Danji - Review - Hell's Kitchen - New York - The Infatuation

"After a fire-induced 2023 closing, Danji, the Korean American spot from the same chef as Meju and Little Banchan Shop, is back in Hell’s Kitchen. And it’s just as consistent as it was before the closure, making for a perfect weeknight meal or pre-theater option, where early reservations are always there for you. There are some slightly outdated 2012 touches—think Edison bulbs and sliders. But who cares, because the Korean comfort food that’s warming, rich, and cozy plays just as well now. Make sure there’s banchan on your table, and an imported Korean beer. Eat dish after dish of gochugaru-tinged food that comes out lightning-fast—like tender, fatty pork belly bossam with aged kimchi—all while a date gets to know each other and a group of four pregames Hadestown right behind you. RESERVE A TABLE Food Rundown Banchan While there are a lot of pickles and other banchan that come as part of some dishes, you really should order a side of Danji’s excellent kimchi to start your meal. Get some dried squid and cucumbers while you're at it, too. photo credit: Will Hartman Crispy and Soft Tofu Our favorite of the smaller plates here, the tofu is soft and gooey, and it’s coated in a sticky sweet glaze. And the sprinkled-on panko and scallions add a welcome crunch. photo credit: Will Hartman KP Spicy Fried Chicken Wings This is a good version of Korean fried chicken wings, but they could use more heat. The heavy-handed pour of sauce here leans a bit sweet. photo credit: Will Hartman Bulgogi Beef Sliders Served on a soft brioche roll, these sliders are barely sliders, but rather a medium-sized sandwich piled high with fatty, caramelized bulgogi and some pickled cucumbers. They’re perfectly solid, but work better as an item to pad out your order rather than the main star. photo credit: Kristen Teig Bossam Pork Belly Instead of lettuce wraps, this comes with ribbon-y sheets of pickled mu radish that hold together soft, juicy pork belly and aged kimchi. This is the dish to get at Danji, despite that it’ll make your hands a tiny bit like pickles. photo credit: Will Hartman 180 Day-Aged Kimchi Chorizo Fried Rice Served on a hot, sizzling platter, this fried rice—studded with bacon, roasted kimchi, and chorizo—is as rubber neck-inducing as a fender bender on a Friday afternoon. If you need something big and carby, get this. photo credit: Hooni Kim" - Will Hartman