"Dumok is a local Korean BBQ gem. My bf and I went at around 3PM on a Friday. It was quiet as the workers got ready for the evening rush they were about to have. We traveled from NYC to NJ for this spot, just saying. We couldn't decide whether we wanted Dakgalbi, or grilled meats, so we ordered both! After ordering, we got a bunch of banchan sides delivered to our table. We got the classic steamed egg, it was so puffy and Korean soybean stew. The egg was steaming for a hot minute before deflating a bit, I don't know why it was so mesmerizing to watch. The stew was spicy and flavorful at the same time. I am a soup girl so I know when the stew is good. We also had other classic sides like kimchi, kimchi radish, pickled radish, scallion salad, etc. All the banchan can be eaten alone or preferably eaten with the grilled bbq meats. For those of you reading this and don't know what Dakgalbi is, it's a super fun with a group of people or just a friend. It's spicy grilled chicken with ddukbokki, a Korean rice cake and kimchi, topped with mozzarella cheese. You use your chopsticks to grab the chicken, and cheese at the same time. The cheese will be super stringy so you will need to use those chopstick skills to wrap it around your chicken for the perfect bite! The cheese helps cool down the spice, if you like you can adjust your spice level. Don't let the bright red colors fool you, it is very addicting and extremely delicious. I cannot tolerate spice like my boyfriend so we got mild, it was very tolerable for me. The grilled Korean BBQ was amazing as well! Honestly i don't know anyone who doesn't like Korean BBQ. Their LA galbi was delicious! The marinade was perfect the meat was marbled beautiful and so tender. I paired it with my banchans and each bite was more delicious than the next. I also got shoulder steak, pork is always my fav. I think most people have the misconception of pork being unhealthy or fat, the shoulder steak was not fat at all. The meat was so lean and when paired with the banchans, chefs kiss. Lastly, our Dumok rice ball arrived. It comes in a bowl with Korean Radish, salmon roe, seaweed and scallions. It was so beautiful plated. Next we were given gloves, and we get to make our very own rice balls!! It was so much fun, there were so many hands on interactive things to do with our food, it brings out laughter, intimacy, and memories as we share this meal together."
