Love love love this place! The food is hands-down amazing, service is great, and it is super cozy inside. It was great for a last minute date night and general night out. Never had anything to complain about! The combos of the soup and entree is the best route, you get the best of both worlds!Parking: There is parking along the street in front and to the side of the restaurant as well as a small parking lot but it is a tight squeeze.
Tyson T.
Love this place, one of my go to spots for tofu soup. They also do to go orders and manage to keep everything tasting just as good as in the restaurant. Banchan here is also . Staff is also friendly and attentive. 10/10!
Winn H.
TLDR: I thought every side dish was good - a rarity for me! The tofu soups are spicier than normal, so take that into consideration when picking spice levels! Would strongly strongly recommend japchae appetizer to share. Other than that, expect quality service with side dish and water refills! - - - - - - I stumbled upon KJ Korean Tofu & BBQ while looking for restaurants in South Pasadena. I hadn't had soondubu in a while, so this restaurant stood out to me. My friends ordered a japchae (glass noodles) to share, and I ordered an Assorted Tofu Soup for myself. After ordering, the server was extremely attentive to the side dishes and ensuring that our water cups were never empty! Dinner began with side dishes - as usual. Haven't been to so many Korean restaurants, I often pass on the side dishes, but if you asked my friends, they'd tell you I went berserk for them and we had to get seconds! Every one was good which is a rarity at a Korean restaurant! I started with the kimchi which initially tasted lightly of sesame oil with the spicy kick delivered after. What surprised me was it was more orange than red. The cucumbers tasted very fresh, and the texture and taste of the bean sprouts were also savory and sweet but not overly either. The fish cakes were fresh and not too thin. Most fish cakes that I've tried have an awkward after taste, but these had tons of flavor and were well-balanced. For the meal, we shared the japchae which had a nice balance of sesame oil and sweet soy sauce. Although I generally don't like hot japchae, I may have to change my mind after visiting KJ. The soondubu broth was salty and spicy as expected. I'm thankful I got a mild, though, because the spice levels here are higher than I expected.
Danielle B.
So bad. Sketchy. Took forever- 1 hr from ordering to get a kids meal and an entree. Gross food, The best part was the rice with the tofu from the side soup dish, taken out and eaten together rice. The kids meal was sad- bad "teriyaki" chicken with a soup that tasted like tofu water. I will not go back. It was such a disappointment- we love Korean food and this place was old, sketchy and just plain bad. Sorry, I recommend going elsewhere for Korean food (or get a burger instead. Blah.)
Jessie Z.
Two flies flew out from the plastic bag as I was opening it... Cannot understand how could this happen, unless there're so many flies in their kitchen that even simply packing an order could catch 2 flies. Also they never follow the order instructions (utensils, allergies, etc).
Marc N.
I think that the place is new.. not too sure, but I had the sushi place next door a previous time. We ordered the galbi, tofu soup, kimchi pancake, popcorn dumplings, and bibimbap. Actually the service was great and I really wanted to like the food, but maybe it was because we got it to go? The kimchi pancake was a complete miss at like a 1 or 2/10. All cake, not texture, no kimchi really... not enough stuff in it. Galbi was like a 2-3/10. It was alright, but the meat was thin, bittle, not much of a chew to it. Almost tasted like buying it at a chinese grocery store then putting Korean sauce in it. No problem with that if I'm making it at home, I guess. Popcorn dumplings - 6/10. Best thing on the menu! Definitely get some of these while you're here. The food was a miss for me, but popcorn dumplings would be a good next order. Edit: Just forgot that I didn't review with $value in mind. For this price point, it is NOT worth it at all.
George Rodriguez
Small shop but BIG service. Portions are great for parties of 2 or more. Please try the japchae with whatever main course you order.We have been wanting to try Bim-bi-bap for the first time and the host ensured we ate to best of flavour possible. The gochujang was not spicy, almost sweet, but went well with the bowl.Most importantly, I'm from out of town and been to a lot of places that rave about their banchon but fail to deliver; this place does not. The spicy cucumbers and bean sprouts were my favorite and the fishcakes and kimchi were my gitlfriends.If I come back to Pasadena, I want to try their Hot Tofu or Short Rib soup.
AL K.
Friday 9/23, 8:15 PM. My wife and I came here and literally sat by the door for 25min and NOT ONE staff member helped us or acknowledged us, we were the only party waiting. The restaurant is at about 60% capacity. Without any hospitality to this point, I I finally asked the waitress how much longer until we can get seated. She replied "I don't know, it's up to the kitchen", I have no idea what that even means. We decided to leave and are very disappointed with the service, what a waste of time.
Mollie H.
Wow. So glad I spent money here. This is hands-down the worst experience I've ever had at a Korean restaurant and I don't understand. Why. Why did you send me three bean sprouts and no kimchi or anything else with my mushroom tofu soup. I want to cry. I'm truly so confused and sad
Leslie L.
The teriyaki chicken and the rice were as dry as your car's gas tank when your paycheck hasn't come through yet. The dumpling tofu soup (medium spicy) was actually pretty tasty. The banchan was also good. Especially the fish cake and bean sprouts. The service was good, all the staff was friendly.
Was the only place open in the neighborhood for Korean food. The tofu soup tasted like water and salt .. it was nothing special but just salty. The spicy pork we ordered was also very salty and wasn't that good. The glass noodles were bland but because all the other dishes were so salty, the noodles were tolerable. Got all the food to-go.. and ended up throwing away most of it
Kayla M.
Unfortunately was a waste of money, the Bi Bim Bop is pictured with white rice but then our bowl came with a base of lettuce, and rice on the side in a small dish which wasn't enough for the bowl. Once you add chili paste, the meat disappears and feels like you're eating a salad. The Kimchi Pancake was also bad, dry, flavorless, and not really edible. Its huge yet not tasty so we didn't eat any after a couple bites to try. The kimchi tofu soup was alright, kinda tasted like a cheap instant ramen packet flavoring, thankfully it was edible. The servers were really busy and working hard! They were friendly and helpful but seemed overworked! Overall, I don't recommend this place. During covid I got takeout and was disappointed then too, sad that I tried it again and really felt like a waste of money for low quality food.
Jen Kim
Food was ok. Pretty average tofu soup. But the service… omg it was way too slow. I had to call server 2 times to get just a cup of water. It took forever to receive it. Also, i received my soup after around 10min after i got my rice which i could half finish my rice before the soup. When i was ready to pay i was waiting for the servers to come and they never came. Not even noticing us. I was almost dancing waving my hand but still not coming. All their attention is take out order not the ppl sitting in the hall lol. It was pretty hilarious when server asking me everything is ok when not a single order came except basic side dish.
Ann L.
Tried this place for the first time. Was craving tofu soup and it was so disappointing. It was so watered down and lacked flavor. How do you mess up tofu soup?
Lesly M.
Delicious spot! My family and I have been here a handful of times and I highly recommend. The plates are full of flavor and orders are made as you order. The tofu soups are served really hot *caution* with that but the flavor they have is really good. Service is great as well.
Love love love this place! The food is hands-down amazing, service is great, and it is super cozy inside. It was great for a last minute date night and general night out. Never had anything to complain about! The combos of the soup and entree is the best route, you get the best of both worlds!Parking: There is parking along the street in front and to the side of the restaurant as well as a small parking lot but it is a tight squeeze.
Love this place, one of my go to spots for tofu soup. They also do to go orders and manage to keep everything tasting just as good as in the restaurant. Banchan here is also . Staff is also friendly and attentive. 10/10!
TLDR: I thought every side dish was good - a rarity for me! The tofu soups are spicier than normal, so take that into consideration when picking spice levels! Would strongly strongly recommend japchae appetizer to share. Other than that, expect quality service with side dish and water refills! - - - - - - I stumbled upon KJ Korean Tofu & BBQ while looking for restaurants in South Pasadena. I hadn't had soondubu in a while, so this restaurant stood out to me. My friends ordered a japchae (glass noodles) to share, and I ordered an Assorted Tofu Soup for myself. After ordering, the server was extremely attentive to the side dishes and ensuring that our water cups were never empty! Dinner began with side dishes - as usual. Haven't been to so many Korean restaurants, I often pass on the side dishes, but if you asked my friends, they'd tell you I went berserk for them and we had to get seconds! Every one was good which is a rarity at a Korean restaurant! I started with the kimchi which initially tasted lightly of sesame oil with the spicy kick delivered after. What surprised me was it was more orange than red. The cucumbers tasted very fresh, and the texture and taste of the bean sprouts were also savory and sweet but not overly either. The fish cakes were fresh and not too thin. Most fish cakes that I've tried have an awkward after taste, but these had tons of flavor and were well-balanced. For the meal, we shared the japchae which had a nice balance of sesame oil and sweet soy sauce. Although I generally don't like hot japchae, I may have to change my mind after visiting KJ. The soondubu broth was salty and spicy as expected. I'm thankful I got a mild, though, because the spice levels here are higher than I expected.
So bad. Sketchy. Took forever- 1 hr from ordering to get a kids meal and an entree. Gross food, The best part was the rice with the tofu from the side soup dish, taken out and eaten together rice. The kids meal was sad- bad "teriyaki" chicken with a soup that tasted like tofu water. I will not go back. It was such a disappointment- we love Korean food and this place was old, sketchy and just plain bad. Sorry, I recommend going elsewhere for Korean food (or get a burger instead. Blah.)
Two flies flew out from the plastic bag as I was opening it... Cannot understand how could this happen, unless there're so many flies in their kitchen that even simply packing an order could catch 2 flies. Also they never follow the order instructions (utensils, allergies, etc).
I think that the place is new.. not too sure, but I had the sushi place next door a previous time. We ordered the galbi, tofu soup, kimchi pancake, popcorn dumplings, and bibimbap. Actually the service was great and I really wanted to like the food, but maybe it was because we got it to go? The kimchi pancake was a complete miss at like a 1 or 2/10. All cake, not texture, no kimchi really... not enough stuff in it. Galbi was like a 2-3/10. It was alright, but the meat was thin, bittle, not much of a chew to it. Almost tasted like buying it at a chinese grocery store then putting Korean sauce in it. No problem with that if I'm making it at home, I guess. Popcorn dumplings - 6/10. Best thing on the menu! Definitely get some of these while you're here. The food was a miss for me, but popcorn dumplings would be a good next order. Edit: Just forgot that I didn't review with $value in mind. For this price point, it is NOT worth it at all.
Small shop but BIG service. Portions are great for parties of 2 or more. Please try the japchae with whatever main course you order.We have been wanting to try Bim-bi-bap for the first time and the host ensured we ate to best of flavour possible. The gochujang was not spicy, almost sweet, but went well with the bowl.Most importantly, I'm from out of town and been to a lot of places that rave about their banchon but fail to deliver; this place does not. The spicy cucumbers and bean sprouts were my favorite and the fishcakes and kimchi were my gitlfriends.If I come back to Pasadena, I want to try their Hot Tofu or Short Rib soup.
Friday 9/23, 8:15 PM. My wife and I came here and literally sat by the door for 25min and NOT ONE staff member helped us or acknowledged us, we were the only party waiting. The restaurant is at about 60% capacity. Without any hospitality to this point, I I finally asked the waitress how much longer until we can get seated. She replied "I don't know, it's up to the kitchen", I have no idea what that even means. We decided to leave and are very disappointed with the service, what a waste of time.
Wow. So glad I spent money here. This is hands-down the worst experience I've ever had at a Korean restaurant and I don't understand. Why. Why did you send me three bean sprouts and no kimchi or anything else with my mushroom tofu soup. I want to cry. I'm truly so confused and sad
The teriyaki chicken and the rice were as dry as your car's gas tank when your paycheck hasn't come through yet. The dumpling tofu soup (medium spicy) was actually pretty tasty. The banchan was also good. Especially the fish cake and bean sprouts. The service was good, all the staff was friendly.
Restaurantji Recommends
Was the only place open in the neighborhood for Korean food. The tofu soup tasted like water and salt .. it was nothing special but just salty. The spicy pork we ordered was also very salty and wasn't that good. The glass noodles were bland but because all the other dishes were so salty, the noodles were tolerable. Got all the food to-go.. and ended up throwing away most of it
Unfortunately was a waste of money, the Bi Bim Bop is pictured with white rice but then our bowl came with a base of lettuce, and rice on the side in a small dish which wasn't enough for the bowl. Once you add chili paste, the meat disappears and feels like you're eating a salad. The Kimchi Pancake was also bad, dry, flavorless, and not really edible. Its huge yet not tasty so we didn't eat any after a couple bites to try. The kimchi tofu soup was alright, kinda tasted like a cheap instant ramen packet flavoring, thankfully it was edible. The servers were really busy and working hard! They were friendly and helpful but seemed overworked! Overall, I don't recommend this place. During covid I got takeout and was disappointed then too, sad that I tried it again and really felt like a waste of money for low quality food.
Food was ok. Pretty average tofu soup. But the service… omg it was way too slow. I had to call server 2 times to get just a cup of water. It took forever to receive it. Also, i received my soup after around 10min after i got my rice which i could half finish my rice before the soup. When i was ready to pay i was waiting for the servers to come and they never came. Not even noticing us. I was almost dancing waving my hand but still not coming. All their attention is take out order not the ppl sitting in the hall lol. It was pretty hilarious when server asking me everything is ok when not a single order came except basic side dish.
Tried this place for the first time. Was craving tofu soup and it was so disappointing. It was so watered down and lacked flavor. How do you mess up tofu soup?
Delicious spot! My family and I have been here a handful of times and I highly recommend. The plates are full of flavor and orders are made as you order. The tofu soups are served really hot *caution* with that but the flavor they have is really good. Service is great as well.