Stopped in for lunch today for the first time. This spot was a bit off my normal lunch route but I was interested to try Umma after reading g good reviews. Located in a strip mall the space is small with little to say hey the food is great. We were seated and menus came, the laminated picture poster was very tattered and worn with many corrections. More images lined the walls of what the food might look like. Being hungry I wasn't in the mood for looking at another option. The restroom clean but also used for a storage closet, clean was important. We ordered a couple dishes, barley tea and water soon followed. The squid scallion pancake came out quickly with a small sauce on the side, excellent flavor. When we were nearly finished the main arrived, a mildly spicy mix of pork onions and sweet Korean chilis sizzled on a cast iron dish. The sides arrived, a generous and tasty assortment of six dishes plus white rice. Food is good here. Tastes authentic and made with care. The space is in need of some charm and updated decor, the tattered menus are not appetizing but fortunately clean. English, well the menu was well written but our server did seem to have much and did well enough to get us through the meal.
Stephanie B.
My husband & I are here nearly every week for their kimchi jjigae with tofu. It's the best I've ever had, the flavors so deliciously layered, savory with just the perfect amount of spicy. The folks that run it are so kind and remember us and our order every time we walk in. They always give us the most delicious house tea and have friendly conversation as we wait for takeout. The restaurant space is very comfortable with relaxing ambiance, and they do great at making you feel at home. If you're not familiar with the food and/or how it is traditionally eaten, they are kind at teaching how and suggesting things to try. I love this place and the family that runs it, 6 stars!
Random storm
The food here is authentic and delicious! We enjoyed the main dishes, and all the sides were flavorful as well! We'll definitely be back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
posmonti Richi
The best Tteokbokki I’ve had in Portland , amazing kind staff and a huge menu for a great price.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Japchae, Spicy Stir-Fried Rice Cakes and Fish Cake
Myung-Gi Ji
Great to have a
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Spicy Baby Octopus Stir Fry with Vegetables
Hector C.
Amazing food at great prices. Some of the sides are unique and family recipes which is a huge bonus. Some of the best squid I've ever had!
Jim P.
This small, inconspicuous establishment in a small strip mall with several other eateries is a real gem. Everything we have tried here has been delicious. We enjoy the steamed mandu, which is wonderfully seasoned. The Galbi Tang broth has an umami characteristic, but those glass noodles are a challenge for me. It's a tiny place with just a few people on staff, so take your time when you come here. I am not an expert on Korean food, but the food here feels authentic; I recommend it.
Jim Purcell
This small, inconspicuous establishment in a small strip mall with several other eateries is a real gem. Everything we have tried here has been delicious. We enjoy the steamed mandu, which is wonderfully seasoned. The Galbi Tang broth has an umami characteristic, but those glass noodles are a challenge for me. It's a tiny place with just a few people on staff, so take your time when you come here. I am not an expert on Korean food, but the food here feels authentic; I recommend it.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
pnwhunter1990
This is my favorite Korean spot around food comes out fast and hot! never has a dish I didn't like.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 3
Recommended dishes: Spicy Soft Tofu Soup with Egg Comes With, Seafood Pajeon
두 마리와 두 사람_Two Cats and Two Hoomans
I ordered perilla seed gamjatang and vegetable bibimbap, but they told me in advance that the perilla seed gamjatang was not spicy. The perilla seeds were expensive, but there was a lot of them, so it almost tasted like perilla seed soup, and to my taste, it was more like duck stew that I had in Gwangju rather than gamjatang. I don't know if it's always like this or just today, but it tasted delicious to me. However, I don’t think you should order it thinking of bone hangover soup.Everyone knows that stone pot bibimbap is delicious, but what was surprising was that even though it was vegetable bibimbap, there was meat in it.The side dishes are delicious and I want to try other foods, so I think I'll visit again next time.
Recommended dishes: Bulgogi Dosot Bibimbap, Spicy Stir-Fried Rice Cakes and Fish Cake, Ugeoji Galbi Tang
Hanni K.
My friends are super fan of korean food. but since there are many other good food options here in portland so we weren't thinking to try korean food. after few winery visit we thought we try and search our favorite dishes. We were very satisfied with all we had. especially hot soup with fish roe and ssuckot veggies and tofu. Thanks Umma!!
Alison T.
I don't eat Korean food often since moving out of LA -- maybe a yearly BBQ or AYCE and biannual trip to Nak Won. And I don't order adventurously when it comes to Korean cuisine but the kimchi soup, mandu, and bibimbap I ate here were all tasty. Other reviewers have noted that the place/food has a homemade feel and I agree. Our server Hannah was sweet and helpful, and I think she said her mom or grandma was cooking in the back. No-frills inside. Bathroom was an undisguised supply closet. Prices about a dollar higher than what's on the pictures of the menus. (Sry, didn't grab a photo!) We spent about $90 to feed three people, without ordering too extravagantly (each got a main, plus the aforementioned mandu, plus one $9 bottle Terra of beer). Came with rice and half a dozen banchan. I think we will be back due to proximity and when in need of a heart-warming meal.
Kate M.
I wish they were open 24/7! Their kimchi jjigae is the best thing I have ever eaten. Everything comes out piping hot (beware of the tea!), the service is impeccable, they don't get upset when asking for multiple kimchi refills, and are more than happy to answer questions. The only thing that would make this better is if I could actually fit one of everything in my belly.
Melissa H.
The food has such a great depth of flavor, they have all the classic dishes and more! My partner and I usually order as takeout and it always holds up to the short drive just fine. Mandu, seafood pancake, and jachae are some of the dishes we get every single time.
Stopped in for lunch today for the first time. This spot was a bit off my normal lunch route but I was interested to try Umma after reading g good reviews. Located in a strip mall the space is small with little to say hey the food is great. We were seated and menus came, the laminated picture poster was very tattered and worn with many corrections. More images lined the walls of what the food might look like. Being hungry I wasn't in the mood for looking at another option. The restroom clean but also used for a storage closet, clean was important. We ordered a couple dishes, barley tea and water soon followed. The squid scallion pancake came out quickly with a small sauce on the side, excellent flavor. When we were nearly finished the main arrived, a mildly spicy mix of pork onions and sweet Korean chilis sizzled on a cast iron dish. The sides arrived, a generous and tasty assortment of six dishes plus white rice. Food is good here. Tastes authentic and made with care. The space is in need of some charm and updated decor, the tattered menus are not appetizing but fortunately clean. English, well the menu was well written but our server did seem to have much and did well enough to get us through the meal.
My husband & I are here nearly every week for their kimchi jjigae with tofu. It's the best I've ever had, the flavors so deliciously layered, savory with just the perfect amount of spicy. The folks that run it are so kind and remember us and our order every time we walk in. They always give us the most delicious house tea and have friendly conversation as we wait for takeout. The restaurant space is very comfortable with relaxing ambiance, and they do great at making you feel at home. If you're not familiar with the food and/or how it is traditionally eaten, they are kind at teaching how and suggesting things to try. I love this place and the family that runs it, 6 stars!
The food here is authentic and delicious! We enjoyed the main dishes, and all the sides were flavorful as well! We'll definitely be back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The best Tteokbokki I’ve had in Portland , amazing kind staff and a huge menu for a great price.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Japchae, Spicy Stir-Fried Rice Cakes and Fish Cake
Great to have a
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Spicy Baby Octopus Stir Fry with Vegetables
Amazing food at great prices. Some of the sides are unique and family recipes which is a huge bonus. Some of the best squid I've ever had!
This small, inconspicuous establishment in a small strip mall with several other eateries is a real gem. Everything we have tried here has been delicious. We enjoy the steamed mandu, which is wonderfully seasoned. The Galbi Tang broth has an umami characteristic, but those glass noodles are a challenge for me. It's a tiny place with just a few people on staff, so take your time when you come here. I am not an expert on Korean food, but the food here feels authentic; I recommend it.
This small, inconspicuous establishment in a small strip mall with several other eateries is a real gem. Everything we have tried here has been delicious. We enjoy the steamed mandu, which is wonderfully seasoned. The Galbi Tang broth has an umami characteristic, but those glass noodles are a challenge for me. It's a tiny place with just a few people on staff, so take your time when you come here. I am not an expert on Korean food, but the food here feels authentic; I recommend it.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
This is my favorite Korean spot around food comes out fast and hot! never has a dish I didn't like.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 3
Recommended dishes: Spicy Soft Tofu Soup with Egg Comes With, Seafood Pajeon
I ordered perilla seed gamjatang and vegetable bibimbap, but they told me in advance that the perilla seed gamjatang was not spicy. The perilla seeds were expensive, but there was a lot of them, so it almost tasted like perilla seed soup, and to my taste, it was more like duck stew that I had in Gwangju rather than gamjatang. I don't know if it's always like this or just today, but it tasted delicious to me. However, I don’t think you should order it thinking of bone hangover soup.Everyone knows that stone pot bibimbap is delicious, but what was surprising was that even though it was vegetable bibimbap, there was meat in it.The side dishes are delicious and I want to try other foods, so I think I'll visit again next time.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 4
Restaurantji Recommends
Authentic!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Bulgogi Dosot Bibimbap, Spicy Stir-Fried Rice Cakes and Fish Cake, Ugeoji Galbi Tang
My friends are super fan of korean food. but since there are many other good food options here in portland so we weren't thinking to try korean food. after few winery visit we thought we try and search our favorite dishes. We were very satisfied with all we had. especially hot soup with fish roe and ssuckot veggies and tofu. Thanks Umma!!
I don't eat Korean food often since moving out of LA -- maybe a yearly BBQ or AYCE and biannual trip to Nak Won. And I don't order adventurously when it comes to Korean cuisine but the kimchi soup, mandu, and bibimbap I ate here were all tasty. Other reviewers have noted that the place/food has a homemade feel and I agree. Our server Hannah was sweet and helpful, and I think she said her mom or grandma was cooking in the back. No-frills inside. Bathroom was an undisguised supply closet. Prices about a dollar higher than what's on the pictures of the menus. (Sry, didn't grab a photo!) We spent about $90 to feed three people, without ordering too extravagantly (each got a main, plus the aforementioned mandu, plus one $9 bottle Terra of beer). Came with rice and half a dozen banchan. I think we will be back due to proximity and when in need of a heart-warming meal.
I wish they were open 24/7! Their kimchi jjigae is the best thing I have ever eaten. Everything comes out piping hot (beware of the tea!), the service is impeccable, they don't get upset when asking for multiple kimchi refills, and are more than happy to answer questions. The only thing that would make this better is if I could actually fit one of everything in my belly.
The food has such a great depth of flavor, they have all the classic dishes and more! My partner and I usually order as takeout and it always holds up to the short drive just fine. Mandu, seafood pancake, and jachae are some of the dishes we get every single time.