Myeongdong Kyoja Branch — Restaurant in Seoul

The beef flavoured noodle soup has a taste that reflects its smokey cooking style, with a rich and flavourful taste that will leave you wanting to come back for more. The soup appears thick but is not heavy, not over-bearingly meaty. Done so well, I wish I could ask for the recipe. There are only 5 items on the menu for a reason, with the soup noodles (kal-guksu) being the most popular. At just 11000won (~AUD$12) it’s an amazing meal at very reasonable price. Be warned - expect to be asked for your order and to pay in advance before being seated. Also, expect long waiting queues (1-2 people line up at the front; groups of 3 or more are asked to walk around to the back of the building to line up, and you will only be let in once all your guests have arrived and are counted for!!) The kimchi here is a specialty - it is garlic infused, but extra spicy. After enjoying the soup for its amazing taste, try adding some of the kimchi to the soup as it will change the flavour to get something else. But be warned the spiciness of the kimchi is rated 4 out of 5 (5 being eye-watering unbearable off-to-hospital chilliness). The dumplings were also amazing - steamed meat and veggie dumplings done to perfection. Service wasn’t great, but let’s face it - you’re there for the food, not their kindness. Atmosphere was 3 out of 5 due to the long waiting queues (which could add to the atmosphere if that’s what you include as part of the atmosphere), but inside you just see a sea of people heads down enjoying the noodles and dumplings. Half Koreans, half tourists. Would definitely come every time I...

Highly overrated in my opinion. It’s one of those places where they know there’s a lot of demand for their restaurant so they try to churn out as much customers as possible. The line up starts on the street where you’re rushed by a rude guy. Then you line up at the stairs waiting for someone to get out. Once you sit down, they rush you to order. There’s only 4 items so you feel like you shouldn’t take long to choose. Then you pay on the spot. Food comes out rather quickly. Want an extra bowl so the kids can share? Nope. Want something to drink? Nope just water. Essentially they want you to eat and get out. When you’re done, they take away your bowls as a hint and since there’s people waiting right there, you feel as though you need to leave right away. How was the food? Noodle soup was ok. The noodles is infused with garlic and maybe that’s why they’re special. Dumplings were average and bad when it gets cold. You need to eat it right as soon as it hits the table. Once you’re done, you leave from the back. For a Michelin recommendation, I expected more. I’ve been to many and this was one of the worst. The whole experience was rushed. I understand the need to get people in and out so more people can enjoy it but this place just over did it a little bit. I do...

Myeongdong Kyoja is one of the most well-known and long-established restaurants in the area, especially famous for its knife-cut noodles (칼국수) and my personal favorite—dumplings (만두). On our recent visit, we stopped by their new three-story location, and it was immediately clear just how popular it still is. Each floor was packed with diners, and many were patiently waiting for their turn, which speaks to the strong reputation this place continues to hold. We ordered the classic combination: 칼국수 and 만두. While the food was enjoyable and satisfying overall, I wouldn’t necessarily say it was the best version of these dishes I’ve ever had. The flavors were solid but didn’t quite capture the authentic, northern-style (이북식) dumpling taste that I personally love and seek out. The broth was hearty and the noodles had a good bite, but something about the overall balance felt a bit more commercial than homemade.

Still, Myeongdong Kyoja is a legendary spot, and part of the experience is simply being there—immersed in the hustle and bustle of Myeongdong, surrounded by fellow food lovers. It’s one of those places that you check off the list when you’re in the neighborhood, especially if it’s your first time exploring this vibrant...