About the Place
Nestled in the heart of New York City at 51 W 35th St, Hyo Dong Gak is a Korean eatery that brings an authentic taste of Korea with a welcoming atmosphere that makes every visit a special experience. From the moment you step inside, the cozy wooden interior immediately evokes the feeling of being aboard a ship, setting the tone for a relaxing and inviting meal.
The star of the menu is undoubtedly their jjajangmyeon, the iconic black bean noodles. Customers like David Kim have praised it as the best in the United States, evoking memories of authentic flavors from Korea’s 1990s culinary scene. The thick, savory sauce clings perfectly to the chewy noodles, delivering rich umami with every bite. It’s no wonder guests find themselves craving it long after their meal.
Aside from the jjajangmyeon, Hyo Dong Gak offers a variety of dishes that complement the main attraction well. The jjampong, a spicy seafood noodle soup, stands out with its bold flavors and fresh ingredients, providing a satisfying fiery kick that lingers pleasantly. For those seeking a hearty option, the spicy brisket soup comes highly recommended, showcasing a depth of flavor balanced by tender meat and well-seasoned broth. Crispy fried dumplings also provide a perfect textural contrast and pair seamlessly with a good deal on soju, making for a well-rounded Korean dining experience.
While the menu is rich with flavors, some dishes like the tonkatsu and kimchi have received mixed feedback and may not live up to the otherwise high standards. However, the attentive and friendly staff more than make up for minor culinary misses, greeting guests with warm smiles and helping navigate the robust menu with ease.
Takeout orders consistently mirror the quality of in-store dining, ensuring that every dish arrives fresh, flavorful, and ready to enjoy. Whether you're dropping in for a comforting lunch or a leisurely dinner, Hyo Dong Gak offers a genuine slice of Korean cuisine infused with heart and character.
“ this was the best jjajangmyeon i have ever had in the states. I only had this good one back in 1990s in Korea. I will be coming back for more... oh and jjampong was good too. Tonkatsu was... not good. dont get it... but jjajangmyeon.... woah i cannot stop thinking about it ”
“ One of my favorite spots! The noodles with brown sauce are to die for. Cozy wood interior that makes you feel like you are in a ship. Absolutely recommend this for anyone looking for relaxing vibes and delicioua korean food. ”
“ I’m not sure how this place doesn’t have a phenomenal star rating- everything about our experience this evening was superb. We were greeted and taken to our seats immediately. The atmosphere was lovely. Great music. Lovely aesthetic. Smiling faces running the place. They helped us pick out entrees that we both thoroughly enjoyed. (If undecided- I suggest the spicy brisket soup). We will definitely return on our next trip ”
“ Takeout order was great, everything was delicious, and I'm sure that in-the-store experience will be much better because all the food will be hot and just prepared. All three dishes that we ordered were spot on, and had no complaints! We even had some leftovers for the following day. ”
“ First time that I tried this place. I really like the Korean beer and the spicy seafood noodle that I had for lunch but felt like the presentation could be better… would need to try more to give it more than 4*. ”