5 days in Seoul, Korea-5/17-5/22/2023

Day 2:Mr. Ahn Craft Makgeolli, Seoul-5/18/2023

Tonight we are celebrating Hoa's Birthday at Mr. Ahn Craft Makgeolli, a Korean gastro pub that is listed as a "bib Gourmand" in the 2023 Michelin guide.  Mr. Ahn was the first Korean establishment to serve Makgeolli with non-artificial ingredients and prides itself on serving authentic makgeolli.  Mr. Ahn pairs gourmet fusion Korean food with craft versions of traditional alcohol. The focus is, of course, on Makgeolli and the stronger distilled spirits. 

 Makgeolli is Korea’s mildest type of alcohol that embodies a sweet taste with very low alcohol content. Nowadays, it has become a trendy choice of drink, as many pubs are creating modern dishes to pair with makgeolli.

Store front without any word of English but we found it.  The wooden gate has a glass window that you can look through.

We did not have reservation as it was not possible to reserve online so we decided to just show up as soon as they opened their door.

Unfortunely the 1st service was full and they asked us to come back at 7:30pm for the second sitting. 

Looking inside the restaurant from the front garden.

Waiting in the tiny garden was really fun and we did not mind sitting there at all.  On the right is the view from our seats to the front of the restaurant.

Inside they have a large and elongated island that can probably sit about 14 people.

They also have tables around the main island. 

As soon as we walked in the restaurant, we liked the ambiance and the decor.  Really comfortable and super friendly.

Simple table set up.

Makgeolli menu

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Our server recommended the Special House made.

This is our first time trying out Magkeolli.  I like it because it is mild, sweet and really easy to drink.  Hoa needed something a lot stronger.

Since Makgeolli is not for Hoa, our waiter suggested these 3 high end Soju.  This is not your typical cheap Soju that is usually served in the U.S.

The ladies sitting in front of us told us this is the high end Soju which very different from the typical affordable Soju that is commercially sold.

Food menu on the left and on the left is Cheongju (rice liquor) around 40% content.

Small bite: Mushroom, Garlic shoots pickle, kale, perilla, oil powder (white powder on top) over charcoal embers.

Delicious little bite with a hint of smokiness from the embers.

Taco crepe, pulled pork, radish kimchi, corn cream, Korean mint.

Another delicious bite!  It was creamy and tasty.

Stuffed cuttlefish is one of their signature dish.  Made with steamed cuttlefish, pork, mushroom, squid ink sauce, and sprinkle with butter powder

I love this dish! 

Beef tartare, mung bean sprout, asparagus lettuce, chive pesto sauce

The beef was hand cut with crunchy vegetable and the chive pesto was absolutely delicious.  Great combination!

Hoa wanted to try all 3 bottles so he is selecting a small cup for each Soju. 

Hot stone pot rice with croaker (fish) fermented in barley, mugwort, fired greet tea, lemon oil

We really enjoyed this dish!  The rice is very tasty and they added like crispy fired tempura tea for texture and the fish is also delicious.

House made Kimchi (3 types) and Korean seasoned vegetables (3 types).

The Soju on the left is also very good and this one is the strongest of the 3 that Hoa tasted.  On the right is sweet wine rice that is offered by the chef.

For dessert we ordered a Tiramisu and a Rice Cake.

Tiramisu, mugwort, egg, yuzu, mascarpone, Savoirdi.  This is definitely that the traditional Tiramisu and I did not really care for it.

The   Savoiardi was not soaked and was still crunchy so it felt a bit strange.  I also did not really care for the mugwort dust over the tiramisu.

The Rice cake on the other hand for delicious dipped in a yummy caramel sauce.

On the left is chef Jin who came out to say hi to us and offered us some dessert wine.

On right is Sabrina and Irina who sat in front of us and we got to talked to them and we are becoming fast friends.  They are so fun and made our dinning experience ever better.

Irina is the one who told Hoa to order the Soju here and she was absolutely right.  The Soju here is another league.

2023 Bib gourmand plaque and beautiful flowers on the island.

This is our best dinning experience in Seoul.  The food is creative an delicious, excellent service, with a fun and cozy ambience.  Highly recommended.

Mr. Ahn's Craft Makgeolli

3 Hoenamu-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Tel: +82 10-4592-3609 - no online reservation- you will need to call.

NEXT....Changdeokgung Palace

Filed under: Restaurants