M Kokko — Restaurant in Durham

M Kokko: A Hidden Gem for Korean Cuisine Lovers in Durham

Tucked away in the vibrant city of Durham, M Kokko is a culinary treasure that promises an unforgettable dining experience, especially for those with a penchant for Korean cuisine. Specializing in dishes that lean heavily on chicken, this intimate and funky eatery offers a unique ambiance that perfectly complements its delectable menu.

Upon entering M Kokko, you are immediately struck by the cozy yet stylish atmosphere. The space is compact, creating an intimate dining experience that feels both welcoming and exclusive. Funky decor elements add a modern twist, making it an ideal spot for a casual dinner or a special night out. However, be forewarned: the restaurant's size means it cannot accommodate very large parties, so plan accordingly if you're thinking of visiting with a group.

One of the standout dishes at M Kokko is undoubtedly the Korean Fried Chicken (KFC) with spicy sauce. These wings are a testament to the art of perfect frying. The exterior is incredibly crunchy, offering a satisfying bite that contrasts beautifully with the moist and juicy meat inside. The spicy sauce adds a kick that enhances the overall flavor without overpowering the dish, making the KFC an absolute must-try for first-time visitors and regulars alike.

As an appetizer, the pork belly buns are nothing short of spectacular. Served in steamed buns, the two well-portioned cuts of pork belly are tender and flavorful. The combination of the soft, pillowy buns and the rich, succulent pork creates a harmonious blend of textures and tastes that set the tone for the rest of your meal.

M Kokko's menu is thoughtfully curated to showcase the best of Korean flavors, with each dish prepared with meticulous attention to detail. The quality of the ingredients and the skillful execution make it clear why M Kokko has earned its reputation as one of Durham's favorite dining spots. Whether you're a fan of Korean cuisine or new to it, M Kokko offers a delightful culinary journey that shouldn't be missed.

In summary, M Kokko is a gem that shines brightly in Durham's culinary landscape. The combination of an intimate, funky atmosphere and exceptional Korean dishes centered around chicken makes it a standout destination. The Korean Fried Chicken with spicy sauce and the pork belly buns are just a glimpse into the delicious offerings that await you. For those looking to enjoy a memorable meal in Durham, M Kokko is an...

Dined in while visiting from Charlotte on a Saturday night. I had previously dined at M Sushi and was hoping to get a table there but there were no reservations available, so I put my name on the waiting list next door at M Kokko and I'm glad I did. It can be a long wait so expect a long wait for a table because M Kokko does not take reservations. After a 45+ minute wait my girlfriend and I were brought to our table (one of just a handful - realistically I think they can shoehorn about 25-ish people inside) and ordered some drinks. The menu is small and it's literally on the wall, so after deliberating for a couple minutes I ordered the ramen (opted for spicy) and she ordered the Biang Biang noodles and pork buns for an appetizer.

The drinks came out after we put our food order in and the pork buns followed almost immediately after (quick service). Hands down the best pork bun I have ever crammed in my face. Previously living in Southern California and spending considerable amount of time in San Francisco I thought I knew how good a pork bun could be, but apparently I was wrong. M Kokko's pork buns would win in a battle royale tournament of buns. Get them. Don't pass them up.

About ten minutes later the ramen and Biang Biang noodles arrived and again, super impressed. You can get ramen anywhere. Ramen restaurants are everywhere these days and I would go as far to say that most are just middle of the road and good enough for when you're craving a hot bowl, but the ramen here at M Kokko is top tier deliciousness. I used the large metal spoon (ladle?) and slurped down all of the broth once the noodles and other solids were gone. Ramen is not spicy, but you can get it spicy (I think it's chili oil) and if you're unsure, you can ask to have the oil on the side so you don't have to commit.

Biang Biand noodles - I had a severe case of entre envy. Spicy, oily, tangy, crunchy little bits of shallots. I spent the entire time stealing noodles from her bowl. I'm ordering this next time I'm in town and I'm ordering extra to take to my hotel room for a late night snack.

Overall, food is on point. I'm definitely coming back to try the other items since there is only eight items on the menu. The space is quaint. Looks almost like M Sushi turned and old office or closet into a casual dining spot - it's small inside. Long wait on weekends, but oh well, good things are worth the wait. Use the time to grab a drink...

I stopped in for a bowl of spicy ramen and also got some pork buns. I have to say, I'm a bit disappointed. This is not the first time I've eaten their, and it has been underwhelming each time.

The pork buns: The buns were nice, but I've yet to have a bad bao bun anywhere I can remember. The pork itself was cooked nicely, but the sauce was somehow both way too sweet and also burnt and bitter tasting. In fact the entire meal had a burnt charred undertone.

The ramen: I ordered spicy ramen with extra chashu pork. They forgot the exte pork. Not a big deal. I mean I hope they forgot and that the pitiful amount of pork I got wasn't extra. I asked again for the extra pork, and what they brought out was 2 1/2 tiny pieces. Which was about what was already in the bowl, so I guess that is the normal amount, but honestly it's a bit sad.

Wasn't very spicy for spicy ramen, and there is no chilli oil or other standard condiments on the tables, probably because they are a small restaurant with small tables which is understandable. I asked for chili oil to add some heat.

The broth itself is rich, creamy and flavorful, but still for some reason has a burnt bitter taste underneath. I'm not an expert in chashu. Maybe that is the way they make it there? Maybe the pork was burnt then used for the soup and buns? Idk, but there was pieces of char, like little burnt bits in the soup. I like to drink my broth. The best thing about ramen is the super rich broth. As I was drinking it, I had to stop and pick pieces of burnt char out of my mouth.

The noodles tasted undercooked, chewy and just too hard. Again, I'm not an expert on ramen but I've had it more times than I can recall all over the country and these noodles just felt too hard.

The meal was 32$ plus 20% tip. For a bowl of ramen and two buns 40+$ its not on the cheap side, and if I'm going to pay that much, I want it perfect.

Honestly, I've had betree bowls of ramen at the super cheap place that opened up this year in 9th Street. Dashi used to be be great, but they seem to have gone downhill too.

On top of that, I got yelled at by a panhandler at the public courtyard area in front of the Unscripted hotel. Durham really needs to do something. Its like a ghost town most nights, and then you have to fend off the aggressive panhandling. It's not...