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Seoul

Asia

South Korea

Nestled in the heart of Jongno District, Seoul, Gmanim is a hidden gem that beckons food lovers and health-conscious diners alike. This charming restaurant, located at 74-15 Yulgok-ro 3-gil, offers a unique culinary experience that emphasizes natural, handmade cooking without MSG and gluten. The inviting ambiance is filled with greenery, creating a tranquil escape from the bustling streets outside. Here, every dish is prepared with care, reflecting the owner’s passion for wholesome, vegetarian cuisine.

At Gmanim, every meal is a celebration of flavors. The standout dish is the Cold Noodles, a refreshing bowl that showcases the perfect balance of textures and tastes. Each slurp reveals a delightful mix of chilled noodles topped with fresh vegetables and a hint of sesame oil, making it a must-try for anyone visiting. Another highlight is the restaurant's signature Vegan Bibimbap, a vibrant medley of seasonal vegetables, rice, and a special house-made sauce that brings the dish to life. It's not just a meal; it's an experience that nourishes both body and soul.

The heart and soul of Gmanim is its owner, an elderly lady whose dedication to her craft is palpable. With a warm smile, she personally prepares each dish, ensuring that every ingredient is fresh and thoughtfully selected. Her approach to cooking is not just about food; it’s about creating a connection with her guests. Many visitors have shared stories of her engaging conversations, making the dining experience feel personal and memorable. This unique touch is what sets Gmanim apart from other eateries in the area.

Gmanim is conveniently located in Jongno District, a cultural hub known for its historic sites and vibrant streets. After enjoying a meal, visitors can explore nearby attractions such as the Bukchon Hanok Village, where traditional Korean houses stand in contrast to the modern cityscape. The area is also home to the beautiful Changdeokgung Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site, making it an ideal stop for those looking to immerse themselves in Korean culture.

 Gmanim is celebrated for its handmade vegetarian dishes that are free from MSG and gluten.

 The restaurant offers a unique dining experience with a personal touch, thanks to its dedicated owner.

 After your meal, explore Bukchon Hanok Village and Changdeokgung Palace for a taste of Korean history.

Whether you’re a local or a traveler, Gmanim invites you to experience the warmth of its hospitality and the richness of its flavors. Don’t miss the chance to indulge in a meal that not only satisfies your hunger but also nourishes your spirit. Come and discover the charm of Gmanim—your taste buds will thank you.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnTURReTdiNnhBRRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJebkYtXqjfDURgU-z-YCippM/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnTURReTdiNnhBRRAB

I stumbled upon this tiny restaurant while walking through Bukchon, looking for a quiet place to eat alone. The sign caught my attention with its promise of no MSG, gluten-free options, and vegetarian dishes. While I’m not vegetarian, I was curious to try some natural, handmade cooking.

Before entering I was asked to sanitize my hands. Place is a bit chaotic like different things stacked on the side yet I don’t find dirts or dusty, but a lot of plants inside.

The owner, an elderly lady, surprisingly spoke English, which is quite rare. I ordered the Cold Noodles for 15,000krw, which she personally prepared—it took about 15 minutes. The dish was delicious, though I felt the toppings could have been more generous.

While eating, I noticed that she was also having her meal. When I finished, she smiled and said, “Oh, I just finished mine too.” She asked where I was from, and when I told her I was from the Philippines, she complimented me, saying I was very beautiful. I felt a little shy but thanked her.

I’ve read comments about her being rude, but I personally didn’t experience that. Perhaps it depends on her mood, which is understandable given her age. Overall, it was a nice experience, and I appreciate the effort she puts into her food.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnTUR3M1BQcVR3EAE&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJebkYtXqjfDURgU-z-YCippM/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnTUR3M1BQcVR3EAE

The Food was one of the best Vegan kitchen we ate in Korea. The owner was very lovely to us and the prizes are very fair.
There are some Rules to follow. I had the Impression, as she is the only Person working there, this helps to organize the customer flow.
When you come in make Sure to wait to be seated and sanatize your hands.
The owner prepared little papers on which you can write your Order and Hand IT to her. Then she prepares the meal.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUN6MmRHQ3RBRRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJebkYtXqjfDURgU-z-YCippM/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUN6MmRHQ3RBRRAB

We came here initially after seeing some really great reviews about the owner and the food. Unfortunately, both fell short for us. We really wanted to enjoy as it is a small restaurant and those tend to have the best experiences (!) but I must agree with some of the other poor reviews about the restaurant that the owner is quite rude. If you are Asian but not Korean, the treatment towards you is really different and honestly unpleasant, as others have picked up on previously.

The day that we visited, she was closing the store early - she made it very clear to all the diners which is totally fine, and we ate quickly to make sure she could close on time. We decided to stack our plates and bring it to her (she was really busy in the kitchen trying to get the orders out to the remaining diners) to try to make it easier for cleanup, but we were *yelled* at by the owner to NEVER stack her plates, shooed back to our seat and the service was really dismissive after that. She was much nicer telling the other tables around us, who were not Asian, about this - it really ruined our experience there as it was quite distressing. I don’t remember the taste of the food, only the way she treated us.

In all - The food is okay, but not worth it given the owner. There are better vegan/vegetarian eateries around town!

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURINWVldzFnRRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJebkYtXqjfDURgU-z-YCippM/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURINWVldzFnRRAB

Great place, delicious, healthy and unique place. I see that opinions say that the owner is sometimes rude. In my opinion this is one of the charms, the lady is specific, does not beat around the bush and is really mega nice. You can't confuse directness with being treated unpleasantly. The food is super delicious, the place has its own unique atmosphere. Super recommended!

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURka2VPMjBBRRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJebkYtXqjfDURgU-z-YCippM/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURka2VPMjBBRRAB

Best vegan food in Seoul. Owner/cook is a wholesome (Korean but English speaking) woman who makes it all from scratch. Often times vegetarian restaurants in Asia don’t have the same setting/decor as the usual non-veg restaurants, but that’s not the case here. Food was great (I went twice).

Gmanim: Vegan Restaurant in Jongno, Seoul - Healthy & Unique

Savor exquisite flavors at Gmanim in Jongno, Seoul! Delight in authentic Korean cuisine and vibrant ambiance. Book your table now!

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