushrooms and seasoned ground beef. The noodles had an amazing soft texture that blended in very nicely with the broth. The chicken broth was exceptional which had deep rich flavour and a thick consistency. The seasoned ground beef really complimented the soup and the mandus were a perfect treat to eat with the soup.

I've tried kalguksu at many restaurants in Toronto and once in Korea last year, but nothing comes close to the kalguksu served at Myeongdong Kyoja. We couldn't believe how amazing it tasted and how different it was from what we've been used to. From the flavours to the quality in all the handmade dough, our meal was flawless and it was truly a wonderful experience dining at this restaurant that has been around for 48+ years. I highly recommend Myeongdong Kyoja for their mandu and kalguksu and guarantee that you won't be disappointed!! Please, go try it! =)

Related Items Korea korean Restaurant Review Seoul Travels