Intimate Korean chef's counter focused on traditional fermentation & house-made pastes. A masterclass in Korean cuisine.
This discreet chef's counter in Long Island City offers an intimate dining experience focused on traditional Korean cuisine and fermentation. Chef Hooni Kim guides guests through a deeply personal menu, showcasing house-made doenjang, gochujang, and ganjang. The minimalist yet meticulously crafted dishes, often featuring premium ingredients, culminate in a profoundly impactful rice and kimchi finale, celebrating Korean culinary heritage.
The Korean cuisine here is highly praised, with a strong emphasis on traditional fermentation and house-made pastes like doenjang and gochujang. Dishes are described as expertly crafted, minimalist, and deeply impactful, showcasing premium ingredients and culminating in a memorable rice and kimchi finale. It's noted as a potential best-value Michelin-starred Korean restaurant.
"Dishes featuring house-made doenjang, gochujang, and ganjang are highly recommended, as is the finale of rice and kimchi."
Customers overwhelmingly praise this restaurant, describing it as one of the best meals of their lives and a unique, engaging dining experience.
Important Note
The price range is noted as potentially being higher than initially indicated, with one suggestion for $$$$ instead of $$. It can also be a long meal due to the detailed explanations of fermentation techniques.
"The commenter humorously notes that being taken to Meju for a date would imply a very expensive meal, suggesting a $700 cost for two."
Negative"Meju in Long Island City is recommended."
Positive"The commenter recommends Meju, stating they would never recommend Office of Mr. Moto due to serving cod milt."
Positive"The commenter was satisfied with the amount of food at Meju, contrary to online pictures, and found the experience fun due to the chef's passion for Korean fermentation techniques. It was a long meal, potentially like a lecture, but engaging for those who enjoy learning."
Positive"Meju is mentioned as a Michelin-starred Korean restaurant in LIC."
Positive"Meju is noted as the only Michelin-starred Korean restaurant in LIC and potentially Queens."
Positive"This commenter described Meju as one of the best meals of their life, noting it's not experimental Korean cooking and features dishes that are like the best Korean home cooking without pretension. They also suggested Hamburger America as an alternative."
Positive"This user noted that Meju was listed with an incorrect price range and location on the list. They suggested the price should be listed as $$$$ instead of $$ as it's quite expensive."
Neutral"This user expressed a preference for Meju over Atomix, even stating Meju wasn't on the list but was superior to others that were."
Positive"This user lamented that Meju didn't make the list, asserting it 'blows literally every place' on the list 'out of the water'."
Positive"The author describes Meju as a Michelin star restaurant with a goofy and wholesome atmosphere, like a dinner party with a friend."
Positive"Meju offers a unique dining experience with the head chef in the kitchen, featuring freshly cooked and preserved/fermented dishes."
Positive"Author recommends Meju as a potential best value Japanese or Korean one-star Michelin restaurant."
Positive"Author recommends Meju as a potential best value Japanese or Korean one-star Michelin restaurant."
Positive"Recommends Meju in LIC for a private dining experience for 8 people, especially for Korean food enthusiasts, as the entire 8-seat restaurant could potentially be booked."
Positive
