If you’re ever looking for a bite of authentic Korean food at Morningside Heights in Manhattan, look no further than The Mill Korean Restaurant.
The outside of the restaurant is small and unassuming, easily overlooked amongst all the buildings that line the streets of the city. Inside, however, it gives off an inviting, cozy air. The neutral tones and Oriental paintings and details that decorate the tiny space create a welcoming atmosphere and give the impression of being a pleasant place to share delicious food and make memories. The newspaper reviews on the walls further solidified The Mill’s status as an ideal place to hang out and eat with your friends- in fact, my parents and their friends would do just that when they were in college.
We are served a quintessential collection of Korean appetizers, which usually consists of pickled (and often spicy) vegetables, called kimchi. I particularly enjoyed the spicy pickled Napa cabbage and onions, which were both crunchy and pungent! However, I was surprised that I also liked the broccoli, which is usually not one of my favorite vegetables because it normally tastes bland to me. It had been prepared in a way that made it aromatic, crunchy, and savory, which amazed me because it appeared so unassuming. Upon asking for a recipe, I was told that the broccoli was simply blanched in salted water and drizzled with sesame oil; just goes to show how much of a difference a little seasoning makes!
We ordered bibimbap, which is rice and fresh vegetables (and meat, unless you order it vegetarian) served in a blistering hot stone bowl. A raw egg is usually cracked on top, and everything is stirred together to cook the egg. The result is a mouthwatering blend of flavorful protein and carbs. One of my favorite parts of bibimbap is the crispy rice you get at the bottom of the bowl when you leave it there for too long without stirring- delicious!
We also ordered a bowl of gomtang, which is broth made from beef bones. The soup had a deep, meaty flavor, but wasn’t overwhelmingly rich. The chopped scallions that topped the soup contributed a crispy texture and a fragrant, aromatic flavor. If you want something a little more substantial, definitely try the bibimbap, but if you want something light, the gomtang is the way to go.
I was delighted at the quality of the food that I was served at The Mill; it was authentic and well-prepared. Personally, I liked how the restaurant was small but well-furnished; I think it makes the experience of eating with friends and family feel more personal. It’s a wonderful place to share delicious Korean dishes with them.
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