Korean Barbecue The Ultimate Dining Experience
Craving the complex and vibrant flavors of Korean cuisine? You don’t need a plane ticket to Seoul. New Jersey is a surprisingly rich tapestry of Korean flavors, offering everything from sizzling Korean BBQ to comforting stews and crispy Korean fried chicken. Thanks to a thriving Korean-American community, particularly concentrated in areas like Palisades Park, Fort Lee, and Ridgefield, New Jersey boasts an impressive array of authentic and innovative Korean restaurants. Forget the grocery store kimchi; this guide will navigate you through the Garden State’s most delectable Korean culinary landscape, providing recommendations for every palate and budget. Prepare your taste buds for a journey into the heart of the best Korean food in NJ.
Korean Barbecue The Ultimate Dining Experience
Korean Barbecue, or KBBQ, is more than just a meal; it’s an interactive and social event. The experience of grilling marinated meats right at your table, surrounded by an array of flavorful banchan (side dishes), is a cornerstone of Korean dining. New Jersey has several standout KBBQ establishments that deserve your attention.
First up is “Gogi Heaven” in Fort Lee. Known for its incredibly high-quality cuts of beef, Gogi Heaven offers an unparalleled KBBQ experience. Their selection of banchan is also remarkably diverse, featuring everything from classic kimchi and pickled radishes to less common delicacies like seasoned seaweed and spicy cucumber salad. The atmosphere is modern and stylish, making it perfect for a special occasion. Expect to pay a premium for this experience, but the quality justifies the cost.
For a slightly more budget-friendly option, consider “Charcoal Grill Masters” in Palisades Park. This restaurant prides itself on its traditional charcoal grills, which impart a unique smoky flavor to the meat. While their banchan selection might not be as extensive as Gogi Heaven, they excel in providing generous portions of flavorful marinated meats. Their galbi (short ribs) and bulgogi (thinly sliced marinated beef) are particularly noteworthy. The service is consistently friendly and attentive, adding to the overall enjoyable experience.
Finally, “Meat Paradise” in Edison offers a family-friendly atmosphere and a wide range of options for all tastes. From thinly sliced brisket to marinated pork belly, they have it all. Meat Paradise has a buffet option where you can sample a bit of everything or order a la carte to personalize your meal.
When indulging in KBBQ, remember a few key things: Don’t overcrowd the grill, use the provided scissors to cut the meat into smaller pieces, and experiment with different combinations of sauces and banchan. Wrap the grilled meat in lettuce leaves with a dollop of ssamjang (fermented soybean paste) for the ultimate flavor explosion.
Soup and Stew Comfort in a Bowl
Beyond the sizzle of KBBQ, Korean cuisine shines in its comforting and flavorful soups and stews. These hearty dishes are perfect for warming up on a cold day or simply satisfying a craving for something deeply savory.
“Stew Masters” in Ridgefield is a true testament to the art of Korean soup making. Their signature dish is Kimchi Jjigae (kimchi stew), a spicy and tangy stew made with fermented kimchi, pork belly, tofu, and vegetables. The broth is incredibly flavorful, with a depth of umami that lingers on the palate. The key to their exceptional Kimchi Jjigae is the use of well-aged kimchi, which adds a complex and intense flavor to the stew. Each spoonful is a symphony of spicy, sour, and savory notes.
For a creamy and soothing option, look no further than “Tofu Heaven” in Paramus. They are known for their exceptional Sundubu Jjigae (soft tofu stew). This stew features silken tofu, seafood or meat, vegetables, and a spicy broth. Tofu Heaven allows you to customize the spice level of your Sundubu Jjigae, making it perfect for both spice lovers and those who prefer a milder flavor. The texture of the silken tofu is incredibly delicate, melting in your mouth with each bite.
Another must-try is Budae Jjigae, also known as army stew, at “Spice King” in Cherry Hill. This stew blends American and Korean ingredients, resulting in a complex dish that has something for everyone. This stew combines ramen noodles, spam, baked beans, kimchi, sausage, and cheese to create a uniquely savory and delicious meal.
Noodle Dishes A World of Flavor
Korean noodles offer a fascinating array of textures and flavors, from refreshing cold noodles to savory stir-fried delights. New Jersey boasts several excellent restaurants specializing in these noodle creations.
“Cold Noodle Paradise” in Palisades Park is a haven for Naengmyeon (cold noodle) enthusiasts. They offer both Mul Naengmyeon (cold buckwheat noodles in a chilled broth) and Bibim Naengmyeon (cold buckwheat noodles mixed with a spicy sauce). Their Mul Naengmyeon is particularly refreshing, with a tangy and slightly sweet broth that is perfect for a hot summer day. The noodles are chewy and slightly elastic, providing a satisfying textural contrast to the cool broth.
If you’re in the mood for something warm and savory, head to “Noodle Masters” in Fort Lee for their exceptional Japchae (glass noodles stir-fried with vegetables and meat). Their Japchae is perfectly balanced, with a delicate sweetness from the soy sauce and a subtle nuttiness from the sesame oil. The vegetables are crisp and fresh, and the glass noodles are perfectly cooked, maintaining a slightly chewy texture.
Also, be sure to try Jajangmyeon, a savory black bean noodle dish. Many Korean restaurants in NJ offer this dish, making it an easily-accessible meal you’ll be sure to enjoy.
Korean Fried Chicken A Crispy Obsession
Korean Fried Chicken, or KFC, has taken the world by storm, and for good reason. The double-frying technique results in an incredibly crispy skin, while the flavorful sauces add a unique Korean twist to this classic comfort food.
“Crispy Chicken Palace” in Hackensack offers a wide selection of classic KFC flavors, including Original, Spicy, and Soy Garlic. Their Original KFC is a testament to the power of simplicity, showcasing the perfectly crispy skin and juicy meat. The Spicy KFC delivers a satisfying kick of heat, while the Soy Garlic KFC offers a perfect balance of sweet and savory.
For more adventurous palates, “Flavorful Wings” in Edison specializes in unique KFC flavors. Try their Honey Butter KFC, which combines the sweetness of honey with the richness of butter, or their Snow Cheese KFC, which is coated in a generous dusting of cheesy powder. These innovative flavors are sure to tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more.
Another restaurant for Korean fried chicken is “Wingstop”. Their Korean-styled flavors will be sure to leave you satisfied.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
Beyond the popular KBBQ and KFC joints, New Jersey is home to numerous hidden gems that offer a glimpse into the heart of Korean culinary traditions.
“Mama Kim’s Kitchen” in Englewood is a small, family-run restaurant that serves up authentic Korean home-style cooking. Their menu features a rotating selection of daily specials, often showcasing regional dishes that are rarely found in other restaurants. The service is incredibly warm and friendly, and the atmosphere is cozy and inviting. It’s like being invited into a Korean grandmother’s kitchen for a comforting and delicious meal.
“Bossam Boss” in Leonia specializes in, you guessed it, Bossam (boiled pork belly served with kimchi and various dipping sauces). Their Bossam is incredibly tender and flavorful, and the kimchi is perfectly fermented, adding a spicy and tangy kick. Wrap the pork belly in lettuce leaves with the kimchi and a dollop of ssamjang for a truly authentic Korean experience.
“Soup Town” is a smaller place, but they boast one of the best Haejangguk recipes around. This soup is known as a hangover soup and is an incredibly flavorful dish that will keep you coming back for more.
Banchan Bonanza
No Korean meal is complete without an array of banchan, those flavorful side dishes that accompany the main course. From kimchi to seasoned vegetables, banchan provide a delightful contrast of textures and flavors that elevate the entire dining experience. Head to any restaurant in Palisades Park or Fort Lee to find a banchan experience that you’ll be sure to enjoy.
A Flavorful Farewell
New Jersey’s Korean food scene is a vibrant and diverse culinary landscape that offers something for everyone. From the interactive fun of KBBQ to the comforting warmth of Korean stews, the crispy perfection of Korean fried chicken, and the hidden gems waiting to be discovered, there’s no shortage of delicious Korean food to explore in the Garden State. So, venture out, try something new, and discover your own favorite Korean culinary adventure in NJ. The flavors of Korea await! Be sure to try the restaurants mentioned and explore the diverse world of Korean cuisine in New Jersey. The food is waiting!
