[CLOSED] 'New' Mapo Galmaegi (신마포갈매기)

[South Korea, Seoul] Time for a good ol' charcoal BBQ in Hongdae (홍대). I decided to try out this place after hearing some good reviews on its food. This restaurant has multiple branches but I'm only going to talk about the one in Hongdae, which I've visited. The main branch is just known as Mapo Galmaegi 마포갈매기, if I'm not wrong. But for the Hongdae one, it's Shin Mapo Galmaegi, which is also literally New Mapo Galmaegi 신마포갈매기.

PJ and I went there about 6pm at night, and it was getting dark. Here's how the store looks like from the outside.

There were alot of locals already eating there, and it's always good to have locals eating at a restaurant! I must say that people were seated quite close to one another, and while there's space, it's just not a good place for private conversations, which you should just do at home. The table beside us was very noisy but being in such an environment really made us feel like we were away from home. :)

Most BBQ restaurants also have a storage chair for you to keep your bag smelling smoke free, and this restaurant is no exception.

The storage chair for storing bags. Or jackets. Just lift up the lid and throw in your stuff.

Table setting

The menu was laid out on the table and we just told the ajumma what we wanted to order. We had the signature meats - Mapo Galmaegi 마포갈매기 (8,000 won) and the Mapo Galbi 마포갈비 (7,500 won). Of course, what good is oily food without rice? We also ordered gongi bap 공기밥 (1,000 won) to go with the meats.

Things are heating up!

Mapo Galmaegi 마포갈매기 (8,000 won)

Mapo Galbi 마포갈비 (7,500 won)

It's time to sizzle.

One thing I do love about this restaurant is that they give you free kimchi omelette. There is no need to order this as an extra~ whee! But if you do want extra though, just let the ajumma know that you would like to have 1 keran chuka 계란추가, which literally translates to 'Add egg'. This option will add another 2,000 won to your bill.

Ajumma comes with a bottle full of beaten egg and pours it in front of your eyes. Watch it cook.

When the egg looks done, just scoop and eat with your rice! :D The egg is fresh and HOT, with hints of kimchi!

Can everybody say 'WOO-HOO'! (Can't help being such an egg lover.)

It's an interesting way to serve free egg omelette because you get the 2 best things cooking at the same time: the egg and the meats!

This is how your entire BBQ hotplate will look like. SIMPLY LOVELY.

Directions to the Hongdae Branch:

Take line 2 to Hongik University Station 홍대입구역. Go out from exit 8 and turn right immediately. Walk all the way straight till you reach somewhat of a roundabout. Turn left, the restaurant will be on your left hand side.

Address: 169-11 Donggyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea (서울시 마포구 동교동 169-11번지 1층)

Tel: 070-8832-7582

Website: https://www.facebook.com/mapoloving

My Ratings (the higher the score, the better it is!)

Food: 4.5 / 5

Ambience: 4.3 / 5

Bang for your buck (Value): 4.3 / 5

Service: 4/ 5

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