Cho Dang Tofu

Stopped by Cho Dang Tofu in Lakewood, located in a busy plaza surrounded by other small businesses. I ordered my usual meal that I’ve had at other Cho Dang locations, but this time the flavor didn’t hit the same. It lacked the rich depth I was expecting from the Nakdol bibimbap. The side dishes were also different. Notably, the usual potato salad was missing, which is something I always look forward to. While I get that variations happen between locations, this one just felt off. What really bothered me though was the number of flies in the dining area. That’s not something you expect when sitting down for a hot, comforting Korean meal. It’s a controllable issue and made the overall experience feel unpolished. The service was excellent but I can’t help but be disappointed overall, especially given the potential this place has based on its name recognition. Efficient: No First-Time Friendliness: Yes Would I Return: No JY review

So freaking good‼️‼️ every foods are so delicious and fast serving, friendly staff

The beloved soft tofu stew paired with stone pot rice is truly a treat, especially when hot water is added to the crispy scorched rice at the bottom, turning it into warm and satisfying *sungnyung* to finish the meal. You can adjust the spice level when ordering, choosing either mild or spicy. You'll surely fall in love with the true charm of stone pot rice. This is a highly recommended soul food restaurant for those wanting an authentic Korean experience

See, the thing is, the food is out of this world amazing. But the service is absolutely terrible. The serves will only give you refills on sides and tea mostly if you're Korean (good luck if you're not) so I often eat that sodium-rich food and get thirsty, but good luck if I want any water. You have to wave them down which is awkward.

If you’re looking for some good authentic Korean cuisine…… you’ve found the right place! They offer from tofu- beef- chicken dishes! We ordered a combo dish - tofu beef soup & beef short ribs. Also an order of bulgogi. It was definitely enough food for my husband, my little one and me. They offer some warm tea and you have to request water. You wait to be seated. During lunch time is extremely busy! So if you’re hungry there may be a wait. Everything was so delish we will definitely be returning back!

Pretty good. Quite busy during lunch time but serving food fast. We really love the rice with tea. Forgot to take pictures of the soup and bibimbap. But all were good!

I have been coming to this restaurant for over 10 years and unfortunately it’s been getting worse with every visit. I came in around noon today with my mother and we ordered a combo soup with the beef short ribs. The soup was absolutely delicious, but they totally skimped me on my meat. They gave me 6-7 small portions of short ribs and they want people to pay over $30 for something that was burnt and unfulfilling. We made a complaint about it, and after waiting 10-15 minutes, the server brought us back three pieces of meat when I was expecting a new order. This place is totally a rip off, I won’t be returning here.

Food here is quite excellent. Known for their tofu soups. The barbecued meats are also pretty good. Banchan are good, but not the best in town. Fried fish on the side is a nice touch. Really loved the food here, but unfortunately, service is lacking. We happened to go at a relatively quiet time but I know this restaurant tends to get overwhelmed by the amount of customers they seat.

Food was so tasty. I'll be craving the silky tofu soup when I'm back in Portland. The ladies that serve are lightning fast and don't let customers want for anything It's a standard establishment any they keep it clean regardless of the numbers coming through Will come back up to WA just for it

I enjoy these local restaurants. Food and service were good. Ordered one of the tofu soups and liked how the rice came out in one of the stone bowls. I was a bit surprised that you have to pay extra to add an egg since all the other restaurants I've been always come with it but got it anyways. They give you plenty of sides including a small fish. Overall a good experience.

We live about an hour away from this place and yet, we come here pretty regularly for their consistently tasty soondubu jjige (soft tofu soup). We also love how they serve the rice on a hot stone pot, creating a nice layer of burnt rice, which is perfect for making a 누룽지 (nurungji - roughly translated into scorched rice tea). Tip: once you get your rice, scoop out all the rice out of the hot stone pot into the stainless steel bowl. Then ask your server to pour hot water on the stone pot. By the time you finish tofu soup, the stone pot will have brewed a nice scorched rice tea and you can even eat the scorched rice as well. This sounds weird, I know, but trust me. This is how you're supposed to eat it. This is the (Korean) way! This place is almost always busy and service can be short but they are very efficient and I have always found them to be courteous. Very family friendly and the food has always been great. This is probably the best Korean restaurant in Washington in my books. We always stop by here if we ever come near the Tacoma area. Korean food in Tacoma is so much better than the ones in Seattle. Of course, a personal opinion, so please check it out yourself and share your thoughts with me! The wall decor adds a great authentic feel to the ambiance. This is a must and if I ever move to Tacoma, this is probably the reason to do it.

Fast service and excellent prices. You get an entire solo meal for just $15.99 plus tax that includes 6 side dishes- Kimchi, radish kimchi, sprouts, cabbage salad, and cucumber salad. You also get a little fish with your meal combo for the tofu soup. Don't forget to ask for the egg to crack into the soup! Look at photos for more tips.

I was skeptical at first because 1) I'm very picky about Korean food 2) I'm from LA (where Ktown is huge). I was genuinely surprised by food quality. We ordered seafood soon tofu (spicy) and honestly it was better than BCD in LA. I got dolsot bibimbap, and it was good as well. Side dish was okay-ish but radish kimchi was impressive. Also, there were tons of old Korean people having meals, which indicated this place was legit lol. Food cane out really quickly. You had to go to the front desk to pay (we were waiting for the check for 15 mins...)

My go to place for tofu soup and bbq! Food arrived quick and HOT. We get the sizzling short rib BBQ and the beef tofu soup, SPICY. So yum for a cold day!

Enter into the Korean Dojo where you have stone pots for your rice and clay bowls for your tofu soup. I ordered the seafood tofu soup and it was an oceanic experience. Clams, oysters, and shrimp swimming in a bubbling soup with tofu. The flavor is both in your ear and your mouth because the bubbles were blasting like a jacuzzi jet streamer. Your mouth enjoys the hot soup mixed with the rice. The side dishes were like the avengers. Each side dish with special powers. Some of them fermented like the kimchi and radishes. Some of them were like an extra little dab of goodness to balance the main dish. Pro-tips. You got to use the bowl tip for your tofu soup at the end. This helps you scrape the bottom of the soup as well as get every last remaining goodness from the bottom. The stone pot needs to be scooped out into a bowl, but you need to leave behind just enough rice on the inside of the stone pot, so that you can put that water in it. This is watery rice for you to enjoy. Honestly, this place is a solid 4.5, but I rounded down because the flavor could have been a little more potent. The tofu soup could have had more seafood content. I only got 1.5 shrimps and 2 clams. And to add an egg is an extra $1. Most tofu soup places gave you that egg as a blessing for free. Nonetheless, this place is poppin' and glorious to eat.

Never again will I go to this disgusting, no manners, roach infested tip demanding establishment. I started coming here 17 years ago when I was pregnant with my daughter. Throughout the years I've visited multiple occasions until last year I was rudely approached about leaving a tip. I told myself that'll be the last time until recently I've had a taste for a couple of items on the menu including the tofu soup. I ordered to go and as I proceeded to eat my soup when I got home I noticed a baby roach in my soup! I will never again spend my money at this establishment! FYP they have roaches and when you order to go the boxes they put your food in may have roaches and travel to your house.!!! Beware!!!

My go to spot for tofu soup!!!! I love this place so much!! The staff is super efficient and everyone is fantastic and friendly. I've been coming here for years, but most recently I brought my toddler and they made him a special plate of teriyaki chicken not even on the menu. The food is good, piping hot and orders come out super quickly. Usually when I ask for my soup to be spicy it's mild at best (at other establishments) not here! Fire for sure!! L*O*V*E

This place has a very homey feel. The service is really fast and efficient. We got the hot stone bibimbap and beef tofu soondooboo, it was good! Everything came out sizzling hot and stayed that way. We were sat next to the door and even though cold air kept hitting us, our food stayed nice and warm because of the stones. We will definitely be coming again!

The food here was great. It's a good place to go if you have never had tofu soup. You are going to leave satisfied. We ate here for dinner and the food made it from the kitchen to the table pretty quick. There is not much atmosphere here though. This is not the place for a date, but instead good food with good friends. Don't order to go. Make sure to sit down and enjoy the food in front of you!

This was my first time at this specific location since I typically frequent the Jang Soo Tofu restaurant in Kent, which is the adjacent to this. I love how simple and condense the menu is. There aren't too many options to overwhelm you with. They are known for their tofu soup, so you definitely should be getting at least an order of that every time you come! It was a good experience here. The service was good and enjoyed the mixed tofu soup and bulgogi! The restaurant is located in a plaza, so parking should not be an issue.

Food is good if you don't mind the wait. Service is a bit rush rush (very short staff).

Was craving Korean food and my sister recommended this place! We came around lunch and almost all the tables were filled! Always a good sign! Staff was very friendly, restaurant was clean, the food got out really fast, and the food was really good! When I was in Korea, I always got Bipimbap and this tasted just the SAME. Will be coming back!

The best is to eat at the restaurant. Sometimes, their phone is all messed up and the call doesn't even get through so you can't even place an order. Love the hot stone rice that you can to enjoy with the soup. Don't order anything other than Tofu... not the best quality. Love the side dishes!

Efficient system of waiting to be seated and menus already on tables, silverware and chopsticks brought out after ordering and menus taken away. The menu is straight forward which is great- mainly soft tofu with a handful other dishes. The side dishes are simple and do not take away from the entrees. We got one beef soft tofu with medium spice and a dolsot bibimbap. The cool part was that the rice for the soft tofu is brought out in a hot stone pot and an extra bowl is brought out. You are supposed to empty the rice into the extrabowl and eat the rice from there. The stone pot that had the rice originally is then filled with water to have scorched rice later! Our first time here and the soft tofu soup was good but had a sour aftertaste (not sure from what), it definitely could have been our tastebuds or we wonder if one of the ingredients went a little bad. When bringing it up with the server, the kitchen said nothing was wrong. The bibimbap was average and just the right amount, a little too high of heat as the rice was really burnt. The side dishes were nice to add some different tastes and textures while eating. We were checked in a couple times too. Possibly would try again as maybe the time we went was just an off day

The food was good but at the end of the service we paid with our card the lady proceed to hand our receipt and demanded a tip?? Like Who does that? We had told her we left cash on the table and she laughed it off .

Bottom line: it's my go-to Korean restaurant in Tacoma. Prices for meat dishes are a bit pricey but the meals are delicious. This restaurant's niche/specialty is Korean hot soups but they have other original dishes like bibimbap and bulgogi! The service is average and the venue is a bit small so if you have a big party (more than 5), make sure you get there early to give the staff time to adjust. Food: while there's no self-grill stations here, the meat dishes that are cooked in the back of the house are pretty good. I normally come in for their rice and soup dishes but every now and then dabble in the meat + soup combo dish. It's about $30 and it's really good for two people with all the side dishes. Service: weekends are usually busy, especially Saturday afternoons. Restaurant does not take reservations so make sure you come prepared to wait a bit. They seemed a bit undermanned today and only had one or two waitress working the rounds and also working the hostess/closeout desks in the front. There is also a "To-Go" service so consider utilizing that if you're not interested in eating at the restaurant. Overall: great venue and food! Definitely recommend for those that are looking for a traditional/homey Korean food for lunch or dinner.

It's weird that I don't see my previous review that I posted. So here we go again, second time Iam writing. As I mentioned, the service was horrible and the food, depending what you order, but no consistency of taste. Hit or miss! I do not recommend this place at all.

Tofu soups galore & the broth is da bomb!! The ban chans were exceptional! They offer extra ban chan to go, and you can choose what you want. Don't be afraid to eat the fried fish, it's a baby size croaker. Deliciously crunchy

Sonodubu was on the creamier side, but the flavor was still delicious. Our favorite side was the kimichi cucumber! We even got seconds. My boyfriend, who comes from a very traditional Korean household, appreciated the individual rice dishes so he could end with the leftover stone rice mixed with barely water. This place definitely hit the spot after a long rainy day.

OMG sooo delicious! I wish I had remember to take picture! It was pretty and the flavor was amazing! We will definitely be back! We had the pork tofu soup with the combo medium spice and it was perfect! If you haven't tried, be brave! It is worth it! If you have ... the table next to us says it is better than the other place!

I use to go to the Federal Way location but they don't answer the phone. Always the taste and service was top notch. Took a chance on the S Tacoma Way location. Very Disappointed Taste was not the same. Service was with no appreciation. We do take out

We've only ever had their mushroom soodubu for take out. The soup is really good! Checkout service is pretty basic. They're always busy so it's pretty much pay and go. They package the food up nicely in a box so it's stable in the car which we always appreciate. The dining room is kind of small and filled with tables so we probably wouldn't consider dining in. It is usually pretty loud for the short time we are there. The tofu soup is highly recommended though.

This is our favorite Korean soft tofu soup place! We always each order our own soondubu (I get very little spicy and it's still very flavorful!) We also usually make one of ours the short rib combo and share and it's always still a lot of food including the small fish we each get and the banchan (tiny plates of appetizers that are refillable upon request)! I would recommend going after the busy lunch hour (maybe after 1:30pm) then the service is much faster. But overall the food is so good and the service is good. I just wish it was closer to Bellevue so we could go more often!

Cho dang has some of the best soft tofu ever. I think it's better than BCD tofu in LA for sure! I usually go to the federal way location but they've been closed due to COVID restrictions. The soup comes out boiling hot, which I like. It wasn't spicy at all even though I got the spice level pretty high. It's hit or miss with Spice honestly so if you don't want to risk it then get mild or spicy. The fish wasn't as crispy as I'd like but it was still delicious. The kalbi is of course amazing, it's so tender and the marinade is great. The banchans here are so yummy too! I like the raw squid and the cucumber kimchi.

They better call a pest control technician right now. I killed a cockroach while I was eating. Disgusting...

Really decent Korean food. The service needs lots of improvement. Used to go often for years but just couldn't understand the terrible service.

I always come here for some Korean comfort food. The side dishes are unbeatable in the area. They're always fresh and flavorful! I usually get the tofu stew but today I got the hot stone bibimbap. It was very crispy at the bottom and packed with veggies. The ladies who work here are very kind and friendly. Super clean inside and ample parking. They're kind of tucked away in the strip mall but you'll find it! Definitely will miss this spot once I am out of the area.

A great spot for heart-warming soon dubu (spicy soft tofu stew) with a broth with some body. They also have a substantial galbi dish made with a tasty marinade. Each entree comes with rice cooked in a hot stone pot. Once you've eaten the rice in the bowl, you can ask for hot barley tea to be poured into the bowl to loosen the burned rice off the edges and have a delicious combo of toasty rice and tea. The ladies who work here are friendly and the prices are good.

Would give more stars if I can! Loved EVERYTHING about this place - rice was served in a stone bowl, remaining warm throughout the meal; tofu soup was perfect; pork dish was flame-grilled; the side dishes were all really good, and the service was awesome too. If this place was anywhere close to where I live, I would visit almost every other day :)

I've been here countless times over the last 4-5 years, can't believe this is the first time leaving a review! Please come try this place if you haven't already, it's so warm and comforting for a chilly day. I nearly always order the dumpling tofu soup which comes with all the sides as others have pictured and a hot stone bowl of rice. You can ask for an egg in the soup if you like. Of all the side dishes, I love the bean sprouts and cucumber kimchi. The combo is enough to split with another person, both the short rib and bulgogi options are delicious. I will say, the service is not great when they are super busy but as long as you can flag someone down to refill your sides, that's all that matters. They are now having you place your order before being seated, so try to have an idea of what you want beforehand.

I definitely love this place! It's so homey and intimate. Food is great and service was amazing! I went here back in 2018 and finally came back again for the first time in years after moving back to the area. This is my definite favorite Korean spot. And the $30 combo deal is a steal. I got the bulgogi combo that comes with a free spicy tofu pot w/rice.

Best Korean food in Tacoma. I love coming here with family. Service is quick and food is excellent.

They did a wonderful job accommodating a party of 11 for my sons bday dinner. Everyone loved their food. Service was fast and good. $250 for 11 people was amazing for me!

We have always came here to eat. Food and service has never been a problem until yesterday. We came with 5 people ( 4 adult and a kid) and after paying for what's on the bill plus tip, she came back and told us we HAD to tip a certain % due to having 5 people. I asked if the required gratuity was already charged on the bill, she said no. But we weren't allow to tip what we wanted and HAD to tip what she's telling us to tip. Ive never had a place do that before. If it's required due to the amount of people, then it needs to be already charge on the bill. You can't give people the "option" to tip but make them tip you the amount you want. Will never come back here.

One of the best tofu soup here in Washington State. A little pricey but the food was worth it. It would be great if they actually serve other drinks than just hot tea and water. Best to dine in to get your rice cooked in your own personal stone bowl and unlimited sides.

Definitely a good spot to go for lunch. A group of friends and I dined here and had an overall pleasant experience. Parking was pretty easy to find, which was cool. The restaurant was packed though, but luckily we only had to wait for about five minutes to get seated. The menu is pretty straightforward. Great options and fair prices. No complaints here. The food itself was amazing. Very filling and came out super quick. I definitely feel like I got my money's worth eating here. Only downside is the some of the workers. Not even a minute after we got seated, one of the older women that work there was very pushy and wanted us to order right away. Granted, it was busy and she just wanted us to hurry, but we literally just sat down and barely had time to look at the menu. Chill. Also, when we asked for extra napkins she just rudely tossed it on our table. The younger male server guy was nice though. Would definitely come back for the food.

One of the best places to get sundubu. Cho Dang has been serving up hearty, warm-sizzling soups + hot plates for years. I love sundubu (soft tofu soup) any day of the week but especially the chillier fall/winter times. If you're cold, prepare to get hot or just leave with a warm belly. Every time I usually visit it's packed or starts filling up, so prepare to wait for a seat or service. The 4 stars is for food only, service is about a 3 - depending when you go. Sometimes they're nice & attentive... sometimes it feels like you've been forgotten but don't be afraid to raise your hand so they can see you. My favorite is the kimchi + pork sundubu, when I don't make it at home I come here. The kimchi is tender, sour and savory. The pork makes the broth taste extra meaty and flavorful. Let's not forget the banchan (sides)! They have a nice variety of fresh dishes that accompany your meal, I adore the little fried fish. I grew up eating this as a child and brings back so many memories. The rice also comes in a stone pot so when you're finished the crispy pieces of rice is softened by the hot water poured into your pot for an additional meal with your sides. Cho Dang Tofu is one of my go-to places for soft tofu soup, try it out for yourself :)

Food was delish. We got tofu soup and kalbi. And army stew. Best part is the stone pot rice. Great side dishes and service is good!

Packed at lunchtime but prompt and courteous service. Tofu soup piping hot tasty and not overly salty. Banchaan fresh and refills no problem. Come out smelling like red pepper spice so bring a change of clothes back to work

The home style meal is delicious. I prefer the seafood tofu soups. Always a hit. Very hot wait for a bit the service is great. And the atmosphere is pretty decent.

Wow, I think I've been coming here since the soon dubu was at $8.99 each. When I am craving for tofu soup, Cho Dang is my go to. The service is always fast and the amount of food they give you is pretty decent. Before Covid I used to come here maybe once a week or once every two weeks, enough for the waiters to remember my usual orders, and they sometimes are surprised when I try something that I usually don't get. The ajumma there are all friendly, but I could see why some people say the service isn't that great. I personally think they are just busy, and if I get my banchan refills as I requested then I have no complaints. My favorite items here are the seafood tofu soup and the nak dol bibimbap. I have only been here once this year for take out during the midst of the pandemic. But when we can dine in again I cannot wait to come back here for a nice hot bowl of tofu soup!

4 stars for the tofu soup! It came out piping hot and my mouth was drooling waiting to take that first bite. We ordered spice level 3 but it was more mild than spicy. I love all the veggies in the Dolsat Bibimbap and that crispy rice, of course, is the bomb. The banchan kind of lacked variety. They all tasted the same. More acid and sweetness would've been nice. The fried perch could've been more crispy. It was kind of stale and not hot. I'm not Korean so maybe that is the norm. I didn't really care for the bland onion soup either. Like many other restaurants since the pandemic, they have increased pricing. A combo meal will set you back $35.99+tax+tip. However, there is enough food for 2 so grab your Bestie and go eat here!

So my wife and I there for a late. Food was actually pretty good. So why the one star? Ok as we were driving away, the waitress came running up to the car. Goes to my wife's window and say "You forgot to Tip". I'm like What!! "HELL NO" My wife gave her $5.00, we drove off. Won't ever go there again. How Dare she Demand a Tip. A tip is something you Earn NOT something I owe you. You want a tip then do something to earn it

This place doesn't look like much from the outside, but the inside is where it's at. Get the combo meal w the soup & meat and you'll love it. They have so many options for your tofu soup choices! Comes w all traditional Korean side dishes and free barley tea. They serve the soup and meat in hot plates for the aesthetic. Perfect date spot and I come back often w a new friend. Must try!

Been craving for some Korean food and was so happy to stumble on this place. You basically sign your name on a notepad and you tell them what you would like to order. Once that is done you should go outside and wait until a table is open. I ordered the combo special with the Grilled Marinated Ribeyes Slices and Spicy Seafood Tofu soup. It came with 7 different side dishes. My ribeye was marinated and seasoned perfectly. The soup could have been a little more spicy even though I did request it to be spicy but it still hit the spot. I left full and happy and still had leftovers! I ate all my side dishes except one that was some kind of mayo with a slice of apple that I didn't care much for but the rest was yummy.

I ordered food on phone and then I went to pick up my food. But the waitress said they didn't take my order and she thought I called to another restaurant. So I showed my call record and it was their number. I felt so bad but I spent my time to pick up my food so I ordered the food again. I like their food but their service was so awful. I didn't desire their apology but she didn't say sorry or anything about apology to me. I will not go to this restaurant again. I am really upset I can't give 0 star to them.

***Came here a couple weeks ago but accidentally posted my review to another restaurant......Was craving Korean food looked up some spots close to where I was this was conveniently close and on my way home from work. The short ribs were flavorful and tender and smelt soo delicious on the sizzling hot plate and the soup was still bubbling! Everything was to my liking and I didn't have anything to pack up for leftovers.. that's a very good sign other than being stuffed that's my only complaint. the interior is of most Korean restaurants very simple and to the point lots of seating that's always good. Very good place for lunch or dinner if your wanting to get your Korean fix I will definitely come back. I'm happy that they are open for dinning the one in federal isn't and that's what kind of prompted me to come here as well.

Been here for years when I'm in the area, food is always good and reliable! I especially enjoy the fried fish that comes with the meal, my friends always gave me theirs as they say it too fishy for them! Anyways at $10.99 for a tofu soup with rice and all the fixings what else can you ask for!