There are only four items on Myeongdong KyoJa’s menu but these four draw legions of visitors every day and made Myeongdong KyoJa a Michelin Bib Gourmand stall year after year, especially famous for its Myeongdong kalguksu or hand-cut noodles.
The popular restaurant, which has been around since 1966, has two outlets in Myeongdong, both of which are located along the same street.
Originally started as “Jansugang” in 1964, the restaurant changed its name to “Myeongdong Kalguksu” in 1966. In 1978, it once again had to change its name, this time because too many other shops started to use the term Myeongdong Kalguksu to sell noodles. This led to its current name, “Myeongdong Kyoja”, being adopted.
Myeongdong Kalguksu & Michelin Dumplings or Mandu
We had to try the Michelin mandu or dumplings in Myeongdong and couldn’t wait to tuck in.
On arrival at Myeongdong Kyoja, we were ushered upstairs to the dining room.
Myeongdong Kyoja Menu
With just four items on the Myeongdong KyoJa menu, it makes it easy to pick and choose.
The choices on the Myeongdong KyoJa menu are:
- Kalguksu (10,000 won)– hand-cut noodles;
- Mandu (12,000 won) – steamed dumplings;
- Bibimguku (12,000 won) – noodles served with a red pepper paste; and
- Kongguksu (10,000 won) – noodles made from a bean paste.
Prices are as of April 2023.
We placed an order for a bowl of Kalguksu and basket of Mandu.
Payment is made up front – either in cash or with card.
Then a dish of kimchi appeared on the table. Myeongdong Kyoja’s kimchi is fermented for at least three years and it is made with plenty of hot pepper, garlic and sea salt.
The taste of the kimchi immediately hits you and as much as it overpowers the tastebuds, it is also immediately addictive. I would say that it is one of the most memorable kimchis that I’ve tasted.
Myeongdong Kyoja Review: Kalguksu and Mandu
An advantage of dining at a restaurant that has just four items on the menu is that food arrives very quickly.
The steaming hot bowl of kalguksu and steamer basket of mandu soon filled the table.
The kalguksu or hand cut noodles is deliciously soft and pairs perfectly with the rich chicken broth. It comes with a garnish and triangle-shaped dumplings for added texture and flavor.
It can also be flavored with a marinade soy sauce that is available at the table, or by mixing in some of the kimchi for added spice. However, we found that this wasn’t necessary as it was nicely balanced as it was.
The cabbage-shaped Michelin dumplings were something else. Myeongdong Kyoja makes their mandu with female pork meat that is not more than three or four days old, along with leek and fresh sesame oil.
The dumplings were soft and the meat was well seasoned. They were tasty enough to eat on their own but a dip into the saucer of vinegar added a layer of complexity to the flavor profile of the dumplings.
The word “kyoja” refers to the cooking method of wrapping the stuffing with thin pieces of dough. At Myeongdong Kyoja, they have clearly perfected this technique.
Another way to enjoy the Michelin dumplings at Myeongdong Kyoja is to pair it together with the delicious kimchi.
A visit to Myeongdong Kyoja is a must for anyone who loves dumplings. It is an experience that should not be missed.
How to Get to Myeongdong Kyoja: Michelin Dumplings & Noodles
The main restaurant of Myeongdong Kyoja is located at 29, Myeongdong 10-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul.
The branch restaurant of Myeongdong Kyoja is just down the same street, on the opposite row of shops, at 8, Myeongdong 10-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
To find out more about about the Michelin dumplings and other dishes at this Myeongdong restaurant, visit the Myeongdong Kyoja website.
If you enjoyed this, you may also enjoy this story about things to do in Myeongdong and this beef bone soup in Myeongdong.
