About
Hojokban is a Korean restaurant that markets itself as soul food and is originally based in Cheongdam-dong, Seoul. The name is based of the traditional dining table reserved for guests in Korean Ho(good) Jok(people) Ban(meal).
Booking
Booked through Resy and was able to find reservations right after opening at around 5pm and past 8pm for a Friday night when booking the Tuesday night prior.
Decor
I liked the decor, it had a large glass see through entrance that was unobstructed, combined with the neon sign of the restaurant, it felt like it put all the tables on display. It had blue colour tones, with darker more sultry outside and brighter more arcade like inside.
Service
Service was good, waiter was polite and came during the right moments as well as showed some greater care by getting new plates and utensils between starters and main.
Food
We started with two starters, and I got a pilsner (OB). For starters we got Octopus Tteokbokki which is baby octopus, rice cakes and vegetables cooked in spicy sweet sauce, and Truffle Potato Pancake which were square crispy Korean potato pancakes topped with truffle mayonnaise, parmesan cheese and bacon.
I particular enjoyed the Octopus Tteobokki, the rice cakes combined with the sauce was a great combination, the sauce really sealed the dish with the rich tang but was slightly on the sweeter side and not as spicy, and finally the baby octopus was good but I preferred the rice cakes. The truffle potato pancakes was also a hit, but I’d say a bit more in moderation. As in I found myself not being able to have more than two in a row because the fried potato and oil would start becoming to feel heavy. The crispiness was superb and truffle mayonnaise was also quite decadent. The squares felt a bit awkward to eat, mostly because they were small enough that you’d attempt to take one bit, but large enough that it would be a stretch.
Finally, after an hour or so we decied to share a main, and to be honest I was quite full from the starters alone. We went with the Hojok Galbi which is korean style short rib steak served with salad and galbi sauce. The short ribs were cut and carefully placed on-top as well as along the short rib steak bone, which made for great presentation. The short ribs were so rich and felt like butter melting in your mouth, the sauce particularly enhancing the sweetness. Would definitely have again.