My Michelin Experience: A Chance Encounter with Myeongdong Kyoja

To celebrate our 10th year Anniversary, my wife and I were travelling through South Korea in April 2026. On our second day in Seoul, we had plans to visit the Gyeongbokgung Palace to watch the Change of Guard Ceremony that happens at 2 pm. But all our plans fell apart as it started raining since the morning. We were waiting in Gwanghamun station for the rain to ease up, but the forecast was indicating that the rain would continue till that evening. So we decided to skip the palace for the day and started looking for a place to have lunch.

We had wanted to try out Korean Barbeque during our trip, since it has been popularised globally through the various K-dramas. Through our online search, we found a barbeque restaurant called Myeongdong Korean BBQ All you Can Eat Pig Company (a really long name). We got on the metro, got out in Myeongdong, and started to follow directions on Kakao Maps. However on the way, my wife suddenly noticed "Michelin" written outside one of the restaurant we were passing by. Out of curiosity we peeped inside, and saw a large place where many people having their lunch. There was also a small line in front of the restaurant. Seeing all this, we came to the conclusion that the food must really be good. Since we had never eaten in a Michelin Star restaurant before, we decided to give it a try.

_{In front of the restaurant}

About the Restaurant

Myeongdong Kyoja is not a typical Michelin Star restaurant, but has earned a Michelin Bib Gourmand (We learned of this much later after returning to India). While Michelin Start focuses on exceptional food along with a luxury experience, Michelin Bib Gourmand is awarded to restaurants that provide exceptional food at moderate prices.

Myeongdong Kyoja is known for their Kalguksu (Knife Cut Wheat Noodle Soup). To focus on providing excellence, they have just 4 items on their menu. They also serve their famous spicy Kimchi with all the meals.

Item	Description	Price (Won)	Price (Steem)
Kalguksu	Noodle Soup	12,000	147
Mandu	Steamed Dumplings	13,000	159
Bibimguksu	Spicy Mixed Noodles	12,000	147
Kongguksu	Cold Soybean Noodles	12,000	147

There is usually a queue in front of the restaurant, but since they have a huge seating area, the line moves very quickly.

Parking Access: They do not have parking. It is advisable to take the public transportation to reach the place, since it is located in the busy district of Myeongdong.

Wheelchair access: Yes

Food and Service

The restaurant has installed an automated ordering system. They have kiosks at the entrance and a staff is stationed there to help out the customers with their orders. This is one of the reasons for the fast moving queues in front of the restaurant. In these kiosks, you can select the items you want to order, pay by card, take the order slip and sit on any available seats. The serving staff walks around the restaurant continuously to fulfil all the orders. The restaurant also has two automated robot which move around the restaurant to help the serving staff.

_{The automated robot inside the restaurant}

Now coming to our experience. We ordered two Kalguksu (Noodle Soup) and one Mandu (Steamed Dumplings). Out total bill was 37,000 Won ( 453 Steem). We immediately sat down on two adjacent seats, the staff took our order slip and brought out the Kalguksu and Mandu within two minutes. This is one of the fastest services that we have experienced anywhere in the world.

_{The food we ordered}

We ate the Mandu with the Chilli Oil mix provided on all tables, and the Kalguksu with their spicy Kimchi. The Mandu was very juicy and the Kalguksu was full of flavour. Both the dishes that we ordered were delicious, but we wouldn't rate them exceptional. However, considering the sheer quantity of food that they serve per hour, and that they are able to consistently maintain the same quality in every serving., their food and service is commendable.

One additional point that I would like to mention here is that the water in these kinds of restaurants is Self Service - you have to pick one bottle from the refrigerated water stations, kept near the entrance. We were unaware of the same and asked one of the serving staff, who pointed us towards the water station. Knowing this in advance would have eliminated the awkward conversation, since the servers do not understand English.

My Final Thoughts

Though we initially did not plan on eating in this restaurant, but would conclude that it is relatively easy to find, due to its location on the busy main street. The restaurant has really made it easy for everyone to order the food, and the service is really fast. For this kind of price, the taste and quality of food that they have been able to maintain is unbelievable. So overall, I would recommend everyone who visits the Myeongdong area in Seoul to try out this restaurant.

Date of Visit: 9th April 2026

📍Google maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ATnrMPubB2vGjdbo6

📍 Steem-atlas:
[//]:# (!steematlas 37.56327052 lat 126.98515713 long Myeondong Kyoja d3scr)

📍 Complete address: 10 Myeongdong 10-gil, Seoul, South Korea

⏲️ Operational Hours: 10.30 am - 9.00 pm