TLDR
Intimate 8-seat tasting counter focused on ancestral Korean fermentation techniques. Acclaimed Michelin-starred gem in LIC offering a deeply personal, once-in-a-lifetime culinary journey.
Reddit Sentiment for LITTLE BANCHAN SHOP / MEJU(based on 15 Reddit opinions)
Resy highlights Meju, an intimate, award-winning Korean tasting counter in LIC where chef Hooni Kim explores the art of wild fermentation.
Meju is an intimate Long Island City tasting menu counter where James Beard award-winning chef Hooni Kim explores the depths of Korean fermentation.
An intimate, eight-seat Korean fine dining counter in Long Island City focusing on the art of fermentation.
Details
Located in Long Island City, this intimate eight-seat counter offers a deeply personal six-course tasting menu centered on the art of traditional Korean fermentation [3], [4]. Under the guidance of James Beard award-winning chef Hooni Kim, the restaurant highlights the health benefits and complex profiles of Korean 'jang' seasoning pastes [1], [2], [5]. Diners frequently describe the experience as a once-in-a-lifetime culinary event that elevates home-style Korean cooking through refined techniques [6], [7].
Food Overview
The cuisine is defined by its deep focus on 'jang'—traditional fermented soybean and chile pastes—which form the foundation of every course [1], [3], [5]. Standout dishes include raw sea perch elegantly dotted with gochujang and tender pork belly served alongside 15-month-aged kimchi [1]. The meal is noted for its complexity and depth, finishing with a unique taste of 130-year-old soy sauce that is described as viscous and figgy-sweet [1].
Highlights / Recommended
"The menu is highlighted by the raw sea perch with gochujang and the pork belly paired with 15-month-aged kimchi [1]."
Customer Sentiment
Diners are overwhelmingly enthusiastic, often describing the tasting menu as one of the best meals of their lives due to its intimate, educational, and highly engaging nature [6], [8]. While some note the experience is a significant financial investment, the consensus remains that the unique, chef-led atmosphere is well worth the cost [6], [9].
Caveats
The experience is quite exclusive and carries a high price tag, with some estimates suggesting a cost of roughly $700 for two people [9].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About LITTLE BANCHAN SHOP / MEJU
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: These Are The Nyc James Beard Award Winners 3
"The user expressed strong appreciation for Chef Hooni and Meju receiving recent recognition, noting it as one of NYC's most unique tasting menus."
PositiveFrom post: Tasting Menufine Dining With Minimal
"Meju is suggested as an option that avoids French/Western influence and might be suitable for dairy-free dining."
NeutralFrom post: New York Times Top 100 Restaurants X Michelin
"Meju is listed on the NYT top 100 list for 2026 and holds one Michelin star."
NeutralFrom post: Hojokban Or Take31 Or Nowon East
"Meju is highly praised as an expensive tasting menu experience with only a few guests per night, where everything is cooked in front of the diner. The chef is noted for fermenting ingredients in Jeju, and the meal was described as one of the best of the commenter's life."
PositiveFrom post: Prettiestmost Impressive Looking High End
"The chef's table at Meju is described as a remarkable, beautiful space offering a once-in-a-lifetime meal."
Positive