Manna Korean Cuisine — Restaurant in Calgary

SEPT 2023 UPDATE Unfortunately it might be one of the last times I’ll be here for a while. Confirmed with the staff that the chef has been replaced a couple months ago and it shows.

The side dishes have changed drastically. The kimchi and radish were super young and bland. The garlic potatoes were cold and the batter on the zucchini was thick. The Kalbi tang used to be clearer and milky in color with a nice black pepper taste. Today it was really salty and the broth was much more murky. They used to give very decent sized lettuce for the LA kalbi, but now it’s been reduced significantly. You need to ration the lettuce and there’s not enough to go around. I’ve never sent food back at this restaurant but tonight was a first. We got the garlic soy wings and the batter was way too thick and the sauce was not thick enough to coat the wing. Honestly it tasted bland when I first bit in. Previously this was delicious but not anymore

Previous review I’ve been coming here to eat since they’ve opened. Although the food is still good, the establishment definitely needs to make some changes and revert some poor changes to retain customers.

This place is hot and stuffy. Management has installed some ceiling fans over the years but as customers, you’re left wanting more. I always remember to wear a t shirt here if I come. They are in NEED of A/C. Luckily they’ve added naengmyeon on the menu to combat this In the past couple months, they’ve changed a rule where each individual needs to order a main dish (appetizers do not count) for the side dishes to be refillable. This was not the case before and is a huge disappointment. When confronted management says it’s always been like this but this is definitely not the case. For some reason, the hot side dishes are always cold the first round (garlic potatoes and fried zucchini but hot the second round when refilled) Most people I know loved this place when it first opened. But lately I’ve heard more and more mixed reviews resulting in them to come less. Common complaints surround the quality of the side dishes When you order take out, you do not get the same number of side dishes compared to when you dine in.

That being said some of my favourite dishes include the Kalbi Tang, Soondubu Jjigae, and seafood pancake. I still come back, but I think the points above need to...

Update June 2022 Had gamjatang again and tried yurinki (fried chicken) as take out - quality and quantity has since gone down. Side dishes are put in tiny little cups instead of the large circular containers before - only good for one or two bites. The gamjatang soup is not as flavourful and seems like it wasn't stewed as long. The yurinki is just like medium size pop corn chicken and definitely not worth it. It said it came with jalapenos, green onions and garlic on top but there weren't any. The sauce it came with was pretty good but I don't want to pay $20 for sauce. Also had to refry the chicken because it was chewy and soft. Rice given was good for one person...thought Manna could be more generous. Suspect it is under different management from before. Not a return for me anymore 2.5/5

Tried take out of the medium size gamjatang (pork bone soup). Large and generous portions and good flavouring. Comparable to the gamjatang I had in Korea! Call in ahead of time and you get 10% off for take outs. They come with 4 side dishes and rice portion was huge. Calling in and picking up the food was super easy and streamline. The staff was very friendly and helpful. The only downside was my gamjatang (gamja = potatoes) didn't have potatoes and rice was a tad bit not soft enough for my liking. Still rate it as 4.9/5 though! Can't wait to try this place again either for take out or in the restaurant! I will be telling lots of people...

I recently had an incredible dining experience at a Korean restaurant that deserves every bit of praise. What stood out most were the side dishes, a delightful assortment of banchan that offered a range of flavors and textures, from spicy kimchi to refreshing cucumber salad. These small dishes alone would have made for a satisfying meal.

The cold noodle dish was a revelation, especially on a hot day. The noodles were perfectly chewy, and the icy, tangy broth provided a refreshing contrast. It was a culinary escape to a Korean summer.

The short ribs were nothing short of spectacular – tender, succulent, and bursting with a rich, savory marinade. Each bite was a journey in savory indulgence.

The Korean pancake was a crispy delight, packed with various ingredients like scallions and seafood. It was a fantastic balance of crispy and chewy textures, making it an instant favorite.

Lastly, the tofu stew was a comforting masterpiece. The bubbling, hot pot arrived at the table, filled with silky tofu, vegetables, and a flavorful broth. It was a warm hug for the taste buds.

This Korean restaurant truly impressed with its diverse and delicious offerings. If you're in the mood for an authentic Korean dining experience that excels in banchan, cold noodles, short ribs, Korean pancake, and tofu stew, I highly recommend paying them a visit. You won't be...