This pork elbow is so good | Michigan Ann Arbor Korean food review

Macheko (Ypsilanti, MI) – Ann Arbor’s Favorite Korean Spot: Fall-Off-the-Bone Pork Hocks & Hearty Stews 🐷 I’d heard so much hype about Macheko—Ann Arbor’s go-to for delicious Korean food—and finally got to try it! Tucked at 2283 Ellsworth Road, Ypsilanti (super easy to reach from Ann Arbor), this spot 100% lives up to the buzz, especially with its showstopping signature dishes. Here’s what made our meal unforgettable, plus a little ask for fellow foodies at the end 😊 🍖 Signature Jok Bal (Braised Pork Hock) – Meat Lovers, This Is For You! This is Macheko’s star, and it’s worth every bite! Portion: Massive—easily feeds 2 people (no skimping here!). Texture & Flavor: The pork hock is so tender it practically falls off the bone 🤤. It’s seasoned perfectly: savory, well-balanced, and packed with that classic Korean braised depth. How to eat: Wrap it in the fresh lettuce leaves provided, add a dollop of one of the two Korean sauces (they add zesty or creamy kicks—pick your vibe!)—fresh, hearty, and totally satisfying. Pro tip: They also have Bul Jok Bal (another braised pork hock style)—I didn’t try it this time, but I’m already planning a return trip just for that! 🥘 Kohgal Jjim (Braised Oxtail & Short Rib Stew) – Korean Comfort Food with a Twist If you love saucy, hearty stews, this one’s a home run: Vibe: It’s just like Northeast China’s “iron pot stew”—a big pot loaded with tender oxtail, short ribs, potatoes, and rice cakes. The aroma hits you the second it’s set down! Standout: The rice cakes! They soak up every drop of the rich, savory broth—chewy, flavorful, and impossible to stop eating ✨. Note: It’s a little pricier than other dishes, but the quality (melty meat, bold broth) makes it totally worth the splurge. 🍗 Korean Fried Chicken – Crispy, Juicy, & Irresistible No Korean meal is complete without fried chicken, and Macheko’s delivers: Texture: The crust is crispy (not greasy!) and the chicken inside is so juicy—zero dry bites here. Sauce: The Korean-style sauce is sweet, tangy, and just right—coats every piece evenly without being too heavy. If you’re a fried chicken fan, don’t skip this! 📝 Final Thoughts & a Request Overall, Macheko is a winner: great flavors, generous portions, and standout signature dishes. Yes, the specialty items are a bit pricier than other Korean spots, but you’re paying for quality. Here’s my ask: I’ve heard Ann Arbor has TONS of amazing Korean restaurants! If you’re a local or fellow UMich student, drop a comment with your favorite Korean spots—and specific dishes we need to try next. Let’s build a list of Ann Arbor’s best Korean eats together! #Michigan #MichiganFood #MichiganLife #Detroit #AnnArbor #UniversityOfMichigan #UniversityOfMichiganAnnArbor #MichiganStateUniversity #KoreanFoodAnnArbor #AnnArborEats