MUTAN COEX — Restaurant in Seoul

My visit to Mutan review:

I had the chance to indulge in the Macaron Manbocha, Steak Truffle Jjajangmyeon, and Hanwoo Beef Sirloin Jjamppong at Mutan recently. To simply say "it was delicious" would be an understatement for the extraordinary culinary experience I encountered.

The Steak Truffle Jjajangmyeon was particularly noteworthy. The crisp yet rich flavor of the truffle perfectly complemented the jjajangmyeon, offering a unique and profound taste sensation that I had never experienced before. The jjajangmyeon itself was exceptional, with the texture of the noodles standing out as particularly excellent – they were undoubtedly superior to any other jjajangmyeon I've tried, with the sauce bringing a joyful harmony of flavors to my palate.

The Hanwoo Beef Sirloin Jjamppong also impressed with its noodle texture and the deep, rich broth. The jjamppong alone was satisfying enough to make for a splendid meal.

The Macaron Manbocha was a great choice to conclude the meal, spreading a sweet and nutty flavor throughout my mouth, creating a delightful finish.

Dining at Mutan transcended a mere meal; it felt like experiencing the art of flavors. Each dish offered its own unique taste and texture, making every bite a new discovery. I would confidently recommend this place to anyone. Should the opportunity arise to visit again, I would choose Mutan without a second thought. It was truly an amazing...

Tried the bundle meal at Mutan and was pleasantly surprised by how bold and unique the flavors were.

• Yuringi (유린기) is a Korean-Chinese dish that features crispy fried chicken topped with a flavorful sauce. While the dish itself is not inherently spicy (the chilli they used are mild), it is unexpectedly refreshing. It felt more like a salad than a main dish, in the best way.

• The jjamppong noodles had a great smoky wok hei flavor—deep and satisfying, just like you’d hope from a proper stir-fry.

• The steak truffle jajangmyeon noodles was another standout. Rich, earthy, and reminiscent of dai lok mee in Malaysia, but elevated. A really well-executed fusion dish.

Overall, Mutan delivers a fun mix of Korean-Chinese fusion with flair. Worth a visit if you’re at COEX and in the mood for something familiar but...

Tried their much-talked-about Truffle Hanwoo Black Bean Noodle (트러플 한우 짜장면), priced at nearly $25 USD. Since it’s often ranked at the top of the 짜장면 scale, I was really excited to finally try it. The first bite was impressive — rich black bean sauce, a distinct truffle aroma, and subtle Hanwoo flavor notes. Unfortunately, the initial impact didn’t last, as the saltiness quickly overtook the main flavors. I ended up leaving the bowl unfinished.

That said, the atmosphere was great — very clean with friendly staff. If you’ve seen clips of this famous dish, it’s worth trying once for the experience. But personally, I wouldn’t go back for a second round, as I suspect it would...