(mandudc.com) – Dupont Circle, Washington, DC

How I heard of this place: Our dear friend, Stephanie, having gone vegan overnight (a few months ago) introduced us to Mandu. We are so pleased that she did.

Type of cuisine: Traditional Korean cuisine. “Mandu opened in the fall of 2006 by Chef Yesoon Lee and her two children, Jean and Danny. Located on 18th street in Dupont, Chef Lee presides over the kitchen making sure that the recipes and dishes taste as she was originally taught being raised in Seoul. Her specialty is creating homestyle Korean dishes that one would enjoy in her own kitchen.”

Ambiance: “Jean and Danny run the operations and service, making it a fun and energetic environment that provides the comfort and ease of a neighborhood restaurant.”

What I ordered: Being the first day of the Nineteen Day Baha’i Fast, my husband and I, after awaiting our two dining companions for over 20 minutes, decided to just go ahead and place our order…at least for appetizers. We started with the mixed green salad ($5) with sesame dressing.

When our friends arrived, we had had plenty of time to ask for our server’s suggestions, as well as peruse the menu at length.

We chose to share the Yache Gui ($12): seasoned and glazed veggies and tofu,

as well as the Dduk Bok Gi ($13): thick rice cakes (resembling noodles the size of string cheese) simmered in a spicy gochujang with beef, mushrooms, onions and scallions.

Our dining companions also wished to share the mixed green salad, and each selected the Dduk Bok Gi for their main entrees. To share, between the four of us, we also enjoyed the Chap-Chae ($12): stir-fried clear potato noodles tossed with vegetables and tofu.

What I loved: I loved the spice of the Dduk Bok Gi, the crisp freshness (and the sauce!) of the grilled vegetables and tofu, and the light flavor of the Chap-Chae. Everything that made its way to our table was thoroughly enjoyed by each of us, and left our stomachs completely satisfied…our tastebuds wanting more! 

Why I loved it: Delicious food, prepared fresh and flavorful by a family. A true mom & pop shop!

Cost: Average to high ($11-$25 per dinner entree)

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