Hwang bu ja

The menu is small but what they do, they do very well. Almost every dish comes out sizzling. The staple chili paste is so much more savory than I have had in many other places… the appitizer cucumbers are so so good you will want seconds. I have had the bulgogi, the popeye roast and the bi bim bop… all were awesome. I really wish we had an option this good back home for korean. This is a must try resto.

I stumbled across a landmine when I ordered kimchi jigae today. It’s mind boggling how they managed to source all those cheap materials for their ‘jigae’, especially the old snips of pork fat. They really should remove this menu item…
I am convinced I ordered the worst thing on their menu. But to be fair Budae Jigae was traditionally a poor man’s food. You can get your authentic poor man’s budae jigae here, but for $ 11…

We went for the first time and the food was fantastic, the family very friendly and helpful. The atmosphere was secondary, but the menu more than made up for it. I would recommend it for this kind of cuisine.

Compared to other Korean BBQ competitors in the local area, Hwang Bu Ja offers a limited menu of entrees. However, this strategy works! Despite the lack of product offerings, the entrees they do offer, are done exceptionally well!
If you have not ordered the #10, you have not truly lived.
I do have to remove a point for service; once your food arrives, the staff rarely checks up on you. You usually have to take a proactive approach to receiving your bill once you are finished eating and ready to depart.

I’ve been here about 40 minutes and still haven’t received our food. We walked in and no one greeted us so we took a seat. After about 10 minutes, my boyfriend had to ask for service. Someone came out, sat the next two parties at the door, took their drink order, then came back and took ours. Luckily he took our order first because we were on our way out the door. As of now, the two parties that came in 10 minutes after us are towards the end of their meal. My boyfriend is currently asking about our food, now. We definitely feel ignored. For Korean the first time, we’ve already had a bad experience and I haven’t even taken a bite out of my food (that still hasn’t arrived). Just because of service I will no longer be returning.

The menu is limited, but chances are, what you want when you’re craving Korean food — is on their menu. The service is great, and the choices are simple, but it’s so good. I always get the bul go gi, but tried the kimchi jigae (kimchi stew) today and I loved it.
It’s good, simple comfort food.

3.5 stars… their menu is pretty simple. I guess if you’re going strictly for tofu it will suit your needs. They have a few meat options though so if you are craving Korean food this place should do the trick.
I had the oyster tofu which was good, not the best I’ve had and only had like 3 oysters, but tasted ok by my standards. Unless I had a real hankering for tofu I’d probably take the drive to pal park for the really good stuff.

Stopped in for lunch on a weekday. Not a lot of business at the time. Quick service, tasty meal (beef soon doo bu). Good banchan (selection and taste). Guy at the next table ordered the bulgogi (on a sizzling plate) and must have really enjoyed it because he asked for another serving. Menu is somewhat limited. But would come back.

The food is great and so is the service! Always make sure to stop by when I’m in the area. The soonsooboo/​soft tofu soup is one of the best things on the menu! Not to mention the guy in the baseball cap is easy on the eyes.

First time trying some different local cuisine. Limited menu, limited customization. I think their English has improved, as they were able to answer questions like which dishes have meat. My friend and I both got the bibimbap (Bi Bim Bob), which does include some meat along with bean sprouts (many), mushrooms (some), and rice (on the bottom). It comes out sizzling. Sizzling. Eat with caution. The good thing is that you get a nice crust on the rice on the bottom. They asked if we wanted «more bowls» (like the complimentary appetizers) and we said yes — and one of the bowls this time was a small tofu soup for each. I poured half of mine in the still-​sizzling bowl, which created a nice flavor mix with what was already in there. The hot sauce came separately, and the entire bowl of hot sauce was almost enough. Will have to ask for A LOT OF SAUCE next time. Overall the flavor was very good, the portion was a bit smaller than I was hoping, but the pickled sides were a nice addition. I’ll want to try a couple of other dishes next time and see if it’s consistent.

Outstanding bi bim bap! Generous portion of bulgogi and even some jap che noodles thrown in!

Excellent bulgogi, like really, really great. Especially for the location so far from Palisades Park and Edison. And the prices are great too. Only knock is location on New near rt 46 which can be a pain during rush hour aka dinner time.

I was surprisingly underwhelmed by my meal here. The service was welcoming & friendly and my host took time to warn me about how hot the bowls were. I really appreciated that, the rice was steaming hot, so much so it comes with a second bowl made from metal, that also becomes hot almost too hot to touch. The presentation looks great, but I don’t feel the need to visit again.

Love the seafood spicy tofu dish and the cucumber salad that comes free with the meal.

Very very delicious！espesically the korean pork BBQ！And the Kimchi sundubuI will go there again try some pancake！！

Had lunch there again over the weekend and it didn’t disappoint. The kale (Korean short ribs) was much better, fat was rendered and meat was nicely cooked. The spice in the tofu kimchi soup (the hottest they had) was spot on.
A few issues, which I hope the business will remedy. This was the same issues the first time I went.
1. The scissors they provide to cut the meat and noodles don’t work. They are old and don’t cut properly. Not a big expense so they should replace. I hate asking for new ones every time and then get crappy scissors again.
2. The service is prompt but the server, which is usually only one, needs to look a little cleaner. I hate getting my food from a dude with a ball cap, jeans and a t shirt. It’s a bloody restaurant, and a decent, family one at that, so dress the part guys!
3. The tables are too thin and can’t accommodate all the dishes for an average order. Twice now, I’ve had to ask to put tables together. Granted, this time I did order 3 entrees such for me plus whatever our party had too.
They don’t take AMEX, which is a pain for me since I almost exclusively use this card. Lastly, if they upgraded the look of the place, this would really be a find. But at least the food is good, I’ll settle for that for now.
PS. This time they served rice in a VERY hot stone bowl. Nice touch!

Super good soondubu! The broth is flavorful and has a subtle creamy taste, which you usually don’t find. I got mild which was not spicy at all, but the next level up (medium) was too spicy. Wish they had something in between.
Their non-​tofu entrees were fairly priced. Seafood pancake was excellent with large portions. Between two people, the pancake and a soondubu each was just about enough to satisfy our appetites on a rainy day.
They do leave you the rice bowl if you want to scrap the crispy rice from the bowl, but they don’t pour tea into it like other places.
The ambiance was casual, quiet and peaceful.
So glad we found a place like this outside of the Bergen County/​Fort Lee area. Will be going back for sure!

I was there last night for the first time with my kids and was thoroughly impressed. Compared to the nearest competitor keo ku there’s far less ambience and less selection however the food quality is much better and much more affordable. My daughter said the bulgogi was sadly better than my mother’s to which I had to agree. The side dishes were also very fresh and tasty. Definitely a great choice if you don’t want to go to pal park or Fort Lee. Looking forward to going the next time with my wife get her opinion

By appearance, this place seems to be nothing extraordinary. One bite of their tofu in the tofu soups will change your mind, which was super tender and soft. The spice level was perfectly seasoned to your personal preference.
Would definitely recommend the tofu soups, #1−9!

This place is five stars for what it is! It’s not a full stop Korean restaurant (as they do not have bibimbap or kimchi jigae) but a sundubu place (heck, it’s written on the top of their menus).
I ordered the number 1 (1 shrimp, two clams, and strips of beef mixed with the silken tofu and broth) very spicy and thought it was excellent. It kind of brought me back to my days in South Korea. They gave a lot (too much IMO) of white rice but it was awesome that it was in a stone pot. They also present you with the side dishes and a raw egg that you need to crack into your piping hot stew when it arrives. I kind of wonder if anyone’s cracked the egg thinking it was hard boiled or something. It’s the first time I’ve had to crack the egg, usually it comes out done for you but I like that I did it. The waiter asked if I wanted to get my side dishes refilled, which I really appreciated. Some places won’t bother asking you, and they make you feel uncomfortable to ask them but not this place.
Overall, a great experience that will bring me back often. I might just have to go down the list and try every one of them. The only «downfall» is the food is so hot, you have to be careful and patient before eating it!