A spicy kimchi hot pot is one of the best things to combat the colder weather, and Mandoo’s version is the perfect winter warmer. Where to find this giant hot pot that truly feeds three humans? Mandoo Korean Dumplings on Bank Street. Get in early, as there always seems to be a line. The bubbling cauldron consists of four types of dumplings (pork, chicken, vegetarian and kimchi), tofu, pork, a variety of mushrooms, glass noodles, rice cakes, cabbage, vegetables and fish cakes, all swimming in a spicy kimchi broth. The spice levels could go up a notch, which can be easily catered for. Just let the staff know. Order your hot pot at the counter and wait for the monstrosity to arrive. Give it a couple of minutes for the broth to bubble up, a staff member will pay a visit and mix up the ingredients while soaking them in the hot broth. Wait a bit more and dig in. Along with the hot pot, a number of side dishes accompany it (seaweed salad, pickled veggies, kimchi), enough to cover your table entirely, so keep the phones in your pocket to save room for food and cutlery. The dumplings are the stars here. They can be ordered on their own – steamed or fried. Watch them get made at the front counter, as the owner-chef handcrafts hundreds of them every week. Other Korean favorites on the small menu include udon noodles, soup dumplings, bibimbap and bibim mandoo.

Dee Bites

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