Long before Korea town was fully settled along Polaris street, Masan has always been my go-to restaurant for authentic Korean food.
Back when all I could manage to order was "bull doggie," Masan was run by a pleasant Korean lady who walks around the restaurant a lot with her pamaypay asking if everything was alright. She sometimes even does it in traditional Korean outfit! These days, the same lady still walks around the restaurant. And while she may not remember me or know who I am, it's comforting to know that little has changed over the years.
Masan is the perfect example of things I don't mind staying constant...forever. From their kalbichim, bulgogi (I can say it right now), pajeon (Korean vegetable pancakes), and the occasional order of tempura, it seems as though quality is still of top priority. Portions haven't changed and neither has the taste. It doesn't taste like Korean fast food nor do their dishes taste like it was done in a hurry. There's a sense of authenticity in everything that they serve whether its that extra bit of spice in their kimchi or drizzling of sesame seeds on their spicy dilis appetizer.
The place is neither new nor hip but it definitely serves up authentic the best. And while so many other Korea restaurants are opening left and right, Masan will always be first on my list. read more