Myung Dong Kyoja in Koreatown serves up comforting, hearty kalguksu with tender dumplings in a thick broth, drawing in locals craving authentic Korean flavors.
"Bringing a taste of the infamous, Michelin-recognized Myung Dong Kyoja from Seoul, MDK Noodles offers the same classics from the carb-laden menu, including knife-cut noodles with chicken, anchovy, or vegetable broth. Don’t skip on the pork dumplings, and for those who aren’t in the mood for something soupy, the cold noodles with skate are a refreshing option." - Matthew Kang, Eater Staff
"Dish: Kalguksu Myung Dong Kyoja in Koreatown has a number of tremendous soups on their menu (the cold soybean soup has saved us during countless heatwaves), but come wintertime, our heart only has eyes for their kalguksu. This traditional, chicken broth-based soup comes topped with ground chicken, pork dumplings, and vegetables, but what really makes it are the perfectly cooked knife-cut noodles floating inside. If you want some heat (which you do), be sure to order it spicy." - brant cox, kat hong, nikko duren, sylvio martins
"Myung Dong Kyoja’s large dining room is filled with a mix of large groups of coworkers, tables full of old friends glaring at each other, and solo lunchers just trying to find some peace. And everyone’s eating noodle soup. When it’s hot out, try the spicy cold, chewy wheat noodles mixed in a spicy sauce with vegetables, but when you need some comfort, get the kalguksu with ground chicken, and pork dumplings in a thick chicken broth." - brant cox, nikko duren, sylvio martins
"Originally from Seoul, Myung Dong Kyoja — also known as MDK Noodles — brings its Michelin-recognized wares to Koreatown. To cool down, try the jjolmyeon featuring chewy noodles, a slightly sweet gochujang sauce, julienned vegetables, and a hard-boiled egg on top." - Cathy Chaplin, Matthew Kang
"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." - sylvio martins, brant cox, nikko duren, garrett snyder
