At Myeongdong Kyoja, dive into an affordable Michelin-star experience with hearty noodle soups and juicy dumplings in a bustling, no-frills setting.
"This bare-bones noodle shop from Seoul is famous for its garlicky house kimchi, which is so potent that the restrooms are stocked with mouthwash. Vampire-slaying banchan isn’t the only reason to come, though. The hand-cut noodles and dumplings here are excellent, and everyone in the dining room, from large groups of coworkers to solo lunchers trying to find peace, has both on their table. When it’s hot, go for the spicy, cold, chewy wheat noodles mixed with vegetables. When you need some warmth and comfort, get the kalguksu with ground chicken and steamed pork dumplings." - Brant Cox
"Myeongdong Kyoja is a family-owned place in operation since 1966. The restaurant, which offers only four items on the menu, specializes in dumplings and noodle soup. An impressive number of patrons flock here daily, largely because all the dishes, including its signature garlic-laden kimchi, are made in-house. Simple décor and service come with hefty portions at affordable prices. It has a sister operation in the same area of Myeong-dong." - Michelin Inspector
"Though it's doled out all across the city, Myeongdong Kyoja has been serving up some of the best since 1966."
"When a restaurant has only four items on the menu, chances are good it will be an expert at preparing them. Myeongdong Kyoja is one such establishment. The restaurant’s signature dish is kalguksu , a hearty soup with chicken broth, hand-cut noodles, minced meat, dumplings, and vegetables. Also on offer is kongguksu , a cooling soup of soymilk broth and nutrient-rich chlorella noodles that’s perfect for summer. On the other end of the spectrum is guksu , a wheat-noodle dish coated with spicy red-pepper paste. Lastly, there are mandu —baskets of steamed dumplings stuffed with fresh pork and vegetables. As servings here tend to be large and optimal for sharing, it’s best to come with a friend or two."
