The yummiest Korean restaurant you will never find

I spent a lot of time hearing about M Koko's greatness without being able to find it. Its location is best described as on the lower level of the East Chapel Hill Street building and across the alley from the Durham Hotel. I found this especially perplexing because I spend so much time downtown, I really couldn't understand how I could not know. Even after I was given sufficient instructions on how to find it, a kind stranger walking by still had to direct me to the right location.

For the moment, M Koko is a strong favorite for this reason: Its authentically good, fresh food that is affordable. I use the term "authentically good" because I enjoy eating ethnic food that does not feel its signature dishes and ingredients have been co-opted for commodification sake; it really matters that the flavors and the dishes taste like they were meant to taste. The dishes are priced between $8 to $12. The fact that it doesn't break my wallet to indulge occasionally is a plus. Many times high quality food does require a high budget.  That it is hard to find and nestled in a back ally corner only adds to its appeal!