Three gyoza flavors compared at a Hongdae dumpling restaurant: MANDOO

A crispy, delicious gyoza spot on Hongdae's Red Road: MANDOO BAR

Where is MANDOO BAR, the Hongdae Red Road dumpling restaurant for takeout?

After eating dinner in Hongdae, I wanted something simple to pack up before heading home. The place I picked that day was MANDOO BAR, a gyoza specialist near Hongdae's Red Road. I usually like dumplings anyway, so instead of just grabbing one basic menu, I wanted to try something a bit more unusual alongside it.

You can sit and eat inside too. Like me, you can also do takeout — it's a Red Road spot that works either way.

It's a Hongdae dumpling place run by an owner who's truly serious about dumplings.

Which three gyoza were packed to go at MANDOO BAR?

This time I packed three menus from MANDOO BAR. I picked the Mexican taco gyoza, the basic MANDOO BAR gyoza, and the yurinki gyoza.

Even after bringing it home and eating right away, the outside stayed crispy instead of going soggy — it was so good. Amazing that even takeout food could taste this great.

I think gyoza should have a crispy outside and a moist inside, and MANDOO BAR really shows the textbook version of that.

How does MANDOO BAR's Mexican taco gyoza taste?

The one I was most curious about was MANDOO BAR's Mexican taco gyoza. From the name alone, I thought it might just be a dumpling with taco ingredients lightly worked in. But eating it, it genuinely felt more like eating a taco! It has the characteristic gyoza wrapper and filling while also delivering real Mexican taco flavor — so charming!

MANDOO BAR gyoza basic: the nutty, savory one

Next was the basic MANDOO BAR gyoza. At first I thought it would be the most ordinary menu, but as expected, the basic really is king. I loved how the outside was fried crisp, and the filling wasn't too dry but stayed moist! If you're a dumpling lover, this is a place you have to try.

Personally, when picking a dumpling specialist, I tend to judge the basic flavor more than the unusual menus. If the basic gyoza is good, I want to try the other menus too.

What does yurinki gyoza taste like?

MANDOO BAR's yurinki gyoza was distinctive! When you think of yurinki, you usually picture sweet-and-tangy sauce with crispy chicken. This menu captures that flavor direction inside a gyoza, and you can really taste the sweet and tangy notes. I normally like yurinki too, and with the crispy gyoza texture plus the tangy seasoning, it wasn't greasy at all and was really tasty!

Comparing the three MANDOO BAR gyoza flavors

Eating all three at once, each one had its own distinct charm.

• Basic gyoza: savory and crispy!
• Taco gyoza: exotic flavor!
• Yurinki gyoza: sweet and tangy!

They're all delicious!!! If you're looking for dumplings in Hongdae, go for MANDOO BAR!! Especially around Hongdae's Red Road, there are so many options from full meals to simple snacks that it can actually be hard to choose. In that case, how about packing up some gyoza instead of the usual bunsik (Korean street food) or meal menu?

Since the dumplings are made at a place truly serious about dumplings, they really were delicious haha. What's especially charming is how different each menu tastes, from the basic to the more unusual ones. Next time I want to pick yet another menu. If you love dumplings and find yourself craving gyoza in Hongdae, I recommend this place!