Myung Dong Tofu Cabin

I don’t usually give out low reviews, but I give this one for reasons.
1. the attitude. If you don’t speak Korean language, the waiter here does not seems to care much about you.
2. the food. Most of the Korean places I have been to either serve with free side dishes or free refills, this place does none. Not only that, the side dishes are terrible compared to other places I have been.
Not coming to this place again.

Lost a star… I’m disappointed that we now have to pay for each small plate that every Korean restaurant gives for free. I wonder what changed… I get that it takes time and work to make these dishes though. The upside is that through all these years of being around, the food is still great quality, delicious and the service has always been nothing but friendly!

In an effort to cut costs, they’ve cut down the menu offerrings and they’re charging for the small plates now. I’ve never had to pay for these plates before. Anywhere. The menu is still moderately expensive. I won’t be back.

Good food, good price, all of the branchan are yummy and big portions, good service, clean bathroom. What more you can ask for in a Korean food. My favorite is their marinated pork chops.

I came here on a Friday at around 6, and it was busy but not full. I ordered the beef soon tofu (spicy) and shared a half plate of bulgogi with friends. Service was consistently poor throughout, but the food made up for it. (No free banchan and rice sadly.) For the price ($ 7.99) there was a decent amount of beef in my soon tofu, and the spice level was nice for me; it wasn’t spicy enough to be mind-​numbing and unpleasant. I spend a lot of time in LA’s Koreatown where the food is really authentic, and I’d say the broth here was even better than what I’ve had in Koreatown. Really nice flavor! The bulgogi was really juicy and marinated, and the half-​size was definitely good for three people to share.
I’ll be coming again, but just be prepared to spend a while waiting for the waitresses to notice you.

3.5 stars
So yes, as you may already know from the multitude of reviews on this page — the main thing to know about this place is that banchan is NOT FREE. It’s $ 0.50 per dish, no free refills, but you can order more for $ 0.50. They have a reasoning for this, and I must say I agree. Since customers aren’t able to order everything available and just eat what they like and waste the rest (which, come on, you know it happens a lot with this banchan), It helps the restaurant reduce food waste and water usage which is a GOOD THING. A good thing, people! Just order your favorite banchan.
When my boyfriend and I come here, we usually share a tofu soup and a dolsot bibimbap. The bibimbap is hugeeee and so this is actually enough food for us. We haven’t really tried anything else on the menu yet, but I really like the bibimbap! So many veggies and the sticky rice that gets all crispy at the edges is sooo delicious. :D

One of my favorites! Good qualify of food within that price range.

Hmmmmm why such good ratings here Unilocalers?
Took our waitress about 10 min to get us tea, I understand they’re busy but we asked twice before it arrived. Also ²⁄₃ of the waitresses that served us had major RBF’s but also looked like they were in pain? They never smiled once or acknowledged us when we thanked them.
Banchan are $ 0.50 per dish, NO REFILLS. what the what?
Tofu soup: Does not come with rice OR egg, must pay for that separately. WAHH???
Dumplings: We ordered half pork half veggie dumplings, they all tasted the same… the «pork» ones definitely did NOT have any pork in them, and when we brought this to their attention they said «Oh the pork is in there, it’s just ground up.» But no, they must’ve mixed the fillings up in the back because they were all veggie for sure. –_​_​_​_​–
Ugh disappoint.

A coworker introduced us to this place. They charge for the banchan and rice, unlike many other Korean places, but this allows you to get only the ones that you like and not waste the others. I ordered the kimchi stew and it was tasty with plenty of kimchi and spicy, if that’s what you like. We also ordered a seafood pancake for the table. They made it really well, great flavor and not greasy at all with lots of pieces of seafood. The food is good here and a tasty option for lunch.

Haven’t been here in a while and heard that management has changed. They simplified their menu at least for lunch to a single laminated sheet. Service wasn’t friendly but prompt.
I was really looking forward to some delicious Korean BBQ but it was actually a little disappointing. There was very little marinated flavor in the beef.
However the other dishes, spicy tofu soup, onion pancake and bimbimbap were delicious. The pickled side dishes that are typical with Korean food (kim chee, sweet tofu, potato) are $ 0.50 each, not free like most places although their portion is a little larger.

OMG! That’s not real Korean restaurant ! They cheat customer !
Korean dishes supposed to be with rice and side, it is traditional and it is named «Sang cha rim», which Korean traditional dinner, typically include main +rice +sides:banchan (at least 2~5).
Pay for what? an awkward rice for $ 2?
All counties have different rules and styles in table culture in the world.
They try to cheat foreigners money.
No taste either. Disgusting !
Very rude, never asking you need water or something else.
That is why there were no Korean customer.
I will never go again.
Go other REAL Korean restaurant.

Food is always so good here! I love the beef, chicken, or pork soon doo boo (mild). I like how you can pick and choose your side dishes (some cost more than others) because it’s less wasteful. I just wish they were free and included as they used to be. Overall good food, quick service, and friendly customer service!

Authentic Korean fare at affordable prices.
Waited for approx 15mins before we were seated. Remember to pen your name on the board to the right of the entrance!
We ordered a Kimchi Pork soup, bulgogi and side dishes (jap chae, kimchi and fish cake).
The Kim chi soup and bulgogi was very yummy and a decent portion for the price. They charge for the side dishes which is kinda disappointing given that most Korean shop offer them as standard complimentary side dishes with main meals ordered.
Perhaps because we had to pay for the side dishes, the portions were fairly large. They offered complimentary tea and they tasted really good.
They are located within a shopping plaza so there’s plenty of parking available.
Overall, a good authentic Korean diner to satisfy your Korean food cravings. Will be back.

I wanted to post this review right away because I’m so impressed with this place!
Delicious food, friendly people and clean. In addition to the basics of a good restaurant, they are sooo baby friendly! Their bathroom is even set up with a changing table!
The owner was kind enough to hold the baby while we ate lunch…,
I’m impressed that they changed their business to save on waste and they take the time to explain it to customers. See posted note.
My favorite today was the kahl bi, so tender and tasty. Loved the purple rice too.

After reading the reviews about this place, we were ready for when they asked if we wanted sides /​banchan — «No, please.» There seem to be a few complaints about this, but it’s not the first time I’ve seen this happen. Also, charging for rice isn’t that abnormal either.
We came just toward the end of dinner rush hour. The barley (?) tea was a nice drink to keep us warm.
Dulsot bibimbap w/​pork — holyyy, this is probably one of the hottest stone pots I’ve received in my life for this dish. I would recommend not putting in the spicy sauce just yet. Haha the waiter even suggested I should. However, if you put it in too early, it adds moisture and the rice won’t achieve its maximal crispiness (just my personal preference). They give you a substantial amount of meats. I was planning to save this for leftovers the next day, but I couldn’t stop eating.
Spicy BBQ bulgolgi — the standard fare; you can’t go wrong with this either.

I can’t believe it has taken me so long to write a review for this place. I live very close by and I come quite often. I like this Korean place, but my favorite would have to be soon’s tofu in FC.
Food-​I always share family style when I come here. Some of my favorites are the bibambop, galbi, mushroom tofu stew, and cold noodles.
They have some tables with grills, so you have the option to grill your own meat. However, I find that the food is much better when they grill it. Their tofu stew is really good, it is my must-​have every time I come.
Ambiance– very crowded and frantic. But also very clean.
Service: average

Great Korean place in San Mateo.
I’ve come here a number of times to have their tofu soup. I like the man doo (dumpling) soon doo boo and the ramen soon doo boo. They crack an egg in it that cooks since the clay pot is super hot and keeps the tofu stew warm. There are also combo plates you can get if you don’t think the tofu soup is enough (tofu stew + gal bee, for example).
The gal bee soup is also delicious. It’s great if you want a simple, hot soup when you have a cold or when it’s just cold outside and you want to get warm.
I’ve also ordered the pork dol sot bi bim bap (the veggie rice pork mixed in a stone pot). I love that the pot is hot and cooks the rice so it’s crunchy. Mix it with kimchee and hot sauce and you’ve got yourself a fabulous meal.
I also love the side dishes (panchan) here. Especially the kimchee and chapchae (the clear rice noodles). You have to choose which ones you want, but they give you a pretty hefty portion.
Service is great. There may be a wait Saturday evenings but you can usually find a seat for lunch. Check it out!

I’m forced to come here because I live across the street and want Korean food. I’m Korean and yes, I read all the reviews of how mad people are about having to pay for the banchan. It’s very typically expected that you’ll receive free sides but I understand the owners decision as he is struggling in this economy. But as a researcher and doing multiple economic profit loss analysis of business who try to short order customers it’s best to give expected and usual customary service or even better in a time where you are fighting for survival. Honestly, cutting the banchan, cutting the portions, and charging $ 2.00 for white rice is not what is expected from a Korean Restaurant.
I hate writing downers to small businesses but be mindful that you’re losing customers daily because of this strange charges you’re putting on the diner. I have never one to this restaurant… I come often (business expense) and there is maximum only 2 – 4 people dining unlike in Palo Alto at the Tofu House… the place is slammed packed that sometimes you have to wait. They definitely over serve and yes, I will do pick up because it’s next door …3 miles from my place of employment. I hope the owners of both restaurants read each other’s reviews.
One owner exceeding expectations and the other in the heart of Asian diners who over charges for usual and customary. Let’s just say if I went to my local Mexican restaurant and they charged me for the chips… omg…the restaurant would be closed as most Mexican food aficionados knows that chips and salsa are just apart of what makes it a Mexican dinner experience.
I am 110% sure that this Korean restaurant will realize that they will suffer and have to do massive exchange for business but as a business analyst the probability of the restaurant closing and new ownership of this business is in my forecast. We’ll watch this business because I will keep you posted as I live only a 5 minute walk here… btw my favorite bakery is next door… yummy!
Bön Voyage Korean food lovers!

Definitely was soooo happy when I found a Korean place nearby my hotel. I brought two of my coworkers with me to this place. When we got there, I saw to the right of the restaurant that they had a SHENG KEE BAKERY! I was ecstatic about that! I love SK bakery and I’m definitely sad that we don’t have that in Sacramento. I purchased two of their baked goods and went on my way to dinner. :)
Anywho, back to this restaurant… We were seated when we entered. It was a little tight when we got inside. Quite small, but didn’t seem too busy. We were offered their hot tea and then they brought out the side dishes. I, of course, chose their Japchae, Pickled radish, kimchi, and potatoes. We each others their Dol Sot Bibimbap. I ordered mine with pork. My other two coworkers ordered theirs with beef. When they came out, IT WAS SIZZZLING HOT! I showed them how to mix it up and put in the paste. They seemed like they enjoyed it! I definitely enjoyed mine as well.
When we got to the cashier to pay for our food, we realized that they charge for the side dishes. Unfortunately, I have NEVER been charged for side dishes. I’ve always had them complimentary to me. It wasn’t too bad of a price, however I wish I knew prior to picking out side dishes. I don’t recall seeing any price tags on the side dishes as well. So just FYI, make sure you clarify if you don’t want to be charged for side dishes.
Overall, it was still yummy!

My mom heard from someone that this was a good place to go for Korean food so my family and I decided to come here last night.
This restaurant is located in the same plaza as Ocha if any of my milk tea lovers know where that place is. They have their own parking lot for the plaza so parking shouldn’t be an issue as long as you don’t mind how far you might have to park.
The place was moderately busy, but we were still able to get a table right away. Staff is pretty friendly and always comes around to ask if you need anything else.
My family and I got one combination tofu soup at the mild level (should’ve opted for spicy) and then we got an order of brisket and pork bacon to cook on the stove. Honestly, probably should skip the cooking. They turn the heat on pretty low and we had to ask 3 times for them to turn it up cos the meat just wasn’t cooking fast enough. We got to a point where the fire worked out for us, but then the ladies came by one by one to lower it a bit cos it was too loud. At the rate they want you to cook your meat, you’re gonna end up sitting at the restaurant all night so I would just avoid it.
Overall, the soup was good and service was nice, but bbqing isn’t worth it here.