Soondubu (also spelled Sundubu 순두부) is one of my favorite Korean meals to have in Korea. I especially love it during the dead of winter when I need a hot stew to warm my bones. On the food tours that I give in Korea, it is a dish that is often requested by my guests when they come on our private food tours. This is surprising since I thought non-Koreans are familiar only with dishes like Korean barbecue and bibimbap. I have learned through my guests that, in fact, Sundubu-jjigae is quite popular among young people in Los Angeles and New York City as a food to have after clubbing. This “international” version most guests are familiar with overseas uses the packaged blocks of silky tofu and not the fresh made version of Korea. Here’s what I discovered about this trend on the internet. “J.K.” says on his Yelp review of BCD Tofu House in New York City, “Their spicy soup and tofu can’t taste any better after hours of clubbing and drinking.” “David Y.” wrote, “A favorite spot to de...

I've collected exactly 129 points from 똘깨마을 맷돌순두부 - meaning that at least 129,000 won has been spent at this Sinchon soondubu joint over the past 8 months, not including the few times I didn't have my frequent diner card on hand. o_O (Don't get me started on loyalty cards. I've collected over a dozen in this city and have only reaped the benefits of ONE thus far.) Without fail, visits to 똘깨마을 맷돌순두부 (my littlest cousin's favorite btw) always include an order of 들깨 순두부 (perilla soondubu) , the only non-red option on the menu, and quite a nice and savory, non-spicy alternative if you ask me. However, on my most recent trip, I was feeling adventurous fishy so I decided, what the heck, I'll have the 삼치구이 (grilled samchi/Spanish mackerel). It was pretty good but nothing exciting, simply decently grilled white fish. I think sticking with the tried-and-true soondubu's a better option since you'll get a couple yellow corvinas to eat on the side (for free) anywa...

Here is a Listing of Popular Korean Dishes with a brief description of what each dish is. The dish also has the dish's name in Hangul as well. Dan 1. 비빔밥 (bibimbap)/ Rice Mixed with Vegetables and Beef Bibimbap is a popular, healthy dish that is served in a large bowl with its ingredients arranged by color. The rice is topped with cooked vegetables such as squash, mushrooms, carrots, fern brake, beef, and fried egg. Everything in the bowl is mixed in thoroughly with red chili paste before eaten. Vegetarian Option Available. 2. 돌솥비빔밥 (dolsot bibimbap)/ Stone Pot Bibimbap This is one of the most delectable variations of bibimbap. Rice topped with vegetables, beef, and egg is served piping hot in a heated earthenware bowl. The bowl continues to cook the ingredients at the table and gives the rice a distinctly crisp texture. Vegetarian Option Available. 3. 산채비빔밥 (sanchae bibimbap)/ Mountain Vegetable Bibimbap This type of bibimbap consists of lots of freshly picked mountain shoots and...