One of the oldest and most cherished restaurants Manpo Makguksu (Yaksu, Seoul) has been delighting diners with its authentic North Korean dishes since 1978. The restaurant, named after the North Korean city of Manpo, has been family-owned and operated by descendants from Hamgyong Province for almost 50 years.

Its longstanding reputation and unique menu make it a must-visit spot for anyone looking to explore traditional North Korean flavors.

Menu

The interior of Manpo Makguksu has a homely, unpretentious vibe that reflects its decades of history. Dumplings are prepared visibly on one side of the kitchen, showcasing the freshness of the ingredients and the care put into each dish.

If the first floor is full, don’t worry, there’s additional seating downstairs, making it a great place for both small groups and larger gatherings.

Side dish (Kimchi)

Jjimdak  29,000 won

The Jjimdak, the restaurant’s signature dish, is a traditional North Korean preparation of a medium-sized chicken boiled in broth and topped generously with green onions.

The chicken, believed to be fresh rather than frozen, has a clean, wholesome flavor. The meat is tender in some cuts, while slightly chewy in others, offering a pleasing variety of textures.

Vinegar, soy sauce, mustard, and seasoning are provided for diners to mix their own dipping sauce, adding a personal touch to the meal.

The light, refreshing flavor of the accompanying kimchi complements the chicken perfectly.

Use the plastic gloves provided to peel off the meat easily and enjoy the dish to its fullest.

Bibim Makguksu (buckwheat noodle)  10,000 won

Given the mildness of the Jjimdak, we opted for the Bibim Makguksu to add a spicy kick to our meal. 

While the noodles appear fiery red, the spice is balanced by the nutty aroma and flavor of sesame oil. Adding Dongchimi (white kimchi broth) elevates the dish, making it even more refreshing and flavorful.

The Mul Makguksu (cold broth version) is available for those who prefer a milder taste.

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Added some extra green onions  1,000 won

Having been featured on Sung Si-kyung's YouTube before, I think a group of more than three individuals should visit to share some of the other great menu options, including Mandu Jeongol (dumpling hotpot) or Bindaetteok (Korean-style pancake).

Manpo Makguksu lives up to its legacy as one of Yaksu-dong’s oldest and most iconic establishments. The Jjimdak and Makguksu are standout dishes, offering clean, wholesome flavors that showcase the essence of North Korean cuisine. Whether you’re a local food lover or a curious traveler, this is a fantastic spot to experience a slice of history and tradition in Seoul.

Address : 2 Dongho-ro 14-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul OPEN GOOGLE MAP

Phone : +82-2-2235-1357

Operation Hours : Mon-Fri : 11:30 - 21:30, Sat-Sun : 11:30 -21:00

Instagram : Check out more photos

Source : https://blog.naver.com/dubong_e/223226840594

Writer : dubong_e

Special thanks to dubong_e

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