Originally from Seoul, OKDONGSIK is recognized for its dweji gomtang, a traditional Korean soup that’s usually cooked slow-cooked with meat. The restaurant’s Seoul location was listed in the MICHELIN Guide Bib Gourmand since 2018; in 2022, it expanded to open in New York, following a four-month pop-up. The restaurant will soon be opening locations in both Paris and Tokyo.
In September 2023, OKDONGSIK actually did a pop-up on O‘ahu — the nearly two-week pop-up was held at ʻEwa Beach Country Club.
Those who attended the pop-up will be thrilled to know that the biz recently opened a new brick-and-mortar in Honolulu (in Sky Ala Moana). OKDONGSIK’s Honolulu location is currently open for lunch and dinner; last order is 30 minutes before closing.
The restaurant’s entrance is off Makaloa Street. Currently, the eatery mostly includes counter seating; about 20 seats are available.
Dweji gomtang ($18), the restaurant’s signature dish, features a clean and savory pork broth that’s served with sliced pork and rice. According to the eatery’s website, OKDONGSIK’s dweji gomtang is made by slow-simmering pork shoulders, radish, onions, ginger, garlic, peppercorns and green onions, resulting in an ultra-clear broth. The broth is seasoned with salt to highlight its distinct pork flavor.
The hot pork broth is both flavorful and comforting. It’s lightly seasoned — not overly salty — so you can’t help but feel healthy when eating it.
If you’re craving something refreshing, the cabbage kimchi noodles ($16) are ideal. The chilled noodles are served in a tangy, cabbage kimchi broth.
Initially, the intense, red broth looks intimidating. I can’t handle a lot of kimchi due to its spiciness, but I was pleased to discover that this broth featured a milder kimchi flavor. It still has that tangy, vinegary flavor, but the dish is more refreshing than anything else, which is perfect on a muggy summer day.
This katsu specialty features pork loin cutlet served with cabbage salad, pickled pepper, soup and rice. Since each piece is thick and meaty, this dish can feel heavy, but the pork cutlet boasts a tantalizing, crispy exterior and juicy interior.
The eatery’s Korean green plum drink, or Maesil Ade ($5), also comes highly recommended. It’s very tart — think ume, but in drink form — but its bright flavor cuts the richness of the katsu.
Note: If you have your heart set on getting donkatsu, be sure to order it as soon as possible, as only limited quantities — specifically, 40 servings — are made per day.
If you’re looking for a shareable appetizer, the meaty seafood cake ($5) is a good choice, since it includes two pieces. The fluffy, eggy dish is like a thicker pancake that’s lightly seasoned with soy sauce.
Self-parking for OKDONGSIK is available in the same parking structure as Sera Honolulu (one-hour restaurant validation will be given). Street parking is also available.
For the latest news of Hawai‘i, sign up here for our free Daily Edition newsletter.
CONTACT
OKDONGSIK
1388 Kapiʻolani Blvd., Honolulu
okdongsik.net
Instagram: @okdongsik.us
Open 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. for lunch Tuesdays-Sundays; dinner 5-9 p.m. Tuesdays-Thursdays and Sundays; 5-10 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays
Closed Mondays
Kelli Shiroma Braiotta can be reached at kelli@alohastatedaily.com.
