Comments on: Meok Ja Gol (MJG) Korean Barbeque Restaurant on Kingsway and Nelson, Burnaby

By: Frank S

Frank S — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 03:37:38 +0000

Great job in posting pictures of the coals, they made me miss having some great bbq. Being a korean myself, I find it interesting to see what it is about our culinary culture that causes confused looks for others.

Sadly, I haven’t been able to try this place while living in Burnaby. Thank you for the introduction to what seems like another nice and cozy establishment to try out. By the way, your pictures are stunning, and mouth-watering!

By: Holly

Holly — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 17:27:09 +0000

I think koreans use long spoons because of the hot soups they eat with every meal. It is easier to use because the soup is served steaming hot and so you don’t get burned.

Thanks for the great write up. I have now put MJG on my wish list for my birthday dinner this year. Hope the birthday angels are listening.

I have also found their lunch specials to be reasonable and their bulgoki was especially memorable as it was well seasoned and moist. Their kalbi was just ok, and I still think Chosun has the best lunch kalbi.

By: tony tang: hci geek @ ubc (vancouver, bc)

tony tang: hci geek @ ubc (vancouver, bc) — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 17:44:12 +0000

[...] Fun (Jun 7, 2009) Jun 7, 2009 – Celebratin’ our Hugh Boyd winnings at Meok Ja Gol – major Korean BBQ action!!! . Feb 8, 2009 – Boyd Tournament of Hearts B-pool Champs! Jon, Me, [...]

By: Chubbypanda

Chubbypanda — Sun, 31 May 2009 18:25:24 +0000

“Water Dumplings” are a direct translation from the Chinese “Shui Jiao”. It really indicates a type of dumpling that is boiled instead of steamed. This Korean variant has the same type of filling, but uses a thinner wrapper and the wonton wrapping style. Very interesting.

By: LotusRapper

LotusRapper — Sun, 24 May 2009 00:37:53 +0000

Wow that looks SO delicious, Ben. Now I gotta go try them.

As you know I work in the area and I’ve walked by them a few times when I do my semi-regular lunchtime neighbourhood lunch exploration. Yes they are hard to notice even from the Kingsway sidewalk. But I presume this is the kind of place known to Koreans by word-of-mouth. One time I ventured in to ask about their lunch menu. While things looked interesting, I didn’t stay as I felt for one person the prices were on the high side (maybe I’m just a cautious lunch-er).

But this 2-3 person package for $50 is a deal for sure.

BTW: IIRC the metal rice bowl thing is a legacy from WWII and Korean War where Koreans adopted using metal tableware as a reflection of the military presence. Not sure if I’m right on that.

Great review !

By: carolyn

carolyn — Fri, 22 May 2009 08:20:41 +0000

btw, this place is a hidden gem
it gets busy at night.. this restaurant is well known for good hotpot soup

By: carolyn

carolyn — Fri, 22 May 2009 08:19:41 +0000

the panic button is NOT an emergency button

when you press it, its a bell that calls the waiter or waitress to come to your table.. instead of waving your hands up for an attention

how it works, each button and table has a number
when the button is pressed, the table number will appear to a computer monitor

most Korean restaurants will have this system.. its pretty cool

next time, if you visit a good bbq place called HANOORI
(kingsway and corner of imperial)

By: Sue

Sue — Fri, 22 May 2009 06:13:07 +0000

This a great little place. Mum and I loved the fact that after finishing our delicious meal, our clothes didn’t absorb any of the smoky smell that usually is one of the drawbacks of going out for Korean BBQ.

By: SJ

SJ — Fri, 22 May 2009 05:16:57 +0000

No MSG in this restaurant!!!
I really like this place!!!
I enjoy their ggan pung gi too!!
Korea has tons of tasty foods. You just name it. Then I will be your guide.

By: Sherman

Sherman — Thu, 21 May 2009 04:09:54 +0000

That’s a lot of food Ben! I’ve driven by this place many times and I’ve always wanted to try it. Thanks for being the guinea pig!