If you weren’t already inspired by Chef Mike Lee’s accolades at M Sushi and M Tempura, try M Pocha for Korean street food or M Kokko as a tiny chicken-focused comfort food spot. Pocha is short for Pojanmacha in Korea, translated to a "Tented Cart on Wheels," that serves street food with drinks. Over the years, Pojanmacha has developed more into a brick-and-mortar style with a similar feel to that of a Japanese-style izakaya. Quite simply, it is a place that serves food and dishes to enjoy while drinking, mostly served tapas-style as dishes that are meant to be shared with others.
My wife's new favorite Restaurant in Durham. The quality of the food is outstanding and the service is wonderful. Its a cute small place perfect for couples as it's mainly counter seating (but one long table that groups can dine together). Definitely need reservations - but well worth it. Been there twice and didn't disappoint either time. Perfect for dinner before a DPAC show.
NSA
Jun 1, 2025
4
Dropped to a 4
Came by for the fried chicken and it wasnt as good as last time
Review from a year ago
4.5 really.
food was quite tasty, I recommend the octopus karaage
place is tight, recommend a reservation
negative 0.5 since some of our food took a while to come, and cause it was so loud in there it was hard to hear each other.
parking is street parking no private lot.
London Grant
Jan 8, 2025
5
Their food has bold flavors and is very yummy. It's a tight venue and if you have a shell fish allergy I don't recommend it. The spicy pork buns are soooo good and the rice with the shrimp (I forget what it's called).
Jonny Squillaci
Nov 24, 2024
5
M Pocha is a vibrant celebration of Asian-inspired street foods that will transport your taste buds straight to the bustling night markets of Asia. From the moment you walk in, the atmosphere of the place hits you—the sleek, modern decor combined with the inviting warmth of the staff with aroma of flavorful dishes.
What makes M Pocha truly special is its focus on the best of Asian street food with a contemporary twist. The menu is an exciting array of small, shareable plates, allowing you to dive into a variety of street food favorites, each with its own unique spin. The Korean fried chicken is a standout—crispy, juicy, and coated in a perfect balance of sweet and spicy sauce that will have you reaching for more with every bite.
My ultimate favorite was the bao buns are another must-try, featuring soft steamed buns filled with flavorful fillings like crispy pork. Each bite is a delightful mix of textures and flavors, with the richness of the meat balanced by the bright freshness of the pickled vegetables.
The drink menu at M Pocha is just as exciting, with a mix of craft cocktails.
M Pocha truly captures the essence of Asian street food, blending the energy and creativity of street vendors with the quality and care of fine dining. The dishes are bold, exciting, and bursting with flavor, making it a must-visit for anyone looking to experience the vibrant tastes of Asia right here in Durham.
NSA
Oct 24, 2024
4
4.5 really.
food was quite tasty, I recommend the octopus karaage
place is tight, recommend a reservation
negative 0.5 since some of our food took a while to come, and cause it was so loud in there it was hard to hear each other.
parking is street parking no private lot.
Daniel Perry
Aug 4, 2024
5
M Pocha is amazing. Every dish was super creative and flawlessly executed. We just kept ordering more and more small plates because everything we got was better than the last dish. They even made me a birthday plate!
I recommend booking a reservation for the counter. The Main Street people watching is fun while drinking sake and knocking out small plates with friends.
