Yujoon J.
Google
This is where I can finally get a truly authentic Korean gukbap in NYC. For anyone who does not know, gukbap is a rich broth with rice and is considered real Korean soul food. I guess this restaurant opened recently, because I would have known about it long ago if it had been around.
What I love most is that this is the only place where I can customize my gukbap with different broth bases, proteins, and sauces. It is fun to build it in my own style. I kindly asked the chef for two sauces, doenjang and gochujang. Each one tastes great on its own, but the combination of the two was amazing. It has deep umami from the doenjang and a nice kick from the gochujang.
The broth itself is rich and complex, nothing like the simple MSG based broths that some other places use. The chef even offered me a taste of the soy and sesame soup base, and that blew me away. I love 콩국수(kongguksu), and the soup reminded me of that creamy and nutty flavor. I might try this soup with ice in it next time.
I will definitely come back to try more combinations and find my own perfect bowl. Highly recommended.