Mongnan

threerooster

Near Yeonhui-dong, Seodaemun-gu, Magnolia is a renowned Chinese restaurant operated by chef Lee Yeon-bok. The place, converted from a family home, carries both a typical Korean restaurant vibe and a clean, modern atmosphere, presenting an unexpected facade for a Chinese restaurant. Chef Lee, who began his career as the youngest head chef at the Taiwan Embassy in his early 20s, later moved to Japan in the late 80s to run his restaurant for a decade. There, combining the skills he acquired with Chinese cuisine, he made significant contributions to fusion cuisine. Due to Chef Lee's fame, getting a reservation is tough, but the welcoming smile from the staff upon arrival makes any waiting displeasure vanish. The signature dish, braised pork belly, literally melts in your mouth, overshadowing the greasiness of pork with its tender texture. Potstickers are served in a count of 8, symbolizing the Chinese character for fortune. These have a crispy surface while remaining juicy inside, offering a unique blend of textures. The sweet and sour pork boasts a less predominant sweetness, appealing to traditional tastes with high-quality pork loin and a thinner batter, making for a delightful bite. However, reservations need to be made a month in advance, requiring patience due to the high demand.