Introducing… the Beef Bowl. $4.99. Happiness in a bowl. Perfectly steamed white Korean rice, loads of tender bulgogi in its own flavorful sauce. You can’t get happier than this. My happy food. 
Book Chang Dong Tofu House
2550 Pleasant Hill Rd
Duluth, GA 30096
(770) 814-2299
I took the pork fat drippings and drizzled it over my rice. OMG.
I eat Korean all the time. There was one week in May last year that I ate it 7 times in a week. Crazy. I’ve been here many times. But the other night was the best Korean dinner I’ve had this year. We demolished everything in front of us. The boneless galbi and pork belly rule here. And the delicate chawanmushi is to-die-for. (What happened to the pictures, FB?)
Oh and I almost forgot… I became a Korean last year. Thanks, Gene.
Open later for dinner on weekdays than weekends. (Does that make sense to you?)
Cafe Todahmgol
2442 Pleasant Hill Rd, Suite 3B,
Duluth, GA 30096
770-813-8202
Mon-Sat: 5PM-2AM
Sunday: 5PM-12Midnight
Thanks to one of my readers, Bill Petrosky, who sent me an email the other day tipping me of this new seafood/po’boy place in Duluth. It is located a few doors down from What The Pho and Cafe Tohdamgol. Opened just two weeks ago by a Vietnamese family, it is really more of a seafood place than an eating place.
As a seafood store, they only have a few basics as of yet: shrimp, fish fillets (tuna, salmon, catfish, tilapia,) scallops, crab legs, mussels, and craw fish. I did not see any fresh oysters in the cases but there are fried ones on the menu.
As a take-out joint, they have lunch specials with fried catfish or tilapia, shrimp, and oysters with two sides that start at $5.99. Po’boys start at $3.99 with a choice of shrimp, catfish, tilapia, oysters, sausage, or calamari. They are sandwiched between a fresh loaf of Vietnamese baguette then dressed with mustard, mayo, and butter, then topped with lettuce and tomatoes. I love the butter part!
The Fish-N-Shrimp lunch special comes with 2 fish fillets and 7 jumbo shrimp. The fried catfish is delicious — clean taste (not muddy). Shrimp are peeled and de-veined. Both are perfectly dusted with Cajun seasonings, very lightly battered, then fried golden.
There are two tiny tables and a total of 4 chairs if you care to eat-in. I only came in for a quick stop but I will be back tomorrow to learn more about this place and try the po’boys. I will let you know how that goes.
Insider tip:
Everything is cooked to order so be ready to wait a good 10 minutes for your food.
The scoop:
New Orleans Seafood
2442 Pleasant Hill Rd., Suite 8
Duluth, GA 30096
(678) 474-0064
I’ve been hitting the new Assi Plaza Duluth food court for lunch for the last couple of weeks. My newest obsession: hand-pulled noodles. From the Chinese stall. You’d get a kick out of watching Mr. Noodles pull and whack his pasta on a table.
The noodles are just perfect. Noodles are made when you place your order. The black bean paste sauce is savory with a slight hint of sweet. The pork cubes are tender. I just love their Jajang Noodles.
Note: Jajang noodles were created in Korea by Chinese settlers back in the 1800s. This Korean version has a faint hint of sweetness whereas the original mainland Chinese version does not.
China House
1630 Pleasant Hill Rd.
#A8
Duluth, GA 30096
678-638-0822
Inside Assi Plaza Duluth
Technorati Tags: Chinese, hand-pulled noodles, noodles, Duluth
Contrary to what most of you think, I do cook. As much as 2-3 times a week. But sometimes, not at all. I eat all my lunches and some dinners out and I don’t eat leftovers so I have to supplement that with home-cooked meals (mine or my mom’s). I go to either Super H, BHFM, or Assi (Suwanee) every single week (in addition to Whole Foods/Trader Joe’s/Alon’s and almost daily trips to bakeries and bagel shops). Assi Duluth opened about a month ago. It was so chaotic the first week of opening that it wasn’t really worth the hassle to add it to my rotation. But I’ve been back a few more times after that and the frenzy has died down a bit. Yesterday, it was literally empty. Of course, it’s also been raining cats and dogs all day.
To say this place is huge is an understatement. The produce section is expansive. But the meat and seafood section are small, and the aisles are tight. BHFM has 99% of what I need, Super H Mart has 85%, and I would say this place has about 70% of what I need — in terms of produce and dry goods (dry/liquid spices, noodles, snacks, etc). Prices average 20 cents less than the others but the selection here is not as good. Plus, stuff are not as organized as BHFM so you’ll see specific Asian goods scattered all over even though they have a particular aisle for each group. You’ll need to look at all the aisles to find what you’re looking for rather than going to one specific section.
Here is yesterday’s loot. I found some ridiculously fresh snow pea tips, persimmons, inexpensive lemons (remember last year when they were a dollar apiece, well, they’re 5 for 99cents now), great stewing tomatoes, baby bokchoy, okra, watercress, asparagus, some yummy potato bread, black bean soy milk (you’re missing out if you haven’t had this), fat ginger, and a gigantic cabbage.
Verdict: Worth checking out. I’d go for the food court alone. There’s a good selection of cheap eats at the food court with a Mozart bakery that has a private dining area.
Assi Plaza (Duluth)
1630 Pleasant Hill Rd
Duluth, GA 30096
(770) 813-1500
A mile east of 85. Just past Bahama Breeze.
Technorati Tags: Asian market, Ethnic grocery, Korean, Duluth, Pleasant Hill Rd
Yup, you heard it right. Korean burgers. BULGOGI burgers! KIMCHI burgers!
Korean tacos aren’t the new thing anymore. Korean burgers are. Today, I had a succulent burger marinated in bulgogi sauce. It was juicy and tasty. But you know what happens when you marinate ground beef — the consistency of the meat becomes mushy (kinda like a country fried steak but without the batter). Which is what these burgers really are. Don’t get me wrong, though, they’re okay, but not as good as the ‘ol American burger. For $4.99 you get a regular sized burger (about 1/3 pound) in a soft, grocery-type, sesame seed bun with lettuce, tomato, and some Korean sauce. Add $2 more and you get fries and a drink.
But the best part: the TWISTED POTATO. They take a big, whole potato, skin it, then slice it like a slinky so you still have a whole potato. Then they put the entire thing on a stick (like a kebab), douse it with spices, and deep fry it until golden. This is ridiculously GOOD!!! They have three flavors: barbecue, cheese, and spicy chili. Get the spicy chili. It is soooooooo awesome.
The scoop:
Fusion YoriJori Burger
1630 Pleasant Hill Rd.
Duluth, GA 30096
678-638-0822
Inside Assi Plaza Duluth
Technorati Tags: Korean burgers, Korean, Duluth
I first came to Haru Ichiban close to 10 years ago. It was such a fantastic place that I came several times a week. Japanese sushi chefs in the city came to eat here all the time. I still see one or two of them every now and then — to eat ramen. Aside from the ramen, food here was authentic, high quality, and delicious. But not lately. Last month, I put them on my “Time Out List”. Restaurants on this list are those that used to be stellar but has slacked off so I’m giving them some time to recover and hopefully my next visit will be better. Despite of this small hiccup, their ramen has been solid all these years and I must have it at least once a week.
The menu boasts of the usual fare including a combination lunch where you get to choose two items and the blink-and-they’re-gone daily specials which sell out within the hour. But the one thing they really are well known for is the ramen. A ginormous bowl of hot broth is mixed with perfectly cooked egg noodles and slices of delicious, housemade roasted pork. There are four flavors of broth to choose from, plus an assortment toppings that you can pick.
The Shio flavor, my absolute favorite, is seasoned with natural sea salt. Although it uses chicken broth, it doesn’t really taste like chicken soup. The pork slices play a major part in the overall flavor and the result is a savory, tasty soup. Believe me when I say this is comfort food at its best.
My other favorite is the Tonkotsu broth which should not be confused with tonkatsu (which is fried pork cutlet). Tonkotsu is a pork-based broth made by boiling pigs’ bones for several hours. The result is a creamy broth that is so fantastic.
The Soy flavor is chicken broth seasoned with soy sauce. Be warned, this broth is on the salty side. I stopped getting this because I got tired of diluting it with my hot tea just so it can be eatable. However, if you like your food salty, then this is perfect for you. The Miso flavor is a salt-based broth infused with soy bean paste. This isn’t your regular miso soup, instead, the broth is sweetish with a nutty undertone.
Haru Ichiban has the best Shio Ramen in town hands down. I recommend you stick with the roast pork topping for your first visit as this is how it is normally served in Japan. It will also allow you to taste the basic flavors the way they’re intended to be.
Note: I am compiling a side-by-side comparison of Japanese ramen from the three best places in town so stay tuned for that.
Insider tip:
Lunch menu also available on Saturdays.
The scoop:
Haru Ichiban
3646 Satellite Blvd
Duluth, GA 30096
(770) 622-4060
Technorati Tags: sushi, Japanese, Duluth, Pleasant Hill, Gwinnett
I come from a family who love hot pots. While Shabu-shabu and sukiyaki have always been the favorites, my mom particularly likes Chinese hot pots. However, I’m beginning to really love Korean hot pots. The newest addition to the Korean dining scene is Shabu King inside Park Village in Duluth where Super H Mart calls home. This is the third (or fourth) incarnation of this spot — as a Korean fried chicken joint, as Man Doo, and now as a Korean shabu place.
Since the chef hasn’t changed, no visit to this place is complete without their old specialty: man doo. These huge Korean dumplings are filled with lots of ground pork, minced tofu and green Asian cabbage. The wonton wrappers are soft and moist and the fillings are perfectly seasoned. The sweetish-salty dipping sauce adds depth of flavor. Yummy. (Side note: did you know that BHFM was among the first in Atlanta to mass produce man doo? About 10 years ago, they had a Korean food section where cooked food, pre-marinated meets, assorted banchan, and man doo were made. Two Korean ladies and one man made man doo all day long, every single day. They had two kinds, steamed to order, and the best man doo in town. My mom used to bring home three dozen or so pieces every week she went there. I miss those!)
The hot pot takes center stage here now. For $29.99, two people can share a shabu meal that is simply quite the best in town. A pot of fresh vegetables and mushrooms in kimchi broth is simmered on the table top stove. With it comes a plate of beautiful ribbons of paper-thin meat and a bowl of thick noodles. The kimchi broth is spot on. It is spicy good. The veggies are so fresh, and the noodles are chewy. Truly delicious.
There is a proper way to eat Korean hot pot:
Now comes the best part — a bowl of rice, minced beef, and chopped greens, topped with a raw egg will be cooked in the same pot. Let me tell you that this is the best bibimbap (minus the chili paste) I have ever tasted. The egg and the kimchi-laced pot adds so much flavor. It is the best “fried rice” ever!
Aside from two kinds of hot pots (regular and ribeye), they also still have their famous Korean fried chicken which sets you back $16 and although they are small pieces, they give you quite a lot. It is the best Korean fried chicken in town, by the way. The spicy garlic fried chicken is a little less expensive and as good but I prefer the plain fried chicken.
Insider tip:
Sodas are $1 with one free refill — beware, they come from 2-liter bottles which tasted like they were opened one too may days ago.
The scoop:
Shabu King
2550 Pleasant Hill Rd.
Duluth, GA 30096
(770) 476-8599
Technorati Tags: man doo, Korean, shabu, hot pot, Duluth, GA, Gwinnett, Korean fried chicken
I am amazed at ethnic restaurants. They are able to run smoothly on opening day and operate as if they’ve been open for months — no soft openings and no kinks to work out. Such is the case here at Ming’s. The newest sister to the flagship on Buford Highway, they opened two weeks ago, yet the young waitstaff perform as if they’ve been waiting tables all of their 20 years. The same thing can be said of the kitchen.
The place has a minimalist and more contemporary decor and is at least 5 times bigger than its siblings. While the original spot looks like a dump, er, night market street stall in Hong Kong, this new one is worlds away in ambiance. By the way, back in the 80s, my parents refused to let us kids eat inside Ming’s and always had food to-go because Mr. BBQ Man smoked while chopping his meats. Then, in the 90s, we were so happy when Dekalb passed a No Smoking Bill in its restaurants. It still took a good 5 years before he would finally stop smoking inside.
I grew up eating at Ming’s and favorites include Peking Duck, chow fun, fried rice, wonton noodle soup, bbq noodle soup, and veggies in oyster sauce, just to name a few. While the food in both places may be similar in most respects, the two things you must, must, must eat here is the Honey Roast Pork and the BBQ Ribs.
The Honey Roast Pork is pure heaven — the teeny, tiny hint of honey provides just the right amount of caramelized coating and color. The result is a fantastic salty-sweet flavor that’s perfect with rice or noodles. The ribs aren’t your regular Southern version. They are roasted crispy yet a tiny layer of chewy, tender meat/fat is left intact. Absolutely delicious.
I’m so lucky to live within 20 minutes of both Ming’s. If going to Buford Highway still seems like a scary thought to some of you, then this is your spot. Same owners, same good food, same great prices, but with English-speaking staff, and a much nicer ambiance.
Insider tip:
Most lunch prices start at $5.85. The half Peking Duck is $3 more here. Americanized Lunch menu also available.
Located in the same plaza where Sidney’s Buffet is located. Next to HH Gregg.
The scoop:
Ming’s Bar B Q Restaurant
2131 Pleasant Hill Rd.
Duluth, GA 30096
(770) 623-9996
Technorati Tags: Chinese food, Cantonese food, Chinese BBQ, Duluth, Pleasant Hill Rd
There are only a handful of good Vietnamese places in the city. Two of my go-to places when the craving hits are Phoenix Noodle and here which has been a favorite haunt of mine for 3 years now. Vietnamese restaurants are only as good as their pho. Here, the pho is strong, very well seasoned, and boiled for hours. It’s a must-eat at every visit.
But there are other equally good items on the menu. The Cha Gio (fried spring rolls) are crunchy and bursting with flavor and fillings. They make for great appetizers.
The Bun dishes here are excellent and comes in a bowl of cold vermicelli noodles on a bed of shredded lettuce, cucumbers, bean sprouts then topped with your choice of grilled meats. It’s a fantastic, filling dish.
The crispy fried noodles with assorted meat toppings is not only a beautiful dish but a fantastic one at that. Simply put, it is delicious.
The barbecue plates are just as good. They are served with fresh steamed jasmine rice and a side salad of sliced tomatoes and cucumbers. I get mine with a fried egg to kick it up a notch. The meats are flavorful, with good portions, and they are cooked well.
You can’t go wrong with anything here. Go and try it.
Insider tip:
On Pleasant Hill Rd. next to Super H Mart.
The scoop:
What The Pho
2442 Pleasant Hill Rd
Duluth, GA 30096
(770) 814-9396
Technorati Tags: What The Pho, Vietnamese cuisine, pho, Duluth, Pleasant Hill Rd, Gwinett
