If there’s one thing I love, it’s discovering a new restaurant that instantly makes me want to come back.
That’s exactly what happened when I tried Mukja, a cozy Korean spot located in the heart of NDG. From the moment I stepped in, the warm atmosphere, and the mouthwatering smells of grilled meats and simmering stews made me eager to dig in.
Fun fact: The name “Mukja” (먹자) comes from the Korean phrase meaning “Let’s eat!”
Mukja Restaurant’s Interior
In Korea, inviting someone to share a meal is more than just about food. It’s a way of expressing care and strengthening relationships. So, when you visit Mukja, you’re not just grabbing a bite, you’re joining in on a tradition of togetherness and deliciousness!
So here’s everything I ordered at Mukja.
Everything I ordered at Mukja
Banchan
Assorted side dishes.
If you’ve ever eaten at a Korean restaurant or at a Korean home, you know that every good Korean meal has to have good banchan.
Mukja serves a variety of sides, each with its own unique flavour, including seaweed salad, radish, bean sprouts, and a few other tasty options. And you’ll never get tired of their delicious kimchi. It’s so good, I always buy a whole tub at their Korean grocery store across the street!
Some banchans at Mukja
Tteokkochi
Fried rice cake skewer coated with a sweet and spicy sauce.
These tteokkochi, or fried rice cake skewers, coated in a sweet and spicy sauce are one of my favourite Korean street foods. They have a nice soft, chewy texture, and Mukja’s sauce brings the perfect balance of heat and sweetness.
It’s a great way to start your meal and get your taste buds excited for what’s next!
Tteokkochi at Mukja
Haemul Pajeon
Fried pancake with seafood and vegetables.
Mukja’s haemul pajeon is massive. Seriously, this could’ve easily fed four people, but it was just my sister and me (no shame though).
The pancake was nice and crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and packed with fresh, flavourful seafood and vegetables. It was definitely a highlight of the meal!
Haemul Pajeon at Mukja
Jjajangmyeon
Noodles with thick black bean sauce and pork.
This was hands down the best jjajangmyeon I’ve ever had. The noodles were perfectly cooked, and the thick black bean sauce and pork were so rich and flavourful.
It’s kind of a weird dark, slimy colour, but I promise it’s absolutely delicious! This is a dish I could eat over and over again, and never get tired of!
Jjajangmyeon at Mukja
I’m already looking forward to my next visit to Mukja to try even more of their amazing dishes!
And for all the Korean food lovers out there, what’s your go-to Korean dish? Let me know in the comments!
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