Are you looking for a great Korean restaurant in New York? In this article, I will introduce you to BCD Tofu House, one of the most popular Korean restaurants in the United States. If you’re craving delicious soft tofu stew in New York, be sure to read this article.
Table of Contents
1. What is BCD Tofu House?
The Most Popular Soft Tofu Restaurant
BCD Tofu House is a restaurant chain that started with the tradition and heritage of a first-generation Korean immigrant, Hee Sook Lee. She initially learned Korean cooking in the “Bukchang Dong” area of Korea, working in her mother-in-law’s restaurant. After immigrating to the U.S., she was inspired by the taste and health benefits of soft tofu stew (Soon Tofu) and decided to base her business around it, realizing her dream one bowl at a time. Starting in one location in LA in 1996, BCD now has over 11 locations managed by Lee’s family and long-time companions, continuing to follow her traditional recipes and methods. BCD holds a vision of spreading Korean food culture globally. (Source: Website)
BCD Tofu House operates 12 branches including 5 in Western California Los Angeles, 3 in Orange County, 1 in Central Texas Dallas, 1 in Eastern New Jersey Fort Lee, 1 in New York Manhattan, and an upcoming location in Flushing Bayside. Today, we’re focusing on the Manhattan, New York branch. Located in Manhattan’s Koreatown, this branch is almost always bustling with locals and tourists.
| Address: | 5W 32nd Street New York, NY 10001 |
| Operating Hours: | Sun-Thurs 10:30am to 1am / Fri-Sat 10:30am to 5am |
| Contact: | 212-967-1900 |
| Website: | https://www.bcdtofuhouse.com |
2. Menu and Prices
Simple but Substantial Menu & Reasonable Prices
Unlike many Korean restaurants that offer an extensive menu, BCD Tofu House, as a soft tofu (Soon Tofu) specialty restaurant, provides a more focused selection. This simplicity allows customers to concentrate on the quality of the Soon Tofu. The lunch combo menu is popular, but note that it’s not available on weekends or public holidays. Combo options include LA Galbi + Soon Tofu, Bulgogi + Soon Tofu, Pork Bulgogi + Soon Tofu, Spicy Pork with Tofu Kimchi + Soon Tofu, Bibimbap + Soon Tofu, Stone Pot Bibimbap + Soon Tofu, Seasoned Crab + Soon Tofu (mixed or vegetable Soon Tofu included, others require an additional $1). The Soon Tofu menu includes options like Mixed, Seafood, Kimchi, Dumpling, Mushroom, Oyster, Vegetable, and Ham & Sausage Soon Tofu. Main dishes include LA Galbi, Bulgogi, Pork Bulgogi, Spicy Pork with Tofu Kimchi, Bibimbap, Stone Pot Bibimbap, Seasoned Crab, Squid Stir Fry, and other items like Popcorn Dumplings, Japchae, Seafood Pancake, Kimchi Pancake, and Tteokbokki.
Combo and main dishes are priced in the late $20s, with lunch Soon Tofu at $16.99 and $17.99 at other times – roughly 20,000 KRW. For example, a meal for two, consisting of a small-sized Japchae and two Mixed Soon Tofu dishes, totaled about $53. Considering the location in Manhattan, New York, this is considered quite reasonable.
3. Review
Experiencing Soon Tofu in the USA
Each menu item comes with side dishes that are not only clean but also tastefully prepared. Additionally, when you order a Soon Tofu stew, it comes with fish and a raw egg to add to the stew. Personally, I found the fish portion a bit small, which was somewhat disappointing.
The separately ordered Japchae seemed more suited to a foreign palate, being on the sweeter side for typical Korean tastes. As for the Mixed Soon Tofu, it includes pure organic soft tofu, beef, shrimp, and clams. The taste of pure organic tofu may vary according to personal preference, but both my acquaintances and I personally find Bukchang-dong Soon Tofu to be truly delicious. This excellent taste is likely the reason for its popularity.
If you’re in New York, the heart of the world, and wish to experience the warm and comforting Korean Soon Tofu, Bukchang-dong Soon Tofu is an excellent choice. Through its deep and rich flavor of traditional Soon Tofu, you can experience the taste and culture of Korea.
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