Noodles and dumplings at Myungdong Kalkuksu Noodles and Shabu Shabu

One cold evening, after our second attempt to dine at Myungdong Kalkuksu Noodles and Shabu Shabu (already a mouthful even before eating!) in Thornhill, we managed to get some seats to try some of their specialties. The place is almost always packed with line ups at the entrance so our first attempt landed us in another restaurant nearby. This time, we were not too hungry and there were only two parties ahead of us so we decided to wait it out. I don’t know what it is about Korean, but it is turning out to be one of my favourite cuisines. I’m sure you are not surprised.

We checked out what other tables were having and decided we weren’t up to cooking (shabu shabu) so we opted for dumplings and noodle soup. Some of the servers understood English but it was limited, so pictures on the menu did help a lot. Instead of the usual ban chan with kimchi and beansprouts, they served the most delicious kimchi I’ve ever had-- in a pot. It was sweet and spicy and had me reaching for my tissue with sniffles. I loved it!

We ordered handmade noodles prepared in a few ways. I shared with DD#2 the regular Myungdong Mandoogok soup while Grandma had this same one with mixed dumpling and rice cake.

Hubby shared with DD#1 noodles with hot spice. He claims it is the spiciest soup he has ever had in his life—and we both have had some very spicy Thai food in Bangkok!

Needless to say, DD#1 could not finish her meal and opted to eat more of the other dish we ordered—the Myungdong king-sized dumpling. The dumplings came in a steamer container. They were about the size of a small fist and were packed with meat and leek. They were perfect with the sweet-sour soy sauce mix. Don’t ask me how many I had! If you haven’t tried Korean-style dumplings, this is a great place to try it out!

These were so yummy I only remembered to take a pic when there was only one left!!!

Prices were reasonable, with cost for each person below $10 (more if you will opt for the shabu-shabu). It was a very hearty meal, wonderful comfort food for a cold day. And, as the days are just going to get colder, you can be quite sure we will be back!