Nov 2012

Ma Dang Gook Soo – Los Angeles (Koreatown)

Ma Dang Gook Soo - Los Angeles - Koreatown

Comfort cuisine reigns supreme at Ma Dang Gook Soo, a charming den of Korean home cooking. Ladies donning red-striped aprons were quick to pour glasses of iced barley tea as The Astronomer and I perused the menu and considered the plethora of dishes available.

Ma Dang Gook Soo - Los Angeles - Koreatown

The food photographs plastered overhead were helpful in narrowing down the array of options.

Ma Dang Gook Soo - Los Angeles - Koreatown

To start, we shared an order of mandu, boiled dumplings stuffed with minced pork, tofu, and scallions. A dab of vinegar and a touch of soy sauce and these parcels were all set.

Ma Dang Gook Soo - Los Angeles - Koreatown

We also shared an order of kimbap, a Korean sushi roll of sorts studded with egg, fish cakes, vegetables, pickled radish, and ham. It was a kaleidoscope of colors and flavors.

Ma Dang Gook Soo - Los Angeles - Koreatown

The most alluring dish on the menu was the namesake kal gook soo, steaming bowls of knife-cut noodles served in a chicken, clam, anchovy, or kimchi broth. We selected the subtle yet satisfying clam variety, which arrived tongue-scaldingly hot and brimming with slices of zucchini and potatoes, clams, egg ribbons, and seaweed flakes.

Ma Dang Gook Soo - Los Angeles - Koreatown

The soup’s subdued flavors allowed for the toothsome, irregularly edged noodles to soak up the spotlight. A garnet-tinged condiment made from scallions, garlic, and chilies was on hand to add some zip to the soup.

From the smiley service to the soulful fare, there’s a lot to love about this homey spot.

P.S. Happy 60th birthday, Mom!

Ma Dang Gook Soo
869 South Western Avenue, Suite 1
Los Angeles, CA 90005
Phone: 213-487-6008

One year ago: American Fish by Michael Mina – Las Vegas (Aria Resort & Casino)
Two years ago: Underground Supper Club: Dinner at Eight
Three years ago: Outstanding in the Field – San Francisco
Four years ago: Pinkberry – Pasadena
Five years ago: Cruising the Mekong Delta
Six years ago: Cranberry Cornbread Mini Loaves

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2 thoughts on “Ma Dang Gook Soo – Los Angeles (Koreatown)

  1. Looks tasty, especially now that the weather is cooling down (and will hopefully stay cool!) Happy Birthday to Gastronomy-Mommy!

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