Bukjang Korean Restaurant

Won’t be coming back. My friends and I, originally planned to go try out Kimbap Cheonguk, but they were closed so we went with Bukjang. With it being our first time here, we were all quite unhappy with everything. Service was extremely slow, even with a few people. Took a while before we got the side dishes, water, utensils, etc. Food was alright and quite bland. Nothing special. The items we wanted to order were constantly unavailable as well. The price here was also quite expensive for what you’re getting; small portions. Came with a few friends, so we decided to pay our meal separately. We each paid more for what we order, and left unsatisfied, unhappy, and hungry.

My significant other and I are NOT Koreans but we love this restaurant to death. I guess the reason is we’re so used to terrible water-​downed fusion mediocre Korean eateries in Richmond that when we eat something so outstanding, we want to spread our joy.
We came here thanks to a local Chinese restaurant guide/​magazine. Having tried a Pilipino restaurant recommended by this guide (and had a fabulous time and food), we have high expectation for Bukchigo Jangguchigo.
We came on a Saturday at around 6pm. 4 tables were already occupied. And yes, they were Koreans. *I feel so reassured already. After taking our time reading the menu and asking questions, we settled on a Jeyuk bokkeum (spicy pork stir fry) which came with a kettle of makgeolli. We also ordered a spicy soft tofu stew (medium spicy).
We were given two dishes of banchan: shredded green cabbage with thousand island dressing and pickled daikon. I’ll admit, I wasn’t impressed by the selection and variety of the banchan but I was not going to be petty about it because that’s not what I came here for. We were given large tea-​cup size of cups for makgeolli. It was thinner than what I was hoping for but it’ll do. The makgeolli was accompanied by a bowl of beaten steamed eggs with green onion garnishes.
About 15 minutes later our food arrived. There’s something about the deep red/​orang-​y sauce coating all the ingredients that made me voluntarily lean forward and stared with fascination. Our stir fry was further glorified by the circular sizzling hot plate. After I snapped out of my own day dreaming my chopsticks went for a slice of pork belly. SOLD. The house-​made sauce had the perfect spicy and sweet ratio; after I chewed and swallowed my bite of meat, I let out a content sigh! «It was damn good» didn’t come close to describing how good the experience was. There were good amounts of meat, sliced onions, carrots, zucchini, and onions. Some tears were shed but not enough to blind me. We were given purple rice instead of white rice, which was a very pleasant surprise. I enjoy the purple rice because I find it has more texture and aroma when cooked right as opposed to its white pasty counter part. I dabbed my food between the stir fry, purple rice, and the tofu stew. I waited for the stew to cool down a little before I dabbed it. I can’t risk burning any part of my mouth, no, not tonight. The spiciness was tolerable. It had a good amount of kick without overpowering the stew. The stew was broth-​y and savory. It’s very homey and no MSG after taste. There was a good amount of soft tofu. I was snooping around for a hidden cracked egg but no luck.
The food was beyond satisfying. My craving was fulfilled and I need bribing to stop me from going on and on. The service was friendly. Our waiter gave us helpful pointers to ordering.
The bill came to around $ 30. We left happy and I had enough leftovers for my lunch. I am in love with this restaurant.

This review is for the Coquitlam location.
I have a feeling that this restaurant is really truly meant for old-​school traditional Koreans. For the rest of us, this is not the place we’re looking for.
The pork soup had a very strong «pork» taste which suggests that they simply served it in the same boiling water that they used to initially boil the pork in. It is not a good flavor.
The bibimbap was OK (hard to mess that up), but the spicy tofu soup was way too spicy. It’s one of those soups where, if you swallow too quickly, you will end up in a coughing fit because the spice irritates your throat. The mini-​side staple dishes served here also were not very good.
The 5-​star reviews from the other critics here must be from people who grew up with traditional Korean foods or from Korean upbringing. It is their prerogative to review however they wish, but 5-​star suggests that everything about this place is perfect and that there’s no room for improvement. It’s simply not true.
Again — if you are from a traditional Korean upbringing and just want a place that’ll remind you of home will no frills whatsoever, I suppose this is the place for you.
But for the rest of us non-​Koreans, this place just isn’t it. Maybe the places I like better really aren’t «pure» Korean, but fusion-​style. It’s also expensive here, by the way. Bang for the buck is not this place’s strong suit.
Seoul Doogbaegi remains my favorite still, and I’ll drive all the way from Coquitlam to Vancouver for that. I was really hoping that this place would be another Seoul Doogbaegi, and it just didn’t happen. More expensive, and worse food in every respect.
Sorry guys but that’s the truth.

There are two locations of Bukjang Restaurant; one is on Main Street of Vancouver, and another one is in Coquitlam. And if someone asked me, «Hey, which one do you like better?» I would say the Coquitlam is WAY better.
Atmosphere is definitely different here. The one in Vancouver is more dark, christmas light-​lit, cozy, whereas the one in Coquitlam is more open, bright, and fun. There is definitely a difference in staff as well, although I suppose I prefer the one in Vancouver better. But that’s not the point.
The food… oh, man, the food… I love Soondae, and although Bukjang of Vancouver cooks it well, Bukjang of Coquitlam is SO much better. It’s coated with sesame oil which makes a HUGE difference. It tastes less dry, more moist…*drool*
And the Makgeoli. I liked the traditional pot that they served it in Coquitlam. It just gives that old-​timey feeling.
*sigh* I’m thinking about their Soondae all over again…

Great food at this establishment specializing in makgeolli (unfiltered rice wine). The makgeolli is good, too, but a bit thinner and more effervescent than I like it. But still delicious. And a pot of makgeolli and enough food for 2 people is like $ 15 or something. The food is good enough to go eat w/​o the makgeolli, even! The menu lists large plates but you can get a smaller size if you ask as well. Seafood pancake is the best I’ve ever had.
It’s in an L-​shaped strip mall, right in the corner of the L, if you’re having a hard time finding it.
It used to be Korean-​only menu but now they have English menu too.