Wang Ga Ma — Restaurant in Coquitlam

I ordered #1 on their menu which was supposed to be a beef soup, supposedly prepared by boiling leg bones. What I got was basically just hot water with a bit of color and a few bits of tasteless beef slices. I tried adding the salt they brought, but that just made it taste like salt water. I added the rice and some of the "juice" from the kimchi that came with it (the kimchi was fine), but it didn't really help. I estimate that their cost of my meal had to be well under $1 (the kimchi cost something) and was certainly nowhere near worth the $11 they were charging. In the interim my wife, who had ordered a cold soup, was looking at me jealously claiming that her meal was horrid and whatever I was drinking it had to be better then hers. I wasn't going to leave a review...maybe dishwater soup is a Korean specialty... but when I went to pay the lady asked how our meal was and I gave her an honest answer and suggested that she pass this on to their cook. Her response...get this..."well everyone else likes it"! I had a similar experience at a pizza restaurant where after stating that the sauce was too salty (the pizza was otherwise excellent) the cook tasted it and immediately threw out the sauce, apologized profusely, tossed two more pizzas that he had prepared for pickup and started over, giving us a second pizza, because they had made a mistake and knew it. Sometimes the food doesn't come out right, but a decent restaurant will take more pride in what they prepare, will thank customers for their honest feedback, and will at least taste something when they are told it is not up to par. I have had Korean broth many times before and it has always tasted somewhere between quite good and excellent. I cannot emphasize enough just how bad this was. Oh well, the place looked good, too bad they don't have a decent cook...or maybe they were just trying to save money. Their barley tea was good, for whatever...

Wang Ga Ma 왕가마 delivers authentic Korean cuisine right here in Vancouver. They don't serve a ton of side dishes (banchan 반찬), but their radish kimchi (kkakdugi 깍두기) is a standout. They even provide tools for cutting meat, seafood, veggies, and noodles!

Walking into Wang Ga Ma feels like stepping into Korea. Most of the diners are Korean, which is an excellent sign that this spot captures Korea's true flavours and vibe.

Their soups and rice are amazing in hot stone bowls (ttukbaegi 뚝배기). The bone soups are super delicious. We've tried several dishes from their menu and always left satisfied. Don't miss the burnt rice tea in the stone pot after your meal — it really completes the experience!

Wang Ga Ma is located in Hanin Village. While waiting for a table, we love grocery shopping at H-Mart nearby.

This place might be well-known to Koreans, but it could be a hidden gem for others. There's nothing fancy about their menu or entrance, and they don't even have a social media account, but they've been in business for years. That says something.

Highly recommend checking Wang Ga Ma out!

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Food: 🥘🥘🥘🥘Should Try! Service: 👩‍🍳👩‍🍳👩‍🍳 Kids: 👶👶👶👶 Yay! (Kids love their japchae 잡채 and their bibimbap 비빔밥) Price: 💲💲 Average $30 per person (Lunch) Presentation: 📷📷 Parking: 🚗🚗🚗 There is lots of parking, but it can get challenging during peak hours. Tips: 📝 No reservations are accepted; expect a short wait for a table. 📝 Ideal for small groups or families. 📝 Renowned for its hot and delicious soups. Would I...

The food is great here but the service is inconsistent. The first time I came here the service was amazing. However, the second time I came left a really bad taste in my mouth and let me tell you why.

The lady who I assumed is the owner seated us down towards the left side of the restaurant and simply forgot about us. The people that were behind us (list wise), was given their drinks and utensils and even ordered before us. We waited for 10 minutes and yes, I timed it and still nothing.

We tried to grab the two ladies eye contact so we can order but they clearly don't look at you. We finally had to say something for someone to come and take our order.

We also asked for some tea after since we had nothing to drink nor had utensils. The girl says ok and left and never came back to us with anything!

To make things worst, when the owner came to give us our food, she gave us wasn't even the correct order.... By then I was irritated and also told her we have no utensils and drinks. Clearly I was upset and no sorry or anything was said. Now I know how others feel when they enter an Asian establishment...ironic since l'm asian myself.

Attached are some photos from the first time coming.

I hope they see this and give better service next time because that experience was unacceptable. Bad customer service kills the restaurant even if your...