Miga: A Family Legacy of Authentic Korean Flavours in Hackney

Nestled on the corner of Mare Street in Hackney, Miga stands as a testament to multi-generational culinary expertise. This minimalist white-walled restaurant with rustic wood accents brings the authentic flavours of Korea to East London through recipes passed down through generations.

A Family Story

Miga's story begins in 1970s Seoul, where the family's grandmother became renowned for her ox bone broth. This culinary tradition continued when her son trained with Japanese master chefs in the 1990s before opening a restaurant in New Malden. Today, the father and his sons have brought their heritage to Hackney, creating a dining experience that balances traditional Korean cooking techniques with contemporary presentation.

Signature Dishes

The menu at Miga showcases the depth and complexity of Korean cuisine through meticulously prepared dishes:

• Galbijjim (Soy-braised short ribs): The undisputed star of the menu, these tender short ribs fall off the bone with the gentlest nudge, swimming in a rich, caramelized sauce alongside poached Korean pear and shiitake mushrooms.

• Yughwe (Beef tartare): A perfectly balanced dish featuring raw beef with crisp matchstick slivers of Korean pear and egg yolk that creates a surprisingly sweet, harmonious flavour profile.

• Maeun Saeu: Hefty king prawns bathed in a vibrant, fiery gochujang sauce that delivers both sweetness and heat.

• Seolleongtang (Ox bone broth): A signature family recipe, this milky, mineral-rich broth serves as either a cleansing end to your meal or the base for a hearty noodle soup with rare-cooked brisket.

Atmosphere and Experience

The restaurant's minimalist design creates a calm backdrop that allows the bold flavours to take center stage. In the open kitchen, the father works his culinary magic while his children manage the front of house with warmth and attentiveness. The result is an intimate dining experience that feels both sophisticated and homely.

Miga operates on a BYOB policy, allowing guests to bring their own wine or beer to accompany their meal—though don't miss the opportunity to finish with their traditional ox bone broth.

With its Michelin Bib Gourmand recognition and consistently glowing reviews, Miga has quickly established itself as one of London's most exciting Korean restaurants, offering a genuine taste of Korea that honors tradition while embracing its East London setting.