It was a very rare ugly experience. Suwon Mandu 수원만두 is well-known for its superb dumplings. It’s located near the crowded streets of Paldalmun Gate 팔달문. Parking is difficult so take the public transportation. Suwon Mandu 수원만두 is a single story building and inside the building they have lots of paintings and antiques showcasing that they have been around for some while.
We came here for the mandu 만두, so that’s why we ordered the mandu 만두 dishes first. We ordered fried mandu 군만두 and steamed mandu 찐만두. This was where we were very disappointed with the shop. We wanted to ask what the best menus in this restaurant were and the owner’s son bluntly said to call him back when we have made our decision. I have no idea why he is even working there. They would be much better off hiring someone else there.
Anyway, fried mandu 군만두 was bad. The outside skin was so rough and chewy. I’m not even talking about crispiness. It’s not crispy at all. It’s just ugly damn chewy. Steamed mandu 찐만두 was delivered at the end part of our dining experience and was bland all the way. Beef bone soup noodle 우육탕면 was alien to my taste and Chapchae bab 잡채밥 was oily and with weak ingredients.
There is no way I am coming back. Changing the son at the counter would at least lessen the disappointment for people coming to this spot. Sad that the owner can startup the business but kill it, at the same time.