Chris P.
Yelp
KingYubu is known for its yubu (fried tofu pockets) and hand rolls, and since I had never tried yubu before, I was excited to see what it was all about. We ordered six different yubu dishes and the Mala Rose Tteokbokki, and each order came with a complimentary miso soup, which was a nice touch. Overall, it was a good experience with some standout dishes.
The Cloud Egg Yubu was light and fluffy, with scrambled eggs filling the tofu pocket. It's a good option if you like simple flavors, but I found it a bit plain. It's not bad, just not very exciting. The Spicy Salmon Yubu was refreshing and tasted similar to salmon hand rolls you'd find at a sushi spot. It's straightforward and enjoyable, but nothing new or surprising.
The Mentaiko Crab Meat Yubu was my favorite. The combination of mentaiko (spicy cod roe) and crab meat was flavorful and rich. It paired perfectly with the tofu pocket, making it a dish I would come back for. The Queen Yubu, on the other hand, reminded me of a crunchy shrimp roll. It's a solid choice for anyone who likes classic flavors, but it's not very experimental or bold.
Another favorite was the Tuna Spicy Mayo Yubu. It's very similar to a spicy tuna roll, so if you like that, you'll enjoy this. The spicy mayo sauce added a nice kick, and it was overall very satisfying, even if it wasn't the most creative dish.
We also tried the Avocado Mentaiko Yubu, which I believe is a newer addition to the menu since I hadn't seen it on Yelp before. While my partner, a big fan of avocado, enjoyed it, I found it disappointing. The avocado didn't really enhance the dish or complement the mentaiko, making it feel a bit plain. The mentaiko itself was tasty as usual, but the dish could have benefitted from a more creative sauce combination. If the idea appeals to you, it's worth trying, but I would personally skip it next time.
The Mala Rose Tteokbokki was the standout of the meal. The creamy rose sauce balanced the spicy, numbing flavor of the mala seasoning really well. It was unique and flavorful, and the portion size was generous. There wasn't much meat in the dish, and it was heavier on vegetables, which could be a pro or con depending on your preference. Either way, the sauce and flavor made it a must-try.