Charcoal LA galbi and doenjang sotbap, Uijeongbu galbi spot: Manpo

Uijeongbu pork galbi, Manpo Galbi

What kind of restaurant is Manpo Galbi Uijeongbu Main Branch?

I went to Manpo Galbi Uijeongbu Main Branch, a place to go when you're craving charcoal-grilled pork galbi in Uijeongbu! This Uijeongbu galbi spot gives you free naengmyeon (cold noodles) when you order galbi — you can choose between water naengmyeon or spicy mixed naengmyeon. I called ahead before visiting, and as soon as I arrived, the staff kindly showed me to my seat. The interior at Manpo Galbi Uijeongbu Main Branch is clean and the seating is spacious, so it seems like a great spot for families, couples, or all kinds of group dinners.

Manpo Galbi's menu and what we ordered

Please check the menu below for this charcoal galbi and naengmyeon specialist in Uijeongbu. The signature meat menu here includes handmade LA galbi, handmade marinated galbi, beef brisket, and raw Hanwoo pork galbi. I wanted LA galbi, so I ordered that along with side dishes — beef-brisket doenjang sotbap (soybean paste rice hot pot) and egg custard.

Raw pork galbi can be ordered starting from 2 servings, and it uses rib no. 4, which has the best texture. There are also other side dishes available, like braised pork belly, beef-brisket doenjang jjigae (rice sold separately), extra yukhoe (raw beef), pudding egg custard, and beef-brisket doenjang sotbap. And as I mentioned, the handmade Hamhung-style naengmyeon — either water or spicy mixed — comes free!

The side dish spread, yukhoe included

The basic side dishes were set out first, filling the table — starting with yukhoe (raw beef) in the middle, then naengmyeon, fried mushrooms, salad, and japchae (glass noodles) too. There were more varieties than I expected! Various sauces and salts were also prepared to go with the meat. It was fun picking at things one by one even before the meat started haha. The yukhoe especially was great to eat lightly before the meat arrived, and the salad paired well to whet the appetite. Filling up on yukhoe and salad first before the meat — nom nom nom. The side dish spread was pretty substantial, so I was already satisfied before the main meat even came out!

How does the handmade LA galbi taste?

Doesn't it look amazing just from the photo? The golden-brown grilled look was so appetizing I kept drooling while taking pictures haha. It had been a while since I'd had LA galbi so it felt extra welcome — since it's not something I eat often, I was extra excited. The sweet marinade soaked well into the meat, and one bite in, I thought, yep, this is LA galbi! It's even better getting to load up on protein while eating such tasty meat :) This was a proper meat-charging day haha.

This is aged kimchi, peppers, and garlic to grill together with the meat later — grilling them with the galbi and eating them together made everything so much tastier. They really played their supporting role well. There's also a coffee machine, nice extra touch.

How strong is the charcoal heat?

Meat tastes good no matter how you cook it, but charcoal really does bring out that distinctive smoky flavor. Before the meat came out, they filled the grill with charcoal, and just looking at it, the heat seemed pretty intense. Being able to grill with plenty of that smoky flavor suited the LA galbi perfectly. As soon as the meat hit the grill, it started sizzling right away, so I didn't have to wait long haha. The heat was very strong, so even with several pieces on the grill at once, everything cooked quickly, and the gentle charcoal aroma soaked in, making it taste even better than just regular grilling! Meat really does taste best cooked over charcoal :)

Flipping it front and back, grilling it thoroughly. My galbi getting more appetizing by the minute.

The meat was overflowing with juices, and once fully cooked, dipping it in sauce made it even more savory and delicious!!

Steamed egg and beef-brisket doenjang jjigae

Eating the fluffy, protein-packed egg custard alongside was just so good.

I also enjoyed the doenjang jjigae with beef brisket in it. The weather's gotten noticeably colder lately, and doenjang jjigae really hits the spot on days like this.

Cleared the whole table! Left really full and satisfied :)