February 06, 2011

Ma Dang Gook Soo ( 마당 국수)

It is not uncommon that my friends often ask me where to go for the "Best Korean food" in LA.  Honey, if only life were that simple...

But in all seriousness, it really is difficult to deem one restaurant (or even two or three) as being "the best overall" namely because restaurants rarely share the same garden-variety menu.  In other words, most Korean restaurants specialize in one particular dish. For example, Ma Dang Gook Soo (roughly translated: Courtyard Noodles) is famous for serving their, you guessed it, homemade noodles. Specifically, people flock to this small noodle shop for its dak kal gook soo (chicken noodle soup).

Whether you're getting over a cold, a hangover, or just in the mood for a healthy, delicious homemade soup, Ma Dang Gook Soo is your place.

Large bowl of knife-cut, homemade noodles, julienned zucchini, potato, thinly sliced egg, and white chicken pieces in a hot and milky chicken broth - under $10

Side of kimchi and refreshing radishes

Also, if you find the soup too bland, there are spices (including a garlic chili paste) and sauces on the table so add as much or as little as you wish. Lastly, this place only takes cash, so remember to visit the ATM before checking in.


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cuisine: Korean
location: Koreatown
hours: Mon-Sun: 9:00 AM - 10:00 PM
website: { yelp }
attire: Casual
parking: lot/ street (shop is located in an outdoor strip mall)
notes: Cash only!
Eat Drink & Be Merry's review { link }