There's Nothing Ordinary About Okdongsik's Bowl Of Broth

A simple lunch counter stretches the length of this tiny storefront.  Eager customers queue towards Fifth hoping to snag a no-show seat. The attraction? A steamy bowl of gomtang, a Korean traditional soup made slowly and methodically by Ok Dongsik.

In partnership with Hand Hospitality, the group behind Her Name is Han and PalPal, Ok Dongsik brings his 6 time Bib Gourmand namesake stateside. The sparse menu––a choice of two soups, gomtang or gukbap ––– delvers depth and purpose. Both are meat-based soups simmered for a long time with the main difference being that with the gukbap, rice lines the base of the bowl. I tried the gukbap and the dumplings which when I ordered I thought I would just taste one. I ended up leaving one and having 5! Spoonful after spoonful warmed my chilly body. The kimchi was gentle and the little smear of fermented peppery sauce had that nasal clearing quality that keeps me craving more. There’s nothing ornate or gimmicky about OKDONGSIK. It’s tasty, simple and worth the wait.