Ma Dang Gook Soo

I found this from google reviews and thought it looked like a cute hole-in-the-wall kinda place. My group got two of the spicy rice cake dishes, some steamed dumplings, and a kimchi/rice/egg bowl. Everything was delicious! They gave us each some kimchi, pickled vegetables, anchovy soup, and cold tea complimentary. We had a good amount of food to take home and it was so worth it! Larger portion sizes than you think. Would highly recommend

Ordered the #1 Handcut noodles with chicken and a #2 “Feast Noodles” in Hot Anchovy Soup (Ma Dang Noodles). The menu selection has hot and cold noodles, these two are both hot noodle soups. The portions here are quite large. Meals are served with tea and two types of kimchi, a traditional red and a white. Both were distinct with the red kimchi having sweetness and light spice whereas the white kimchi was more cleansing and palate-refreshing. The #1 Handcut noodles with chicken was a delicious hearty soup with a slightly thick soup and nice chewy noodles. The shredded chicken was the right size and the greens in here brought color to the soup. For those who want to spice it up, there was a special spice oil that could be added on the side. The #2 “Feast Noodles” were a thin noodle type and also included shredded egg garnish. The anchovy soup here is flavorful and tastes great to warm up on a cold day. The noodles were the right tenderness and consistency for this soup, it’s certainly a very filling portion. They also sell packaged kimchi as well as jujube dates and sweet potatoes. Note that there is a $0.50 charge for to-go containers if you ask for them. Service was very fast-paced, a little mix of them being pressed for time in between very patient help with ordering and checking in on our meal. This restaurant gets a medium pace of foot traffic coming through the door, it’s often overshadowed by a few other major restaurants nearby. It’s part of a shared plaza so there is a large parking lot but it could get packed depending on the time of day.

The food is so good, I’ve been coming here with my mom since I was young. Their donkatsu is one of my favorites but it’s a little small. I love their nengmyun and bibimbap. During cooler days its fine, but sometimes coming on blazing days is a no go.

Cold spicy mixed noodle was good. They raised some price and they are reasonable. Don’t go there on Sunday noon. Because it will be crowded.

I’ve been coming to this restaurant for years and have always enjoyed the food—it’s good and authentic, and I usually order the spicy cold noodles. I mostly get take-out, but I’ve also dined in a few times and generally had a pleasant experience, even with a language barrier. However, my most recent visit about a week ago was incredibly upsetting. I was dining in alone and noticed that the two women working didn’t approach my table, but they seemed busy, so I didn’t think much of it. Toward the end of my meal, I went up to the front to ask for a to-go container. The staff member asked if I also wanted the check—understandable given the potential language barrier—and since I was already up there, I agreed and paid in cash. As I was counting my change, the staff member suddenly said, “TIP.” I asked her to repeat herself, and she began loudly repeating “TIP” over and over, growing more agitated. I calmly said I would tip but wanted to finish eating first. I motioned to indicate I was still eating, and returned to my seat. To my shock, she followed me, took the to-go container out of my hands, and dumped the rest of my food into it herself. She continued standing over me, demanding a tip, creating a scene that drew uncomfortable attention from the other diners. She even turned to another table and, in Korean, asked them to translate that I needed to pay my tip and leave. I explained directly that I understood, but that I was still eating and drinking my tea. I truly value small, family-owned businesses and want to be respectful of cultural and language differences. But this experience left me feeling humiliated, disrespected, and singled out—especially as the only non-Korean diner there at the time. I will not be returning unfortunately.

This restaurant holds a special place in my heart, evoking memories from my late 20s that I still cherish today. It is a testament to its longevity and success, having operated at the same location for over 30 years. Whenever I find myself craving 칼국수, this is the first place that comes to mind. Today, after a long flight from Atlanta, I made a beeline for this restaurant upon arriving at LAX. To rejuvenate my weary soul from the early journey, I ordered 멸치칼국수 (anchovy-based noodle soup). The side dish of Kimchi, always fresh at this establishment, accompanied my meal. The piping hot, handmade noodles have consistently satisfied my appetite over the years. The generous portion size never fails to leave me feeling full and satisfied. Moreover, the waitstaff's warm and friendly demeanor adds to the overall experience, ensuring that every customer is well taken care of. My love for this restaurant is unwavering, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to others seeking a satisfying 칼국수 experience.

Old fashioned Korean noodle-Kuksu-restaurant Price looks reasonable considering taste and volume. Really big size ! Love noodle soup base and Kimchi. Try if you want authentic Korean noodle experience.

2/11/2023 My friend bought me here. She told that this is very good restaurant for noodles. My bowl is big and the taste is good. I have 1/2 to take home. :) But the bathroom is very bad, please do not use it. It will affect your appetite. :(

This place is always satisfying and a must try if you are in ktown. Been eating here since the 90s and still amazing. There are many options but their kimchi kalgooksoo is amazing and I like to pair that with donkatsu.

Foods are good But servers are not clean Counting money at the cash register, touching hair, and making dumplings with those same hands. Please change the soy source pot !!!

Ordered the #1 Handcut noodles with chicken and a #2 "Feast Noodles" in Hot Anchovy Soup (Ma Dang Noodles). The menu selection has hot and cold noodles, these two are both hot noodle soups. The portions here are quite large. Meals are served with tea and two types of kimchi, a traditional red and a white. Both were distinct with the red kimchi having sweetness and light spice whereas the white kimchi was more cleansing and palate-refreshing. The #1 Handcut noodles with chicken was a delicious hearty soup with a slightly thick soup and nice chewy noodles. The shredded chicken was the right size and the greens in here brought color to the soup. For those who want to spice it up, there was a special spice oil that could be added on the side. The #2 "Feast Noodles" were a thin noodle type and also included shredded egg garnish. The anchovy soup here is flavorful and tastes great to warm up on a cold day. The noodles were the right tenderness and consistency for this soup, it's certainly a very filling portion. They also sell packaged kimchi as well as jujube dates and sweet potatoes. Note that there is a $0.50 charge for to-go containers if you ask for them. Service was very fast-paced, a little mix of them being pressed for time in between very patient help with ordering and checking in on our meal. This restaurant gets a medium pace of foot traffic coming through the door, it's often overshadowed by a few other major restaurants nearby. Very family style or old friends coming together for a meal. It's part of a shared plaza so there is a large parking lot but it could get packed depending on the time of day.

Really good Korean handmade noodles. Had the 1A which was Chicken and the 1D which was Anchovy. The chicken was the consensus better dish with tasty broth, bits of chicken. The Anchovy with a tomato base was also very good, but it had a little bit of spice which I'm a wimp so not to my liking. They served yummy tea and an appetizer of pickled napa cabbage. With the meal, they brought out homemade kim chee (which I'm told is very good, but I don't like spicy) and some spicy paste (again which I've heard was good, but I don't like spicy). The service was great - loved the Korean auntie servers. They were so sweet. This is a place that I would love to come back to.

A no-frills Korean noodle and dumpling house with *huge* portions. Parking is free and on site, and service is... serviceable. I was glad they seem to offer kongguksu year round; it was cold, refreshing, thick, and LOADED with noodles. I can eat a lot but I still had to take half of it home. The same goes with all other noodle dishes here. We also shared some tteokbokki, and between it being pleasantly spicy, fishy, and with THICC rice and fish cakes, it's some of the best I think I've had. I've only gone with Korean-speaking friends, who have helped us order and navigate some of the personalities of the ladies waiting on the tables. You have to ask for menus, they flatly refuse to split bills, and they will stare you down as you sign off on tip. But I didn't mind. For the amount of food you get for the price, I'll take a tongue lashing from an ajumma.

This restaurant holds a special place in my heart, evoking memories from my late 20s that I still cherish today. It is a testament to its longevity and success, having operated at the same location for over 30 years. Whenever I find myself craving 칼국수, this is the first place that comes to mind. Today, after a long flight from Atlanta, I made a beeline for this restaurant upon arriving at LAX. To rejuvenate my weary soul from the early journey, I ordered 멸치칼국수 (anchovy-based noodle soup). The side dish of Kimchi, always fresh at this establishment, accompanied my meal. The piping hot, handmade noodles have consistently satisfied my appetite over the years. The generous portion size never fails to leave me feeling full and satisfied. Moreover, the waitstaff's warm and friendly demeanor adds to the overall experience, ensuring that every customer is well taken care of. My love for this restaurant is unwavering, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to others seeking a satisfying 칼국수 experience.

Food is solid and always consistent. I have been coming here for years. It's crazy that I am writing a review now. It's go to spot for Korean "knife " noodles. Def in some comfort food tip. The staff is always nice and the service is great. U would def recommend this spot if you are in ktown. Classic Korean food. This place is a go to spot if I am feeling a bit under the weather or in a cold gloomy day. I suggest getting chicken noodles .

MY COMFORT KOREAN FOOD. I am Korean myself and grew up coming here. If you want authentic flavors with noodle dishes and kimbap, come here. The noise level is high but you can just tell that everyone here is eating well and is in a good mood after trying the food. The service is amazing during less busier times. The servers also mainly speak Korean but don't let this stop you from trying the amazing dishes z

It's my first time trying Kalguksoo and I'm glad my friend and I chose Ma Dang Guk Soo on a brisk evening for dinner. The staff mainly spoke in Korean and thankfully my basic Korean speaking skills were working that night. In Korean, they immediately asked how many people and I said "두 명이에요 (for two people)" and were immediately seated. The ambiance is very cozy and has a homestyle vibe with white lighting and a nostalgic feel. My friend and I ordered the same Dumpling Soup (#14) which has dumplings, egg drops, tteok (rice cake) slices and green onions. They also provided some kimchi and non-spicy kimchi as banchan (side dishes). Our soups were ready within 5-10 minutes. The green onion and egg gave an umami kick and the dumplings were also fresh and tasty. Surprisingly, I finished my order in one-sitting without taking any leftovers to go. I could not resist the freshness and warmth of the kalguksoo. I'll be back again at Ma Dang Gook Soo for my kalguksoo fix on the westside of KTown.

A Ktown institution. The best place to go for kong gooksu--a noodle dish in a cold, white soybean broth. They get it just right here. Also has great kimchi to accompany, which I enjoy dipping in the soup.

Love the acorn noodle soybean soup. It's cold, creamy, rich, and subtle. I ask for the green onion spicy homemade sauce to put on top (which they said is not a typical way to eat the dish, but I love it this way). Tip: one bowl of food is huge and should be split between two people. You can't really take it home to eat later because the noodles get soggy. My partner ordered the kimchi homemade noodle soup and while it had great flavor, the noodles were overcooked. Maybe one could ask for it to be al dente to avoid this? Regardless, been coming here for years and it hasn't changed. Homemade healthy noodles and white kimchi banchan... can't get that at every korean restaurant.

While the kimchi hand-cut noodles were a disappointment (slightly overcooked, and weird-tasting broth) and banchan wasn't much, the spicy squid on rice was tremendous, and worth coming here for that alone.

A delicious hole in the wall. Crowded on a weekend lunch but the wait isn't too horrible. The restaurant is small but they get people seated quickly. Their menu is all along the wall with photos. Everything comes out fresh. The chicken hand cut noodle came out steaming hot. Must add their green onion sauce with it. So delicious. The spicy cold noodle also has a great texture in their noodles. If you like vinegar, make sure to add some since it goes well with it. Their kimchi is all homemade and is really good as well. Their portion sizes are huge and everything tastes healthy but good at the same time

Portion sizes are huge! Every time I come here I always get the chicken kalguksu to share this is definitely one of my favorite places. The barley tea they give you is so good and it pairs very well with the kalguksu. The inside is very cute hole in the wall. The service was also good they were nice.

It's funny that I'm craving for their hot temperature noodles even if it's 85 degrees outside. Can't resist their tasty broth and kimchi. Who cares about bad service, it's not a Michelin star restaurant. They serve fast, you eat fast and pay reasonable price for lunch.

This is one of my go-to Ktown spots. All the noodles are delicious, hot or cold. My favorite is the cold soy bean broth with mugwort noodles. (They translate it artemisia on the menu.) The waitress aunties are so warm and bring you more kimchi when you eat well and give them compliments. The old school vibe and food are so comforting. I hope they stick around a long, long time.

A perfect spot for a chilly day. They are primarily known for their cozy noodle soups and I ordered their classic chicken noodle soup. The portion was huge- enough to serve at least three people. Served in a metal bowl, the soup is constantly hot. While I wasn't blown away by the flavors of this, it was definitely heart-warming. This is more of an authentic spot, but the workers are friendly and service is quick.

Got their kalguksu and spicy cold noodles to share with 2 other people, portions were very big and filling for us! The waiter seemed a bit pushy in making us order right away and was not very pleasant. She even said "no no" to our tip and made us tip higher than what we originally had. I do not think I would return again due to the horrible service!

I had heard that this spot had been around forever, so of course it ended up on my list of places to try. They're known for their noodle soups so I went with the clam version with an order of their steamed dumplings to share. The server brought over a couple different kimchis right away and the dumplings arrived shortly after. We made our own sauce in the small dish the dumplings was served with and it had the perfect filling to wrapper ratio. The noodles came out next and the broth had a light flavor and the noodles definitely tasted homemade with its bouncy texture. If you like a spicier broth, they have a green onion mixture to add to your soup which I loved and highly recommend. I think I ended up adding 5-6 large spoonfuls because of the amazing flavor it added to the broth. Also, the restaurant is in a plaza with a parking lot so definitely a bonus in korea town!

Their main dish is "madang gooksoo" (madang=yard, gooksoo=noodles) which is a traditional Korean noodle dish that used to be commonly served in large gatherings like weddings and birthday parties because they are relatively easy to prepare, filling, and tasty. BUT I digress. Their best dish is the "kimchi kal gooksu", which has a thick and spicy (but not that spicy) soup base with handmade knife cut wheat flour noodles that is guaranteed to comfort you on any cold or rainy day. The space inside is cozy and not fancy by any means. But it is an authentic, old fashioned Korean restaurant so don't let the quaint interior turn you away! Plenty of designated parking right outside the restaurant as it's next to the ever popular BCD Tofu House.

Perfect place to go when you are craving a healthy home cooked meal from a Korean mom. There are multiple Korean ladies working at this restaurant. The moment we stepped in, a super friendly Korean lady approached us with some hot barley tea and kimchi. She welcomed us by speaking to us in Korean and we noticed everyone else around us was speaking Korean as well (yes even the customers). Gave me the impression that this place is really authentic and popular among the Korean locals in LA. Definitely a hole in the wall restaurant. Unassuming from the outside but definitely has amazing food. Their customer base mainly consists of the older age group. I ordered 1A. Chicken Handcut Noodles. It comes with some fermented Napa cabbage (non spicy kind) and kimchi. The chicken handcut noodle soup came out boiling hot, guaranteed to warm you up a cold/rainy day. The chicken stock for this soup is super pure. The Korean lady gave me some spicy mixture that looks like it has some green onions and onions. She told me that I can add that spicy mixture into the soup and mix to enjoy. I usually don't like my soup spicy so I opted out on the spicy mixture. The flavor of this soup is different from canned chicken noodle soup. It has a complete different flavor profile. I don't taste any ginger but they do top it with some green onions and black pepper. The soup is already salted. For me, it was perfectly salted. However, if you would like more salt, they do have some salt on the table so that you can salt to your own liking. There are bits of shredded chicken in the soup and thick slices of potatoes that were cooked to perfection. The portion size is huge. Can feed one very hungry person or you could decide to share it and it would still be plenty of food. :)

Great place when you're looking for a simple, yet hearty bowl of noodles. It's also located right next to BCD in a plaza with lots of free parking which is always a plus! We came in on a Friday night at 7 and were seated right away. The portions here are also quite generous. I shared a bowl of chicken kalgaksu with 1 other person and it was the perfect amount of food for us to still have some room for dessert. The broth was the standout for me - it's quite light in the flavor and just a very clean taste overall. We did not waste a drop. The noodles were not bad, but not my favorite when it comes to kalgaksu - my personal preference is the noodles at MDK. The kimchi they serve here is also really good. And they do take credit card!

June 2023 Food is 5 stars. Ma Dang Gook Soo has been around a long time. I've been coming here for over 35 years...and it's tastes exactly the same as years ago. The noodles are handmade and you can taste the difference. The portions are huge and one bowl is big enough to share between 2 to 3 people. That's the best way to eat so that you can order other dishes to share and enjoy the different flavors. Service is 4 stars. For what it is, it's fine. They get busy and the waitresses aren't fluent in English but it's good enough. Ambiance is 4 stars. Again, it's a hole in the wall Korean noodle spot so can't except much but it's perfect. This is an OG spot for genuine Korean handmade noodles. Very very good.

If you know you know.. Koreatown staple for a simple, comfort and classic spicy mix noodle dish! This has been around for so long and every time I am in Ktown, there's so many other options but I just can't help myself but to come here. Super fast pace in n out joint. Service is fast and easy. Order from their menu and food comes out in less than I would say 10-15 Mins. Parking is limited but they have a parking lot to the side of their establishment. They also sell their house radish kimchi, mul kimchi, and regular napa kimchi as well. Try their kimchi bibim guksu!

HIGHLY RECOMMEND!! They deserve 5 stars 10,000+ reviews the Korean seniors are not doing their duty to write their goddamn reviews lol INSANELY GOOD KONG GOOKSU (soy milk soup) like addicting. I get it take out almost every week. They're famous for their kalguksu We also love their spicy bibim noodles

Was searching for a chicken kalguksu place and stumbled on this tiny shop. Plenty of free parking, they are located in a plaza that is shared with a mart and next to BCD Tofu. I went at 10am and was seated promptly. The employee asked what I wanted right as I sat down. I was confused and said a menu? Lol I was a little put off by her and noticed that two groups of people who came after me received their banchans and noodles before me. I ordered their chicken kalguksu and the portion was definitely hugeee. The came with shredded chicken, potato slices, and zucchini mixed with an ample amount of noodles. The noodles were deliciously chewy but I'd say the soup was underwhelming. I did add some extra salt and it helped a bit. It was good, but not the best. So far Hangari Kalguksu holds that title in my heart!

Drove all the way here just for the best-in-la kimchi! They have two kimchi options to go that are vegetarian and they're truly just so fresh and delicious. Very sweet lady chased after me me as I was walking to my car to make sure I had the giant jars of kimchi stored properly and to remind me to put them in the fridge asap. Can't wait to go back and get more!

My friends and I ordered three dishes and regretted it instantly - the portions are HUGE! We ordered the rice cakes soup, chicken noodle soup, and kimchi noodle soup. The flavors were good, but nothing exceptional. The kimichi noodle soup did not contain any sort of protein. They brought us a dish with chili spice for our soups, but randomly took it away in the middle of the meal. We were stuffed and had practically an untouched bowl of kimchi noodle soup left. When we asked for the check and a box, the woman told us it would be an additional charge for the box... but I had just watched her give another Korean man a box as she handed him the check (clearly not charging him for it). It was pretty upsetting. I felt like we were treated differently because we didn't speak Korean, which was super weird but not surprising - the main population were old school Koreans and Korean-speaking families.

Ma Dang Gook Soo is a cozy restaurant located in the Rodeo Galleria Plaza and has been there for as long as I could remember. I grew up eating the kalgooksoo at this restaurant and it has always been consistently delicious. Korean ajummas and ajusshis come to eat here so you know it's the real deal. Although the crowd favorite is the chicken broth, my personal favorite is the anchovy broth. The umami from the anchovy broth is incredible and warms up my soul. The handcut noodles are cooked perfectly, slightly al dente, and pairs so wonderfully with the kimchi. I've tried kalgooksoo at other restaurants but no one can make the anchovy broth like they do. Parking is free and shared with other popular business in the same plaza. Indoor dining only with about 10 tables. Highly recommend to try this restaurant for a classic kalgooksoo.

Came here for some Korean cold noodles at a Gook Soo place. Yep, but this place was highly rated so I wanted to give it a try. I tried this place with my girlfriend, while she got the Korean cold noodles, I got the buckwheat noodles in soy milk. I never actually had it before so I figured it was worth a try. I think it's a very acquired taste, but since it was like 80 something degrees out, the temperature of the buckwheat noodles was just perfect. I would give it 7/10. The texture of the soup is not for everyone and it's pretty bland. The Korean cold noodles were also alright... 6/10, but it's fair to say that we can come back again for Gook Soo. Kimchi was also fermented a little more than we like and it's on the fishier side.

Among the best cold noodles I have ever tasted. Ma Dang Gook Soo is an authentic Korean restaurant, tucked into a K-town strip mall. The interior is quaint, if a little gritty, with an illustrated menu across the back wall. The staff were friendly, despite the language barrier. Prices were low, and portions enormous; we eat a lot, and still brought home enough for two more meals. The Elastic Spicy Noodles were delicious. They were cold in temperature, but had a slow, creeping heat that hit several minutes after eating, and built upon itself. Few dishes are so deeply refreshing, hearty, and spicy all at the same time. Topped with crisp fresh cucumbers and a boiled egg, this dish is a treasure. My husband got the Acorn Mixed Noodles (also cold) with Mandoo. These are quite literally made with acorn flour and have a nice springy bite, which worked well with the fresh vegetables mixed in. I did not try the Mandoo as they contain beef, but my husband enjoyed them. Their house made kimchi was also fantastic. Highly recommended.

I want to keep trying this establishment because I want to try the soba and give the kalguksu another shot but this just wasn't that good to me. Also one bowl can fill two people lol that was a mistake I made by ordering two bowls for two people. We have wayyy too much leftover lol. The clam kalguksu was alright. The noodles were definitely 5 stars but idk the food just all felt kinda mediocre at best.

A good variety of noodles, great prices and large portions. I enjoyed their clam noodles. Also their mountain salad was very good.

Ma Dang Gook Soo might not look like much but it is actually highly underrated for a korean noodle place. What I love about this place are their portions. They can feed the hungriest groups of people plentifully. Though, if you are a small eater, share with someone! Other than their portions, the place has lots of parking as well! The restaurant is run by a group of older korean women who are all friendly so say hi! My only con to this restaurant is that there are a lot of stray flies that get in through the back door and its annoying lol. Either way, a good place to eat & check out!

Very authentic Korean restaurant in Ktown! Must try is their noodles (kalgooksoo), they're handmade and super chewy. I tried them both Clam Kalgooksoo and Kimchi Kalgooksoo. The clam was so creamy and delicious and a pretty in my tummy. The noodles soaked up the clam flavor and was extremely aromatic. The kimchi noodles were sour and creamy. Also delicious. The Spicy Elastic Noodles were also SO good. Very spicy and very flavorful. Plus their kimchi is out of this world!!!. Service could be better but food is delicious.

bomb chicken noodle soup place. tucked in a small plaza next to BCD. plenty of parking spots as it is in a positive. That is the first struggle of ktown. fast service. attentive waitress. Service is good. They mainly speak Korean, but they have a menu. we order one order of the chicken noodle soup, handmade noodle. 1 bowl is good for two, if mildly hungry. Maybe consider adding on a another order of dumpling. comes with a side of kimchi and sour cabbage. pairs well with the noodle. They also have a chili/scallion hot sauce which enhances the noodle soup. Love it. chicken noodle soup: Flavor is good even better with the hot sauce mixture. Can easily finish the whole bowl without getting sick of it. noodles are on point and cooked just right. will need to come back to try the cold noodles!!

Favorite place for Korean food! Can't go wrong with any of the noodle dishes. Hot or cold it's all good. Service is very friendly too.

very traditional korean restaurant with large portions at a reasonable price! when you walk in, they will basically keeps speaking korean because they have a little trouble with english. i got the jjolmyun which is the spicy elastic noodles. i love how they added cabbage in the mix and it was very saucy. it's one of those spice levels that build as you eat more. the sauce was on the sweeter side. probably wouldn't get this again just because it tastes like the sauce packets from the store. my friend got the bibimbap and it was so full of healthy ingredients. both of us had leftovers and basically got two meals out of it. be aware, they charge $0.50 for takeout boxes!

their seafood noodle soup is what i got bc i love kalguksu! great service and vibes it's so worth it here.

I bought chicken kalguksu for my kid. Half way done, found a blue rubber band ( like the one for green onion bunch in market) half cut in the noodles. So disgusted, I threw the rest away. Not only that, when I entered, 3 workers were making dumplings chit chatting watching YouTube and all while swiping the phone with their hands they make dumplings with and using the same hands to make the dumplings. It took them very least 3 minutes to acknowledge (we made eye contact before but was ignored)I was waiting for someone to pick up my order. Food was very salty and very msg like.

Just a fair warning but the portion sizes are HUGE. Each dish could serve at least 2-3 people. The food is great and portions are huge but I couldn't finish it alone so definitely come here hungry and with a friend. Great value and service is pretty fast too. Also free parking!

I have been going to this spot for many, and I mean many, moons! As a creature of habit, I've always had their Chicken Kalgooksoo (cut noodles) and Tteokbookki. If you like chicken, thick noodles and soothing broth, you'll like Ma Dang's Chicken Kalgooksoo. They do have seasoning sauce for the cut noodle soup, but I didn't feel the need to spice it up on my recent visit. While the Chicken Kalgooksoo is their signature dish, I love their Tteokbokki. If you are going for that jolting spiciness, skip it here. Ma Dang's spicy rice cakes aren't jolting, but rounded yet flavorful. This is a hole-in-the-wall kind of place. Small and packed, it is certainly showing its age but you aren't here for ambience. You crave soulful Korean food. The service is solid. They are friendly, quick and efficient. Nearest Metro Station: Purple Line - Wilshire/Western Station While in the area: Stop by Flour Fresh Cream Donut in Rodeo Galleria. In the same parking lot, look towards the north. You will see a building named Rodeo Galleria.

I came to Ma Dang Gook Soo for dinner with friends and it was just ok! There was no wait for a table of 4 on a weeknight around 7pm. I ordered the clam kalguksoo and we ordered a dumpling appetizer to share. The dumplings were large and tasty. The noodles were a bit too soft for my liking. The soup was alright, but the noodles sucked up all the broth way too quickly and I was left with so much noodle and not enough soup. Service was pretty friendly and the kimchi is yummy here. Plenty of parking in the plaza (and it's free too!)

Good food. Good service. I wouldn't recommend the Spicy Rice Cakes from here though. The cold noodles are pretty good and refreshing. The ladies are usually sweet but seem to be entitled to tips so when I didn't leave one for a takeout order she was a bit grouchy but overall it's a worth a shot.

This restaurant had really amazing food! My favorite is the kalgaksu noodles; I've been looking for good kalgaksu for a while at a good price and this was it. The kalgaksu noodles were so good!! The noodles were soft and chewy and the broth was very flavorful and hearty. The interior is very cute and traditional, and the staff was very kind, despite any language barrier (they mostly speak Korean here). L

Came here on a Monday morning as soon as they opened because we were leaving back to Norcal. We got - kimbob: $8 10/10. One of the best kimbob in town. They were still preparing for the ingredients so we ended up ordering this as a to go and as expected, it did not disappoint us. SO good. - janchigooksu: 10/10. The portion is ENORMOUS so be aware but we finished it because we couldn't possibly stop eating something that is so delicious -dontkatsu: 10/10. Korean style sauce and condiments! So meaty, flavorful, and delicious. -fresh bibimbib (not hot stoned one): 10/10. This also comes out in a GINORMOUS bowl so probably good to share btw 2 people. We ordered 4 diff dishes and they were all superb. Just remember their portion is out of this world so don't get shocked but all the food was sooooo delicious and would 100000% come back.

Haven't been back for a long time. I missed dining in for fresh noodle and piping hot soup. Got to go this time. The flavor was still great. Loved the handcut noodle. Portion was big. Delicious soup.

This is a gem in ktown. Their noodles were soo delicious, esp on a cold rainy day. They come in huge portions so its super value. I cant wait to come back in summer and try their cold noodles. Also they have the best kimchi, and they sell it in a huge tub! Would def recommend buying it over grocery brands as its almost the same price. Theres a parking lot right in front so i highly recommend this place!

I'm a sucker for mom & aunty shops (or their all just friends). I've only seen the ladies working front and back. Woot girl power ~ Definitely hole in the wall, would have never come here if it wasn't for my friend's recommendation. Service was great, the ladies kept refilling our ban Chan sides and they serve barley tea! As for the food, it's cheap and amazing. The mandu (dumpling) were so juicy, the handmade noodle soup was delicious (add their special green onion sauce!) and the spicy cold noodles were great (sweet & vinegary). There was nothing I didn't like. My friend and I finish all 3 dishes with ease.