Eaten here 10,086+ times—these 6 dishes are YES🫶
From the appetizers alone, I was already hooked! I always get this fish—just as good as the one at BCD. Their banchan changes every time, and the menu rotates seasonally, which keeps things fresh!
💙 Top Picks at Samwoojung :
1️⃣ Seoul Bulgogi ($41/$61/$81) – Their signature “wet” bulgogi! A sweet, savory mix of marinated beef, glass noodles, egg, rice cakes, and veggies. Just ask your server for the right portion size!
2️⃣ Tripe Soup ($23) – My absolute fave ❤️! If you love beef tripe, this is a must. It has that deep, rich mala-style flavor—not overly spicy, but super aromatic.
3️⃣ Kkakdugi Fried Rice ($15) – Kimchi and pork fried rice with layers of flavor. Super fragrant, super satisfying. If you can handle carbs, this is a non-negotiable order!
4️⃣ Pajeon ($25) – The seafood pancake here is crispy perfection! Golden and crunchy outside, packed with seafood inside. One of the best I’ve had.
5️⃣ Chang-gyeong ($16) – A soy milk-based rice wine 🍶 with a smooth, creamy sweetness. Reminds me of the chestnut makgeolli at Take 31—so good!
6️⃣ Icy Persimmon ($7) – A frozen persimmon sorbet with ricotta cheese. Refreshing, subtly sweet, and honestly the best frozen persimmon I’ve had in NYC. They used to have a banana ice cream too, but sadly, it’s gone 😭.
💔 Not My Favorites:
1️⃣ Bulgogi ($39 for 400g) – This is the dry-grilled version. It’s light and comes with a small salad, but nothing particularly exciting.
2️⃣ Cold Kimchi Noodles ($16) – My friend swears by it, but I don’t get the hype. I’ve had better cold noodles elsewhere.
📌 Fun fact: Everyone on Xiaohongshu is raving about their crab dishes, but I’ve basically eaten through the whole menu. Here’s a more well-rounded rec list for y’all! 😏
⭐ Restaurant: Samwoojung
📍 Location: 138 W 32nd St, New York, NY
💰 Price per person: $30-50
🈺 Open: 7 days a week
#lemon8partner #lemon8challenge #nycfoodguide #nycfoodreview #lemon8creator
Okay, so you've seen my top picks, but let's dive even deeper into why Samwoojung is a true gem! Getting to know a Korean restaurant isn't just about the main dishes; it's about the whole experience, and I want to share all my secrets to enjoying their *Samwoojung menu*. That 'wet' *Seoul Bulgogi*? It's a revelation. Unlike the grilled 'dry' bulgogi, this version is simmered right at your table, creating this incredible, savory broth that perfectly infuses the *marinated beef*, *glass noodles*, *eggs*, and *vegetables*. I always tell my friends to make sure they get a bit of everything in each spoonful – the tender thinly sliced beef, the chewy noodles, and the sweet veggies. It's a communal dish, perfect for sharing, and watching it cooking in a hot pot is part of the fun! It comes out so flavorful, a true classic. Now, about that *Korean Tripe Soup*, my absolute fave! If you're new to beef tripe soup Korean style, Samwoojung's version is seriously the best introduction. It has this deep, rich mala-style flavor that isn't overwhelmingly spicy but so aromatic and comforting. The beef tripe is always perfectly tender, never chewy, and the broth just warms you from the inside out. I love how it's served in a *black stone bowl*, keeping it piping hot. It’s one of those dishes I crave on a cold NYC day, and it pairs surprisingly well with the slight sweetness of grilled bulgogi if you happen to order both. And remember I mentioned their *banchan*? Seriously, don't underestimate these small plates! They change seasonally, which keeps things exciting. I've had everything from perfectly seasoned spinach to spicy kimchi, and yes, sometimes that crispy fried fish fillet makes an appearance, and it's always a delightful surprise. It’s like a mini culinary adventure before your main course even arrives! It's worth asking your server what the Korean banchan of the day is, as they can sometimes be showstoppers. For those looking to explore the full Samwoojung menu beyond my top picks, here are a few pro tips. Don't be shy about asking your server for recommendations, especially if you're trying to balance flavors or trying Korean food for the first time. The portions are generous, so it's a great place to go with a group and try a variety of dishes. And if you're feeling adventurous with drinks, that creamy, light-colored rice wine I mentioned? It's a fantastic pairing with the richer dishes, cutting through the savory notes beautifully. I've heard some people rave about their *Cold Kimchi Noodles*, which are served in a red broth with *shredded meat*, *kimchi*, and *dried seaweed*, but personally, I gravitate towards the warmer, heartier options. Whether you're after the iconic *Seoul Bulgogi*, the comforting *Korean tripe soup*, or just an authentic Korean dining experience in NYC, Samwoojung truly delivers. Every visit feels like a warm hug, and I guarantee you’ll leave planning your next trip back!






