Madang Korean Restaurant Al Ghazal Golf Club — Restaurant in Abu Dhabi

We always take the chance to stop by whenever we're in Abu Dhabi. The restaurant is located in the back of a Korean grocery store, next to the airport and a golf course, and a little off the beaten track. Nonetheless you shouldn't have any difficulty navigating there, although the road is a little narrow and there's no real way to tell if there's another car heading the other way. The free parking is shared with the golf course and business is busier at night - making a reservation is advised albeit not necessary.

The service is friendly, the food authentic and portions generous - with every visit we end up having to get some takeout boxes. There is a bell on each table which gets the waiters' attention, and the staff is reasonably (although not immediately) responsive. In one isolated instance two pieces of meat (part of the barbeque beef set) was a little discoloured, but after raising it with a server, it was readily replaced.

A highlight are the complimentary six starters, which can also be replenished at request. One of the starters may contain fish however and another seemingly contains eggs - vegans and vegetarians should be aware. The food is also prepared and served very quickly, which is undoubtedly a bonus.

The music is never too loud to be noticeable or obnoxious (though it is kpop rather than traditional, and a projector shows the music video). The interior decorating isn't particularly striking but rather muted and homely. There are three forms of seating - standard tables, more traditional seating in private booths although there is much leg space to be desired (though may make for nicer pictures), and a compromise between the two, where you are seated on the mattress but can actually put your legs down. It's a bit hard to explain but you'll know it...

The dining experience was highly disappointing.

I ordered beef sashimi, a Korean beef set, brisket soybean soup, steamed egg, and a bottle of Hwayo 53.

Beef sashimi: I didn't even try it as the color of the beef was so dark. I've never had beef sashimi that looked like this, and I didn't want to risk getting sick. Beef sashimi or tartare should be made from the freshest beef available, but this was clearly not the case, as shown in the picture.

Korean beef set: The meat quality was poor, with dark spots on the edges and chunks of fat that couldn't be grilled. To make matters worse, I found a piece of plastic in the meat. I even wondered if the meat was scraped from other tables. Despite trying to make the best of the dining experience, I had to stop eating when I saw other tables being served much better quality meat - pinkish red. The picture of the ungrilled meat clearly shows its subpar quality.

Steamed egg: It was undercooked, with a thick top layer that was still raw. I had to dig to the bottom to find any edible part.

I tried to mask the disappointment by drinking Hwayo, but the experience was too unpleasant to overcome.

In a rare occurrence, I questioned the staff about why our dishes were so different from those at adjacent tables. They offered to waive the food charges, but I insisted and paid for everything to ensure I had the right to express my...

I had an incredible dining experience at Madang Restaurant, a Korean culinary gem in Abu Dhabi. I always make the journey from Dubai to dine there, and it's absolutely worth it.

We went during lunch and opted for the lunch special, which turned out to be a fantastic choice. The special included a delectable spread featuring Bulgogi, La Galbi, Yangnyeom Chicken, a comforting soup, and complimentary drinks. What truly delighted us was the quality and taste of each dish. The Bulgogi was tender and full of flavor, the La Galbi was a succulent treat, and the Yangnyeom Chicken had the perfect blend of sweet and spicy. To complement our meal, they even offered free barley tea and coffee, which was a nice touch.

But what makes Madang Restaurant truly special is the exceptional service. Michael, the supervisor in charge, along with our server Emerson, provided attentive and friendly service, making our lunch experience even more enjoyable.

And let's not forget the unlimited banchan, a delightful array of side dishes that perfectly complemented our meal and added to the authenticity of the dining experience.

Madang Restaurant is an authentic Korean gem in Abu Dhabi. Whether you're a local or traveling from afar, it promises a taste of Korea that's hard to find elsewhere in the UAE. It's a hidden treasure for anyone seeking genuine Korean cuisine. Highly...