A Table Load of Food at Miga

Get ready to hear some new voices on ML Philly as we are going to be getting reports from a new correspondent each week. Today, we are getting a report from this week’s profiled luncher Stephanie. Looks like its battle of the bentos on 15th and Locust with Miga and Shiroi Hana across the street from each other. Let us know your preference in the comments!

Having grown up in LA by way of NY, I tend to be picky about my Korean food. In the four years that I’ve spend in Philly, I’ve nearly exhausted all of my Korean options in the city, my palate jaded. But finally, after nearly months of stellar recommendations from fellow foodies and rush-hour-shuffling past Miga’s signage on 15th and Locust, I finally stopped by the restaurant to see what was in store for lunch!

Miga’s lunch menu is respectable, offering an assortment of Japanese fare alongside traditionally Korean dishes. Most of the choices were under $15, which can be considered a little pricey at lunchtime. The restaurant was also running bimbimbop specials starting at $7.95, but my taste buds salivated at the thought of beef bulgogi, or marinated sliced rib eye – a tempting offer at $11 as it came in a lunch box with a variety of accompanying sides.

Food always seems to taste better when it’s affordable. In Miga’s case, I felt like I was paying a paltry fee for a feast reserved for royalty. First, I was treated to your standard fare of complimentary banchan, featuring a delicious assortment of picked vegetables, dried anchovies, and, of course, kimchi! Then came the miso soup, a cloudy sea of soybean paste goodness speckled with buoyant chunks of tofu – perfect for the seasonably cold weather.

Before I was even halfway through my soup, my glorious lunch box had arrived. Even for someone with a seemingly insatiable appetite, my stomach did a second take when I saw the staggering quantity of food presented in front of me. Along with my beef bulgolgi, there were two pieces of kimbap and two pieces of California roll, a fat slice of savory egg custard, two more pieces of fried dumping, japchae — or stir-fried cellophane noodles, a mound of rice, and a small salad with orange-ginger dressing.

The beef bulgolgi, my main entree, was tasty enough, albeit slighty over-marinated for my taste. Rather than complementing the flavor of the beef and onions, the sweetness overpowered all other aromas. It was still delectable, however, especially when balanced with the appropriate rice ratio.

The accompanying side dishes in the lunch box were all fantastic and the most enjoyable parts of my lunch. The kimbap had a pleasing homemade taste, while the California roll and savory egg custard were both appetizing enough. The fried dumpling was lukewarm, but still delightful. The japchae was perfectly cooked, embodying a chewy texture and a mellow sweetness that pleasantly lingered. The salad was refreshing with its orange-ginger dressing garnish. All in all, a marvelously executed lunch spread!

Although slight in the grand scheme of my lunch, the one component that I found aggravating was the price tag of the hot tea. Granted the teabag was ritzier than usual, but complimentary tea is a staple of Asian restaurants!

Nevertheless, I thoroughly relished my lunch experience at Miga and doted on the good food and hospitable service. I will definitely return to try some of the other enticing menu items, primarily the sundubu, or tofu pot. As lunch specials do seem to vary from time to time, I recommend calling the restaurant to get the latest specials in effect.

THE + (What somebody who likes this place would say)

  • Lunch specials offer lots of bangin’ Korean food for your buck
  • Relaxed atmosphere, friendly service
  • Easily one of the best Korean options within the city

THE – (What somebody who doesn’t like this place would say)

  • Limited selection of lunch special items under $10 (although other options are available for a few more dollars)
  • You should never have to pay for hot tea at an authentic Asian restaurant
  • Slightly over-marinated bulgogi

Miga, 211 S. 15th St (btw Walnut and Locust St.), 215-732-1616

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3 Comments

  • User has not uploaded an avatar

    What kind of tea did you get?

    I do feel weird when I ask for hot tea and get charged for it at asian restuarant. Although the tea I expect to get for free are black tea or jasmine tea, or whatever the place traditionally serve.

  • User has not uploaded an avatar

    It’s nice to have another option for authentic Korean food in Center City. I’d have to try it sometime. Just one question, like other Korean restaurants, would you smell like garlic for the next 12 hours after dining at Miga?

  • User has not uploaded an avatar

    I tried this place on your recommendation (and the admitted temptation of those AMAZING photos!) — thank you so much! I have a new favorite downtown lunch spot!

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