Joong Mi, Annandale

You may have to search a bit to find Joong Mi. Located on the basement level of a commercial building, it draws new patrons with its reputation, rather than with a fancy façade. Once guests arrive, however, and find themselves surrounded by a haze of savory scents, they know they've found the antidote to their hunger. Korean noodles, soups, dumplings, and entrees enthrall all five senses. Bright vegetables and inky sauces juxtapose with an earth-toned dining room, and the specialty here is the combination bowl. It's served in a round, white dish striped with single dividing line, and includes a choice of two types of dishes—for example, sweet and sour pork on one side, and spicy seafood noodle soup in the other.