Couple's lunch of raw pork galbi at Yangju BBQ spot Manpo Galbi

On a weekend date to Nijimori Studio in Dongducheon, we stopped by Yangju on the way for lunch.

Since we live in Seoul, this was our first meal ever in Yangju, so we looked up well-reviewed local restaurants. After checking out several rib restaurants, we settled on Manpo Galbi Yangju Main Branch.

As a couple who loves grilled meat restaurants, we found everything satisfying — the meat, the free house-made Hamhung naengmyeon (cold buckwheat noodles), the side dishes, and the dessert. It's the kind of place we'd want to visit again next time we're near Yangju — return visit intention 10000%.

Where is Manpo Galbi Yangju Main Branch, and is there parking?

Manpo Galbi Yangju Main Branch is located at 65 Songnang-ro, 1st floor, Yangju-si, Gyeonggi-do. Since this was our first restaurant visit in Yangju, we searched pretty thoroughly, and the good reviews for Manpo Galbi Yangju Main Branch won us over.

We drove there, and the spacious parking lot made things easy. The interior was also roomy, with generously spaced tables.

Even as a couple of two, we were satisfied, but looking around the space, it also seemed like a great spot for family meals or gatherings.

The table spacing and overall layout weren't cramped at all, so we could eat comfortably.

Baby chairs are provided as standard, so you can visit comfortably with kids too.

Manpo Galbi menu and the free house-made Hamhung naengmyeon

Manpo Galbi sells both beef and pork, so there's a wide range of menu choices.

From the meat itself to weekday lunch specials and gift-wrap menu options, there's plenty of choice depending on party size or purpose of visit.

What caught our eye most at Manpo Galbi was the free house-made Hamhung naengmyeon. Order galbi and you get one free naengmyeon per person. It's Hamhung-style naengmyeon made in-house, noodles and broth alike, and you can choose between water naengmyeon and bibim (mixed) naengmyeon.

Since there were two of us, we ordered one water naengmyeon and one bibim naengmyeon. That way we got to try both types while eating our meat.

Beef yukhoe and yukjeon served as standard side dishes

The side dishes were also served quite generously. In particular, beef yukhoe (raw beef tartare) and yukjeon (pan-fried beef) came out as side dishes, and at first we wondered if these were really included as standard. Both the yukhoe and yukjeon were good enough to be sold as separate side menu items on their own. Plenty of other side dishes were provided too, and lettuce wraps can be requested separately.

How did the raw pork galbi taste?

The meat itself, which we cared about most, was very satisfying.

As a couple who loves meat and often visits grilled meat restaurants on dates, this ranks among the top-tier places we've been to recently.

The condition of the meat needs no mention — the raw pork galbi tastes fantastic.

Eating the naengmyeon and the meat together felt like taste heaven.

Doenjang sulbap and the bbeong-seukeurim dessert

For a carb addict, round two of carbs is essential. The doenjang sulbap (soybean paste rice) can't be skipped either. After the meal, dessert awaits too.

Puffed rice crackers and soft serve ice cream are set up so you can make your own bbeong-seukeurim (puffed rice cracker ice cream).

A coffee machine and take-out ice cups were also available. From meat and naengmyeon to bbeong-seukeurim and iced Americano for dessert, you can enjoy the whole thing like a proper course.

How to book a table at Manpo Galbi

Manpo Galbi Yangju Main Branch accepts advance reservations through Naver.

If you have a set date for a weekend date or family meal, it's convenient to book ahead.

Is Manpo Galbi worth a couple's lunch stop in Yangju?

Considering the overall spread, we felt the price was on the affordable side.

Rather than just comparing the price of the meat alone, factoring in the free house-made Hamhung naengmyeon, the generous side dishes, and the dessert made our satisfaction even higher.

We visited as a couple on a date and both left very satisfied, and given the spacious dining room and tables, this also seems like a great fit for anyone looking for a family meal spot. If you're on a date in Yangju, hunting for a great rib restaurant, or looking for a place to eat out with family, give it a try.