Gangnam Korean restaurant with yam samgyetang: Ma Samgyetang

After eating stimulating food so often, I wanted a mild meal. I went to Ma Samgyetang Bangbang Sageori Branch (마삼계탕 뱅뱅사거리점) near Bangbang Sageori in Gangnam and had samgyetang made with grated fresh yam.

Where is it, and is parking available?

The restaurant is on the first floor at 19 Dogok-ro 3-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul. I walked straight from Exit 4 of Gangnam Station on the Shinbundang Line, then turned into an alley to find it. The large word “samgyetang” on the white sign made the restaurant easy to spot.

At the time of my visit, diners could park for up to 90 minutes free with a meal. For navigation, you can search for the restaurant name or Gangnam Station Seohui Starhills officetel.

Is the seating good for groups?

The owner greeted us warmly when we entered. The interior was spacious and comfortable, with mostly four-person tables with chairs. The tables looked like they could be pushed together for groups, so the restaurant also seemed suitable for a company dinner.

There were also autographs posted on the restaurant wall.

What else is on the menu besides samgyetang?

Besides samgyetang, the menu included half-chicken soup and samgyetang chicken porridge. At the time of my visit, the half-chicken soup could be ordered until 3 p.m. There were also dishes suited to accompany drinks, such as dakdoritang (spicy braised chicken), boneless fried chicken, stir-fried chicken gizzards, and fried ginseng.

What side dishes come with Ma Samgyetang?

We ordered two bowls of Ma Samgyetang, and several side dishes came with them. Besides kimchi, there were other sides to alternate between as we ate.

Additional side dishes were available at the self-service bar. Small paper rests were provided on the tables for the parts of the spoons that touch your mouth, so they did not take up much space.

How did the fresh-yam broth and chicken taste?

I tasted the broth first, and it was clean-tasting and mild. Perhaps because grated fresh yam had been added, it tasted a little different from the samgyetang I usually eat.

The chicken had been simmered until tender, so the meat came off easily. The meat itself was mild, and it tasted even better dipped in the salt served alongside it.

The glutinous rice I had at the end was pleasantly sticky. After eating everything from the chicken to the rice, I felt full, and for me it was a meal that still felt comfortable afterward.