Honolulu's food scene is about to get a substantial dose of Korean soul, as the Seoul-based Michelin Guide Restaurant Okdongsik prepares to serve up its homestyle gomtang at the newly-developing Sky Ala Moana condominium. Known for its meticulous approach to creating the perfect bowl of soup, the restaurant marks a new chapter in Hawaii's culinary diversity, joining the array of ethnic cuisines available on the island. Details filed this week for "Okdongsik Restaurant at Sky Ala Moana," for Space No. 3, promise to bring the restaurant's storied experience to Honolulu foodies, Island News reports.
Originating in 2017 in the heart of Seoul, Okdongsik, which translates to “a single-item restaurant,” quickly rose to prominence for its signature offering: Dweji Gomtang. This traditional Korean soup gains its depth of flavor from a meticulous, slow-simmering process that transforms simple ingredients into a gastronomic sensation. It was not long before Okdongsik earned a spot on the MICHELIN Guide Bib Gourmand list in Seoul since 2018, as noted on the Okdongsik official website. The expansion to Hawaii follows successful stints in Manhattan and an anticipated opening in Tokyo, proving the brand's widespread appeal.
Okdongsik's reputation precedes itself, with the New York Times's Pete Wells recognizing its New York City location as home to one of the top 8 Best Dishes in NYC 2023. The restaurant prides itself on serving no more than 100 bowls of its famed soup each day, ensuring a level of quality and exclusivity that keeps patrons coming back for more. The soon-to-be-opened Honolulu branch will likely continue this tradition, much to the delight of locals and tourists alike eager to sample its acclaimed fare.
Behind this culinary enterprise stands Chef Ok Dongsik, whose extensive background in Korean and international kitchens has shaped his philosophy of emphasizing freshness and flavor. According to the Okdongsik backstory, his journey included stints in the inflight catering division of an airline, a Korean embassy, and a head chef position at a prestigious hotel before he founded Okdongsik. It is this commitment to culinary excellence that has propelled Okdongsik to become a burgeoning global entity, bringing authentic, Korean comfort food to the world stage.
As the newest neighbor at Sky Ala Moana, alongside the Mediterranean restaurant Mara, Okdongsik is set to showcase its dedication to crafting the perfect gomtang, served over rice bathed several times in hot broth and topped with succulent slices of pork. Honolulu's diverse palate is ready to welcome the delicate, savory flavors of Okdongsik's Korean comfort food - a testament to Hawaii's ever-evolving taste for quality international cuisine.
