Mapo dumpling bar for half meat, half kimchi takeaway: MANDOO BAR

It was the weekend, so I went out to Hongdae to soak up some youthful vibes—though they may not quite suit my age, haha. Since it had been a while since I'd visited Hongdae, I wanted to take some delicious food home on the way back. I searched around and found a dumpling place that looked great for Hongdae takeaway, so I gave it a try..... Here comes my review of a meal I really, really enjoyed!!!

MANDOO BAR location and hours

Address: 2F, 55-2 Eoulmadang-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea (서울 마포구 어울마당로 55-2 2층) Hours: 16:00–01:00 (Last order at 00:00)

MANDOO BAR, near Hongdae Sang Sang Madang, is on the second floor. But if you're only getting takeaway, you don't need to go upstairs—you can conveniently order by QR code on the first floor.

The QR code was right there on the first floor.

Of course, there are plenty of tables upstairs too, so you can eat in. Every single spot was full of atmosphere, which made taking photos fun. The weather has been so nice lately that I think it would have a bit of an outdoor-drinking-stall feel.

I visited at an in-between time, and there were people enjoying daytime drinks at MANDOO BAR in Hongdae.. I was sooo jealous inside.

Gyoza and steamed dumplings ordered half meat, half kimchi

Even MANDOO BAR's menu was sooo cute....

I ordered MANDOO BAR's yuringi gyoza, okonomiyaki gyoza, and steamed dumplings. I loved that the dumpling dishes could be ordered half meat and half kimchi. Haha, the owner seems to really know their dumplings 🤩

Part of me wanted to eat my takeaway dumplings while watching the Hongdae busking performances...... but it was time to hurry home... to take care of the baby.... 😅

Trying the okonomiyaki gyoza at home

After setting everything up at home, I tried the okonomiyaki gyoza first.

The dumplings were pan-fried until golden, then generously topped with katsuobushi (bonito flakes) and sauces like okonomiyaki, so they absolutely had that proper okonomiyaki flavor.

Okonomiyaki usually has quite a thick batter, right? At MANDOO BAR, the dumpling wrappers were thin and crisp from the pan-frying, while the filling was packed full, so I think it was even tastier than regular okonomiyaki.... And because it was half kimchi dumplings and half meat dumplings, I never got tired of it and just kept eating....

Yuringi gyoza and steamed dumplings: the taste

The yuringi gyoza was excellent too. Instead of chicken, I had pan-fried dumplings with vegetables and sauce. The vegetables were just as fresh-tasting as the ones served on actual yuringi, and when that sweet-and-tangy sauce met the dumplings, how could it be this delicious? Hahaha

Crisp, pan-fried dumplings.... ❤️ MANDOO BAR's steamed dumplings could also be ordered as a half meat, half kimchi mix.

Personally, I'd thought Hongdae restaurants tended to be expensive and only so-so.... But these dumplings were as full of filling as the famous dumpling places in my neighborhood. The kimchi ones had a decent kick, and the meat dumplings had a satisfyingly rich, meaty flavor.

There was such a variety of special dumpling dishes, every one was delicious....... and the dumplings themselves were tasty too. It feels like I found a truly great dumpling place—and a great Hongdae restaurant—for the first time in ages. Next time I go to Hongdae with a friend, I have to bring them here too...!!!

Most people like dumplings without strong likes or dislikes, right? MANDOO BAR reinterprets dishes usually made with seafood or meat as dumplings. The ingredients were generous and the dumplings themselves were delicious, so I enjoyed them even, even, even more. Seriously.... I think anyone would love them...! The owner was kind too, so it seems like a restaurant where you can happily have a meal or a drink!