Good Eats: Mokbar

by Grace Ko in


I was able to finally make a much anticipated visit to Mokbar several weeks back. Mokbar is a ramen joint nestled in the hubbub of Chelsea Market and owned by Chef Esther Choi. I met Esther many years ago when we both served as counselors at a summer camp.  More recently, I got back in touch with her through mutual friends. And since finding out that she was going to open up a restaurant, I have been following her endeavors on Instagram and Facebook

I am inspired by her vision, her drive, her creativity and her faith.  

Her desire to bring Korean flavors, tastes and food to the world is inspirational. 

And to be honest, I was so inspired after my visit to Chelsea Market, I decided to go forth with launching this website. 

You can read more about Esther and Mokbar (featured here, here, here, here)

entrance wall to Mokbar: love the decor!

entrance wall to Mokbar: love the decor!

refreshing iced teas (non-alcoholic): citrusy and fruity, slightly sweet. just perfect on that hot day. 

refreshing iced teas (non-alcoholic): citrusy and fruity, slightly sweet. just perfect on that hot day. 

Mokbar now serves alcoholic beverages, for those of you that would prefer a slightly stronger drink! 

the HO-CAKE! 

the HO-CAKE! 

The ho-cake was divine: crispy bun with a pork belly filling. But what was the icing on the cake: the sauce! It was savory and slightly sweet at the same time. (I am salivating as I write this.) 

the KIMCHI ramen

the KIMCHI ramen

I loved the kimchi ramen. It tasted like kimchi jjigae and the ramen was perfectly cooked, al dente, just the way I like my noodles! 

DISCO fries

DISCO fries

Esther was so sweet and gave us the disco fries to try, on the house. I love disco fries, in general but it was a new and interesting twist to have it topped with kimchi! We Koreans often joke around about how if we could we would carry around kimchi to eat with everything. The gooey cheese and savory, thick gravy with the refreshing, crunchiness of the kimchi. Genius. I could go for some right now. 

Proud to feature Mokbar as my first in this Good Eats series. Now, go enjoy some delicious food at Mokbar!!!