Local restaurant a few steps from my home but I had never stopped in until today. I was alone but the spot had a nice cozy vibe and the decoration and lighting made it feel really homey. The woman running the shop brought me the plate of tofu, veggies and kimchi which was all very nice. I especially loved the kimchi and picked green beans. I ordered the "BimBimBop" and a hot ginger tea. The tea was perfectly hot and sweet, I highly recommend even on a warmer day. There was something nice about hearing the chef working in the back, listening to the tv or radio over the sound of boiling water, steaming stovetop and clanking of kitchen tools as well. The food came out hot and fresh with crisp veggies a perfectly fried egg and perfectly cooked rice. The spice was on the side to add to my liking and everything blended together really well. I think this is a secret star of a place and disagree with the comments that the woman here was unkind, I think you can tell by the food itself she cares about quality and taste. I will absolutely be back and if you find yourself in the area I recommend stopping by. read more

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Great food but rude waitress. I'm not going with cultural relativism. You don't stare down the customers for the entire meal and pick up their food and pretend you're going to put it in their mouths simply because they spilled a little using the chopsticks you advised them not to use. I think customers should get to decide whether or not they want to use the chopsticks provided for them and not get the third degree. 3 stars from me, BTW, is like a 1 star from most people. I rarely post negative reviews because I know people spout off about the smallest things - this one was over the top. At least my friend had a good chuckle about it:) read more

Run by an old woman. Endorsed by many including my husband but for some reason, I didn't like the food. Apparently the ramen was too good but I am not a fan of ramen. The ma pho tofu was too dry for me and so didn't enjoy much. read more

Little Pusan - V-14 Dok Ramen Soup * - Korean Near Me - Maynard, Massachusetts

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Little Pusan is back!! Every dish at Little Pusan is made with care and brought out piping hot and delicious. The fried dumplings are perfect with delicate, crispy wraps. The bibimbap is an amazing fusion of flavors. The ginger chicken hits the perfect level of spicy and the vegetables are perfectly done. It's not fancy - but it's impossible to care about decor when you are served such mouth-watering, wonderful Korean dishes at Little Pusan. read more

Little Pusan - K-22 Ginger Chicken - Korean Near Me - Maynard, Massachusetts

The service was very accommodating. The food quality was superb and we so enjoyed the dish set it was served in because it kept the food hot for a long time! Excellent flavors that all blend together beautifully. read more

Love Little Pusan! This has been one of our favorite places, our children love the Chap Che Bop (potato noodles), my wife loves the Bimbim Bop, and I favor the ginger chicken. Many of the dishes come out in a hot stone bowl or plate, which adds to the experience and keeps the food piping hot. This is by far the most authentic Korean food I've ever had. Not fancy or pretentious, just the best Korean you'll find anywhere. A gem. read more

Food was absolutely delicious! The woman who made us our food was very nice! The place was very cozy. Overall really enjoyed this place!

What a wonderful gem of a restaurant. We came here with some friends after a visit to the Discovery Museum. My friend is a vegetarian and was pleasantly surprised with the vegetarian selections. I ordered the tteokbokki and dolsot bi bim bap. Food was absolutely fantastic. Tteokbokki was the perfect texture while spicy but not overwhelmingly so. Loved the crunch the heated stone pot gave the bi bim bap. We brought two babies, and the owner was wonderful to both. Most of the time the babies were in their car seats next to us on the floor (restaurant is small but we made it work!). However, we brought them on our laps towards the end. The owner talked about her granddaughter with such happiness. While we were setting up the stroller to leave, my 5 month old was crying in her car seat. The owner squatted down to rock her and speak to her in Korean. So sweet. Will absolutely be back. read more

Little Pusan - Banchan - Korean Near Me - Maynard, Massachusetts

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My cousin wanted to try Korean food, so I brought him Little Pusan after our chocolate adventure (Little Chocolatier). The waitress (owner?) is a cute little ole lady who was enjoying her korean drama (we did too lol) I can tell she takes pride in her food because she checked in on us frequently and didn't take too kindly if we said the food was too spicy (it wasn't for me, but it was for my guest). The portion was huge! Also, the menu was very extensive. Note: if you have a party of 5, PLEASE call ahead, the shop is very small. I wish I knew more about Korean food to give a better review, but all I can say is I enjoyed this experience. Will definitely come back. read more

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Not impressed. Oil seemed rancid and food was not good. Would not have minded how expensive it was if it had delivered in flavor. Would not recommend. read more

Yooooo this place is awesome! Who would've known that one of the best Korean food in MA would be in Maynard! I'm korean and I've been looking for traditional style korean food. Even the interior design is so korean. I love it! The dishes are more than the average Maynard price, but there ain't such a thing as cheap korean food in America. Only at KTown in LA LOL. I would totally come back here to eat! Ahhhh I'm so happy I found this place! Also, their kimchi is FRESH and so....idk how to explain it. You gotta be korean to get ma flow. Anyways, come here! Real great! Has a lot of vegetarian options as well!! read more

Little Pusan - Ginger tofu! Woooaaahhhh - Korean Near Me - Maynard, Massachusetts

Never had such a bad experience! My husband and I went for lunch, my husband ordered a noodle, I was not very hungry and ordered a salad. The boss has a bad attitude and said I should go for fast food. So we left the restaurant. read more

I love this place. Little Pusan is a tiny mom-and-pop restaurant serving fresh, authentic and delicious Korean food at a great price. The menu is straightforward. The portions are totally appropriate. They have a beer-and-wine license and offer a simple selection of both. It's a little mom-and-pop restaurant, so ya, you'll wait a little longer when it's crowded. It's not the place to go if you're in a rush or looking to stuff yourself and they lay no claim to being a Korean BBQ. Take it for what it is, and you'll love it. http://www.littlepusan.com/ read more

Little Pusan - Dolsot Bibim Bop at Little Pusan. Photo courtesy of Kelev T. Cat's blog. - Korean Near Me - Maynard, Massachusetts

I'm a sucker for no-nonsense Korean comfort food in a casual cafeteria-esque setting. This place is very very casual. The woman running the places rules. She is very curt and to the point - she'll roll up to your table and simply demand: "What you want??". In fact I called in advance to find out how late they were open and her reply was "What time you coming?" LOL. Dolset bibimbap looks great. I had the bulgoki which came out on a sizzling dish. The marinade could be stronger but otherwise was awesome. The rice that came with it was cooked with split pea and red bean which was cool. The steamed mandus were perfect and hit the spot. The banchan was good enough. The kimchi was decent. I can't wait to go back. read more

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My husband and I wanted to celebrate our 1 year anniversary of buying our first house together, and had originally planned to try a Korean restaurant in Ayer. However, we were tired and didn't want to fight the 5 o'clock traffic, so I gave in and agreed to give Little Pusan another try. And wouldn't you know it, reminding my husband about being prepared for the attitude he might receive from the owner... she was not evil. He kept calling her a "nice little lady". Whatever. What wasn't nice was being knocked over by the overwhelming smell of bleach when we walked through the door. Being one who despises that smell, I was not pleased. But I sucked it up and eventually the bleach aroma was replaced by delicious smells of food cooking. My beloved dolsot bibim bap was delicious, although my husband's stir fried squid smelled fishy and was rubbery (previously frozen, no doubt.) I give it a 3, and we'll try the place in Ayer next time. read more

I would give zero stars if I could. The shrimp tempura had no dipping sauce. Two nasty packets of soy sauce were thrown in the container directly with the food. Gross! The dumplings had no dipping sauce as well. Both were just terrible in addition. I tried calling them four times to complain and no one answered. read more

Little Pusan is less restaurant, and more sitting in a mom's kitchen. The vibe is wholesome, and unpretentious. Don't expect traditional 'restaurant waitstaff experience', because son, this ain't it. Get in the mindset that you're a guest in a grandmother's house, and not in a restaurant. And the food...get adventurous! It's a damned treasure, that menu! Let her suggest something..or rather insist you try something! I wouldn't have ever chosen Duk Mandu Guk.. and, now I can't stop thinking about it! Again, I reiterate: Little Pusan is less restaurant, and more like sitting in a Korean mom's kitchen. So, if you're the type of diner who needs to be pandered to, like you're doing the proprietor a favor, then jog on Audrey, 'cause this ain't your joint. The food is crazy on point..don't kvetch about not being coddled. Just choose some legit Korean specialties, and stuff it in your stupid face. read more

I hate to leave such a poor review but we ordered 2 soups, and I bimbop and aside of kimchee that came to over $80. The soups lacked flavor. There was no fear. The bimbop has very little meat that didn't appear to be seasoned either. Wayyyy too overpriced for food that was as subpar. If you enjoy Korean food- this will definitely not do it any justice. read more

Worst Korean Restaurant Ever. This is not Korean food. Bad taste, it looks like they used old refrigerated pork. Don't visit this place if you expect Korean food. read more

The taste is not genuine Korean food. Absolutely no Korean dish has celery as ingrediant, but there was celery in every single dish we ordered. Very disappointing, and it is a shame to be called as a Korean restaurant. read more

The place is divey, small, cluttered and dirty. The owner is crotchety and unfriendly. But she makes some of the best dumplings (home made) and a killer crispy bibimbap that I have been craving ever since I came! I'd give it a 4 star, but I can't stand dirty! Dirty? (FILTHY), Cluttered and small, I will come back for a dumpling fix and that crispy and flavorful favorite! (I'll take the unfriendly lady - she can cook! can't clean worth a dang, but can cook!) read more

Had a very strange experience here yesterday. My partner and I could not find a place to have coffee or tea, as the rather quaint coffee house on the corner was closed due to unavoidable circumstances. So we ducked into Little Pusan with the hopes of some ginger tea and maybe a bite to eat. The woman greeted us and we seemed to have a nice conversation about the weather. We ordered the tea, and everything was good. Then she asked if we were ready to order. My partner wasn't hungry, and I decided not to get anything to eat. The woman got a rather distasteful look on her face, turned off the heater she graciously turned on for us, and said "If all you want is tea, there's a coffee shop two doors down. They will serve you tea." We weren't ready for that reaction, so we asked that she wouldn't serve us tea. She confirmed, as she pointed in the direction we needed to exit. We said the coffee shop was closed. No change of heart. We then walked out of the restaurant with befuddled looks on our faces, having been kicked out for ordering a $6 kettle of tea. I gave it two stars, as the menu had a description of why Asian people are not fat and Americans are. It was entertaining enough for the 5 minutes we were sitting there. read more

The menu is extensive and the dishes are authentic. It's more of a takeout than sit down, but if you insist on sitting, be prepared to wait a little for the food. This is normal in smaller places in Korea that are run by one or two people taking orders, cooking, and serving. It just depends on the kind of experience you are looking for. Next, it's not the type of place to take your time to eat and talk. Once you're served, eat, then pay, then leave. I introduced my date to Korean for the first time at this place. The typical sides that arrive are a staple but the dishes only had enough for two bites total with chopsticks. For an app we chose the steamed dumplings. The meat had no flavor. For an entree, my date ordered Dolsot Bibimbop and I had Dok Man Du Guk, or Dumpling Rice Cake Soup. They're simple meals and tasted okay. Nothing was groundbreaking. I had the hot ginseng tea and he had a Sprite. We chatted and ate and two hours went by. Then bill came and it was almost $50. The the owner told us we had to leave so she could prepare for the dinner rush. It was nearly 6pm on a Wednesday and we had been the only customers. read more

The food was decent, if not great. The service, as others have noted, was not restaurant style. We were one of two tables active at the time and it took over 15 minutes for them to take our order. The food came out reasonably fast after that, but the delay was very unpleasant. It seemed like the problem was they were very short-staffed. All I saw was "grandma" and one young girl who only brought water and cleaned the table at the end. Grandma was focussing on one table at a time, and it seemed like we had to wait until she had cooked and served the meals for the previous table before she took our order. The dumpling appetizer was the biggest disappointment - not heated all the way through and the shell was hard and dry in places. Freezer-burn + microwave heating? Would not order again. The main courses were ok-to-good: bulgogi, bibimbap, and ribs. The veggies were good - not over-cooked, and the meat (especially the ribs) was very tasty. My main disappointment was that the flavors were "plain." Nothing made me go "oh wow!" Some dishes were advertised as spicy - none were really "Korean Spicy", they were at most medium spicy. The Korean red chili-paste (condiment) was likewise only medium spicy. I got the feeling that if I had discussed the options with Grandma when we ordered, then she could have made it more flavorful... If I go back I'll definitely give that a try! read more

Despite other reviews, I found this place to be what it should- authentic and delicious. Sure, it looks cluttered because of all the plants in the window, but when you're seated it's like being anywhere else. Definitely not dirty, but certainly showing its wear and tear over the years. The owner was kind to me, probably because I was kind to her. I got some mild chicken ramen to go. Large portion with a good balance of egg, chicken, and veggies. Still a bit spicy, but that is what you expect when you go mild in this cuisine. read more

I must agree with Steven B. on the service. Simply terrible. I can't offer an opinion on the food for the sheer reason that we didn't eat here. We arrived on a busy Friday night only to have a menu shoved in our faces and told to sit next to the open, terribly drafty door. Then when one of the tables farthest from the door left, we changed tables. We ended up sitting at our table which still bore the dirty dishes of the previous party for a good 15 minutes. No one bothered to clear the table. No one bothered to even give us a glass of water. After such terrible service, we just left. I think that if you're all the way out in Maynard, you might need to go here for good Korean food, but there are other alternatives like the Korean BBQ place in Burlington. They are actually cheaper and don't charge you for tea. Did I mention they charged for tea? $4 a pot for tea. That's simply ridiculous. read more

My experience - First of all.. I dont even think this place earns a star. So earlier today, I was around the area and decided to buy some korean food for me and my co workers. I ordered 5 bibimbaps and some bulgogi to-go. When I opened the bag that included the food, I was welcomed by a stomach turning smell. As I opened my food, I realized that they didn't even give me a spoon. What am I supposed to eat my food with? My hands? So I called the owner, and politely asked if I could get some silverware to eat my food. She replied in a very rude manner and swore at me in korean. The food - Bulgogi - the meat was clearly rotten, and tasted like it was left in the freezer for months. NO SIDE DISHES, what kind of korean restaurant doesn't give side dishes?!?!? The rice was extremely dry, and burnt. Bibimbap - wow. Horrible. The vegetables included were not fresh at all and the meat included in it also had a sour smell. Overall, horrible service and food. THIS PLACE IS A DISGRACE TO KOREAN FOOD AND A REPRESENTATION OF KOREAN PEOPLE. What a waste of $100+, health services need to close this place down. Check their meat. read more

I love the Dolsot Bimbap. I am a huge fan of Chong's ( the owner) to know her is to love her. Her chili paste is the best. The decor could be a turn off to some..it is dated and old but I love it all. This is one of my husband and I favorite places. He usually goes with Ginger Chix, Calbi, or Bulgogi..sometimes Spicy Ramen. I've had the Rice cake soup.. mmmm so good. We have also had the kimchi pancakes. I would agree that this place is not for everyone based on decor and Chong... : ) For us it's a keeper! read more

If I could give this no stars I would. My mom and I went in on a Saturday afternoon and we were the only customers. Not a good sign. The owner recommended K5 (the dish name escapes me at the moment) It came in a stone bowl. It was so hot that the rice kept cooking throughout the meal and was a crispy hard mess at the bottom. It was bland and there was probably 2 pieces of beef in the whole $15.95 bowl. The shrimp shoamai was good while the tempura not so much. We were supposed to get the miso soup, but she forgot to bring it. The owner came over and complimented my mother's hair and skin, which I thought while kind of odd while we were eating, very nice. Once we finished we asked for separate checks which seemed to upset her. She lectured me that I should be paying for my mother since she raised me and that her daughter is cheap like me. Upon bringing over the checks she informed me that my mother was prettier than me as she had nicer make up on and was better dressed and my hair looked bad....just like her daughters. At this point I'm trying to scrape my jaw off the floor. I hurried up and paid for my 30 dollar lunch and insult and left while she was still talking at me. read more

Prior to going I read multiple Yelp reviews and they were mixed, so I thought it might be a decent place. BIG MISTAKE. The first signs of concern were that it was empty at dinner time and the flies. Should have turned around right there, but that is my fault. Little old lady that other reviews mentioned was there, didn't see anyone else. She was not charming as some have said, she was rude and seemed uninterested. Kimchee pancake was bland My bibimbap was cold, not in a sizzling bowl. The meat was chewy and lacked flavor. The miso soup I swear didn't even have any miso it. It was just some sort of brownish broth and nothing else!! I'm sorry I want support small, local businesses, but the food was not good and the owner? was very rude. read more

Just don't. I don't understand how this place attains two stars or more; it was just terrible. I could not find anything redeeming about this place. It's on my Do Not Go Ever Again list. read more

I have been eating Korean for over 20 years in all places in the US, Asia including in Korea. This is by far the worse one one earth. First, their Kim chi doesn't have any taste and seem to make from rotten vegetables. Second, standard dish such as Bi bum bob does not have any flavor. Third, the ramen taste worse than from an instance noodle pack which they charged $10.00. Worse, the lady who served us was extremely rude when we ask for some extra Kim chi. Last, the same server dared to tell us to tip her 15% for her terrible services. I would definitely tell everyone to stay away from this place. Want really good Korean foods? Head to Woo Jung in Ayer. They have the best Kim chi in the US and very best traditional Korean foods with smile for services. Want more Kim chi, just ask. GO TO WOO JUNG IN AYER read more

This place sucks. I had been there a number of times and while the food was decent (but nothing special) the service is horrendous. I went there on my lunch hour once and was the only person in the restaurant. I finished my meal and was going to order dessert. I waited for my waitress, but she never came. I kept looking at my watch because my lunch hour was dwindling down. Finally I could not take it anymore. I walked into the kitchen (I was the only one out from for about 20 minutes) and asked to see my waitress. Only then was I informed that her shift had ended 10 minutes ago so she went home. I was speechless. Another time I was with a friend who ordered sushi. When they brought it out the fish was frozen solid. The place does not want your money so do them a favor and spend it elsewhere. read more

This place is legit. Their dukbokki is better than any I had in Boston and the surrounding areas. The interior is sparse and the tables may be crowded for some, but my party and I had a great time. The woman who runs it is beyond charming. Have questions on what to order? No worries, she'll offer suggestions. Definitely solid Korean for anywhere, in Maynard of all places. A gem for sure. read more

People complain about service, but to me it just fits with the small, owner-run character of the place. Mentally, I think of the owner as Ma Pusan, she reminds me of my mother a little, brusque, but caring. I've had nice conversations with her at quieter times. They get busy and food can come out at intervals, which doesn't bother me. The food is always good -- very consistent and fresh, and seems "light" and healthy. A good introduction for someone trying Korean food, I think. I will say, beware the hot stone dishes -- they're good, but the wafting aroma (with some vinegar?) can get everyone in the place coughing. If someone orders it, you'll go home smelling like it. Which isn't that bad. Side note: there's another great family-run Korean place in Westboro center. I mention that here since they're so far apart they're not really going to be competitors. read more

No doubt, you are most likely in for a shock from the lady that owns this place. She is abrasive, and sometimes altogether rude. She even refused to give my girlfriend a side of hot sauce with our take-out even though we were noticeable regulars. Her rudeness aside, the Little Pusan should also be known as the Little Korean Restaurant that could. Survivng in Maynard for as long as I can remember, the food is damn good, as the people who frequent this place will attest to. Once you accept the fact that this little lady will crap on you, it actually becomes quite entertaining, and is a nice addition to the overall experience. read more

The only Korean restaurant in the area. I have been to Korea many times on business, and this place is as authentic as it gets. The dishes, the taste, and the owner (you need to be ready for her pushy attitude). But overall, the food is really tasty. The places is small with not a lot of atmosphere, but it's really good for authentic Korean food! Worth the visit! read more

Little Pusan - Lunch specials! Be sure to try the scallion pancake with pork! - Korean Near Me - Maynard, Massachusetts

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I'm Korean American and I can say with authority that Little Pusan really sucks...in both Korean and in English. The food is neither authentic, nor close to being good. When it comes to Korean food, MA is struggling. The Korean place in Ayer isn't any good either. Here's a little list of OK-to-Good Korean places: -Bukyung (aka Hometown) in Somerville for killer chachangmyun, jaampong, ganpoongki, and dangsooyeok. (Korean-style Chinese dishes). -New JangSoo in Burlington for the best Korean BBQ in town. -Koreana in Cambridge is OK. read more

My husband and I love this place and go all the time. I would give 5 stars if it weren't for the ambiance, which leaves a little to be desired. The woman who is likely the owner (and is ALWAYS there) is hilarious. I see a lot of complaints about here, but we love her crotchity attitude. She's very nice when it matters -- I remember her being so upset when people ordered ice cream and she was out of a flavor. She kept apologizing and apologizing. When she came by to our table I jokingly told her I would like that same ice cream and had to quickly tell her I was joking. She does care about her customers. She gives me a little shit when I don't finish my food, gotta love the Korean mom schtick. I once accidentally ordered something that had meat in it (I'm a vegetarian), my fault, and she was very nice and got me something new. We have brought out of town friends and neighbors here and they have all liked it. We have to warn them about the attitude of the lady, but we all think she's hilarious and as courteous as she needs to be. read more

For the longest time, i'd allowed a coworker's rough experience at Little Pusan to give me an excuse not to give it a try. I don't know exactly what it was, but i'm told that it ended with him and the server throwing things at each other. So, today with a friend in town, i decided what the heck. It seems to me that the service might be dependent on who you're with--some of my coworkers are avowed regulars, and the lady there seems to be quite fond of them, to the point of trying to give one of us smaller portions so they could finish. But maybe i was just lucky. At any rate, the food is yummy, the bowl of goodness is like a healthier version of a skillet at Denny's (and i mean that in a good way). No idea whatsoever how authentic it is or isn't, but i don't really care, either. The plate of pickled stuff beforehand is probably more so, but it wasn't to my liking. It's more expensive than other options in the 'nard (an expensive town for lunch, despite how far away it is from the city), so maybe it's not a regular option, but i'd definitely go back. And if i can't bring friends, i'll just have to rely on my considerable charm to get good service. read more