In Puyallup, just off 39th Ave, there’s a restaurant that has quietly reshaped the local dining scene over the past year. Mukja Korean BBQ, owned by husband-and-wife team John and Lisa Yi, holds the proud distinction of being the city’s first Korean BBQ restaurant—a milestone that brings something entirely new to the community.
The name itself sets the tone. Mukja (먹자) means “Let’s eat!” in Korean, a phrase that is as much an invitation as it is a reflection of the Yi family’s approach. “It’s simple and welcoming, which is exactly the feeling we want for our restaurant,” John explains. From the moment you step inside, that sense of warmth is unmistakable.…