Off to Korea
May’s place to taste: Miga, Hackney.
Sorry I’m late. I had to scroll to my birth year on a sign-up form.
You know when you meet someone and you feel a strong connection and you can’t stop thinking about them?
Well, that’s how we feel about this month’s place to taste: Miga in Hackney.
Eat My Words visited the other day (and when we say ‘the other day’ - that could be anytime between yesterday and our birth) and it did not disappoint.
The skinny
Miga - which translates as ‘a flavourful or delicious tasteful house’ - offers a fresh spin on Korean cooking.
While it opened in Hackney about a year ago, it isn't exactly a fresh-faced pup. The first version of this family-affair was in New Malden two decades ago.
Now, having convinced their Dad that East London was ready for a break from the relentless march of small plates and natty wines, two sons handle the front of house while Dad holds court in the open kitchen.
The vibe
Imagine if St John, the restaurant not the baptist, decided to open a Korean joint. That's the kind of understated low-key cool we're talking about. No neon dragons or karaoke blasting. Just clean lines and a sense of calm that's a welcome respite from the usual Hackney hustle.
You know you're in good hands when you clock Aesop in the loos. A small but significant detail.
The food
Napa cabbage kimchi. Nice little kick to it.
Beef tartare, Asian pear, parsley, egg yolk. More tender than a Bon Iver song, with the crunchy pear a great touch.
Mung bean pancake, kimchi, soy vinaigrette. Crispy and simple yet insanely good.
Soy-braised short rib. Slow cooked and drenched in an addictive sauce I want to swim in for the rest of my days. A must-order.
Final thought
Prices here are super reasonable. We ordered too much and still felt like we hadn’t spent that much. In truth, the only snag about this place is trying to get a table. Good luck with that.
Speak soon,
Fraser