Let’s set the scene.
You’re in Abu Dhabi. It’s dinner time. You’re craving something warm, spicy, comforting—something different. Your usual spots don’t excite you tonight. You want flavor. You want food with a story.
That’s when someone says: “Have you been to Madang?”
If you haven’t, buckle up. Because once you try it, you’ll wonder why it took you so long to find it.
Finding Madang
Located unassumingly in a quieter part of the city, Madang Korean Restaurant doesn’t scream for attention. There’s no neon signage or trendy, Instagram-first interior design. What it does have is soul—and food that delivers one of the most genuine Korean experiences in the UAE.
Step inside, and you’ll notice it feels like a portal straight to Seoul. Wooden accents, subtle traditional patterns, and a low buzz of Korean chatter and music set the tone. It’s not overly fancy, and that’s the beauty of it. It feels like you’ve been invited into someone’s home.
The Main Event: Samgyupsal
Now, let’s talk food.
If you’ve ever seen those mouthwatering Korean BBQ clips on YouTube or Netflix, the sizzling pork belly, the wrap-it-in-lettuce action—that’s samgyupsal. And Madang? They do it right.
Thick slices of pork belly arrive at your table raw and ready. You grill them yourself on a built-in tabletop grill, flipping the meat with tongs while chatting with your tablemates, the air thick with the aroma of sizzling fat and garlic.
This isn’t just a meal—it’s a shared ritual.
Once the meat’s golden and crispy, you wrap it in a cool lettuce leaf, add a dollop of ssamjang (a rich, spicy paste), maybe a slice of grilled garlic, a touch of rice, and pop it in your mouth. Explosion. Of. Flavor.
It’s messy. It’s fun. It’s unforgettable. And honestly, it’s easy to see why Madang is the go-to for popular samgyupsal in Abu Dhabi.
But Wait, There’s Ramen?
Here’s a curveball you might not expect: ramen. While ramen is typically associated with Japan, Korea has its own take on this noodle soup, and Madang offers a version that punches way above its weight.
It’s not your convenience-store instant noodles either. This bowl comes to the table piping hot—noodles with a chewy bite, a broth that’s both spicy and savory, and toppings like soft-boiled egg, spring onions, and slices of beef or tofu.
It’s deeply satisfying, especially if you’re in a “I just need a comforting bowl of something hot and delicious” kind of mood.
In fact, Madang has quietly carved a reputation as an authentic ramen spot in Abu Dhabi, and the regulars know exactly why. It’s the kind of dish that doesn’t need to announce itself—it just wins you over, bite after bite.
For the Curious and the Cautious
Not everyone who walks into Madang is already a Korean food convert, and that’s okay. The menu is friendly to newbies. The staff is happy to explain dishes, offer recommendations, and even give a mini crash course in how to eat things like kimchi or ssambap (Korean wraps).
Beyond BBQ and ramen, there’s a whole list of Korean comfort foods to explore:
- Bibimbap – a colorful bowl of mixed rice, vegetables, egg, and meat, served in a sizzling stone pot
- Japchae – sweet-savory stir-fried glass noodles with veggies
- Tteokbokki – spicy rice cakes that are chewy, fiery, and slightly addictive
And don’t skip the banchan—the little plates of pickled veggies, seaweed salad, and more that come complimentary. It’s tradition, and it’s half the fun.
A Restaurant With a Loyal Following
What really makes Madang special is how it’s earned a quiet, cult-like following without relying on trends or gimmicks. Korean expats go there when they miss home. Locals and international foodies go there when they want something real. It’s not unusual to see a table with three generations enjoying a long, laughter-filled meal.
People don’t come to Madang for the photos (though the food is beautiful). They come for the comfort, the flavors, and that sense of being somewhere authentic.
A Quick Note on Service
The service? Always warm, always helpful. It’s a small team, and they treat guests like friends. Whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth, you’ll feel taken care of. And if you come in often enough, they’ll probably remember your go-to order.
So, Should You Go?
Yes. Go hungry. Go curious. Go with people you enjoy eating with. Because Madang is best experienced when you’ve got time to sit, grill, share, and maybe even order one too many dishes just because everything sounds too good to skip.
Whether you’re craving that spicy noodle fix from an authentic ramen spot or planning a night out centered around the samgyupsal , Madang delivers. Quietly. Consistently. Deliciously.
Just do yourself a favor—book ahead. It might be tucked away, but the regulars always find their way back.