Mansi's Blog

A Long Wait for a Worthy Meal

New York City is a food lover’s paradise, offering every cuisine imaginable, yet somehow, I had never tried Korean food—until now. So, on a chilly December evening, I finally ventured into Koreatown, ready to experience authentic Korean flavors for the first time.

My destination? BCD Tofu House, a famous Korean restaurant known for its tofu stew and traditional Korean comfort food. The moment I arrived, I saw a huge line in front of the restaurant, and for a second, I questioned my life choices. But if people were braving the cold just to eat here, it had to be worth it, right?

Thankfully, the wait wasn’t too long, and before I knew it, I was stepping into what looked like a tiny restaurant from the outside but turned out to be a two-story dining haven with a classy, spacious interior. The place was buzzing with energy, filled with the rich aroma of spices, sizzling dishes, and the sound of happy diners.

Ice-Cold Water in December? Yes, Please!

As soon as we were seated, the first thing the server brought to the table was a tall glass of chilled water with ice—and mind you, it was December. ❄️

Now, common sense says you’d want a warm cup of tea in winter, but for some reason, the ice-cold water hit differently, and I loved it. Maybe it was the contrast between the warmth of the restaurant and the freezing cold outside, or maybe I was just too excited to care—but either way, it was refreshing and unexpected.

The Vegan Korean Feast Begins

Now, as a vegetarian, I’ve always been a little cautious about trying Korean food since a lot of dishes traditionally contain meat or seafood-based ingredients. So, I played it safe and went for the vegan options—because let’s be honest, trusting a vague “vegetarian” label in an unfamiliar cuisine can be risky.

Appetizer: The Crispy & Spicy Vegan Kimchi Pancake

First up was the Vegan Kimchi Pancake, and let me tell you—it was a flavor explosion!

🥢 Crispy on the outside
🔥 Spicy and tangy on the inside
✨ The perfect balance of crunch and heat

I took my first bite, and immediately, I got it—the hype around Korean food, the obsession with kimchi, everything. The spice level was no joke, but I loved every second of it.

The Main Course: The Famous Vegan Tofu Stew

Since I was at a Tofu House, it only made sense to try their signature tofu dish. The vegan tofu stew came with:

🍲 A steaming hot bowl of silky tofu
🍚 A portion of perfectly cooked rice
🥗 An array of traditional Korean side dishes

The tofu was soft, smooth, and soaked in deliciously seasoned broth, and the side dishes added a variety of textures and flavors to the meal. It was comfort food at its best, and despite not having any meat, it was rich, hearty, and satisfying.

Final Thoughts: Would I Try Korean Food Again? Absolutely.

My first Korean food experience at BCD Tofu House was everything I hoped for—bold flavors, a lively atmosphere, and a meal that left me both full and happy.

🔥 Favorite Dish: Kimchi Pancake (because crispy + spicy = perfection)
🥶 Most Unexpected Moment: Ice-cold water in winter (10/10, would drink again)
🥢 Would I go back? Yes! But next time, I’d love to explore more Korean vegetarian options.

📍 BCD Tofu House, NYC
📍 Location: 5 W 32nd St, New York, NY 10001
📍 Website: www.bcdtofu.com

💬 Have you ever tried Korean food? What was your first experience like? Let’s talk about it in the comments! 😊