Yuk Dae Jang San Diego / 육대장 샌디에고

Huge Korean Restaurant Chain Yuk Dae Jang Opens in San Diego | Eater San Diego

"A Korea-based chain with more than 200 locations in Asia and a handful in the U.S. (including outlets in Irvine and LA’s Koreatown) has landed in San Diego: I report the first local Yuk Dae Jang opened this week in Kearny Mesa with limited hours, and its grand opening is scheduled for Friday, July 28, when it will be open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Slotting into the space adjacent to the temporarily shuttered Zen Curry at the Independence Square shopping center on Clairemont Mesa Boulevard, it’s known for yukgaejang, a hearty traditional soup of shredded beef, assorted vegetables, and glass noodles in a spicy broth; the chain offers extra-spicy and seafood versions as well as options with fresh hand-cut pasta or ramyun noodles. The menu also features seolleongtang (a mild, comforting bone broth), steamed mandu with fillings like pork-and-chive or spicy octopus-and-vegetable, chilled naengmyeon in an icy, tangy broth served with hot mustard and vinegar on the side for warming weather, and bossam (boiled pork belly and cabbage wraps served with pickles and dipping sauces). Owner Jeannie Bang, who is overseeing the San Diego-area franchises, tells me she’s considering additional locations in Mira Mesa and Chula Vista." - Candice Woo