Korean Restaurant Dubujib's New Sanlitun Branch Wows With Full Spectrum of Korean Dishes and Draft Beer

Dubujib’s newly opened Sanlitun branch may have just revolutionized Korean cuisine in Beijing. While most Korean restaurants in the city focus on barbecue, Dubujib strives for something different. They focus on another, equally-delicious Korean dish, soondubu, which is essentially tofu soup. Before you get upset, let us reassure you that Korean barbecue is also available on the menu, but if you're a fan of the action of barbecuing you're out of luck; there are no grills anywhere near the customers. 

Located in the newly-renovated Pacific Century Place, Dubujib sits on its first floor, next to Wolfgang’s Steakhouse. It is decorated with simple wooden furniture, floor-to-ceiling windows, and exposed bricks on the walls. There is also a small bar next to the cashier, where fresh beers are served on tap. Dubujib’s outdoor seating is also perfect for summer nights sipping cold beers and satisfying cravings for Korean.

Dubujib serves a variety of Korean dishes including classic bibimbap, hot stone bibimbap, the abovementioned soondubu, Korean pancakes, and grilled meat. There might be a slight confusion with the menu at first glance as the design and layout are very succinct. Fortunately for non-Chinese speakers, the staff at Dubujib is proficient in English and will happily walk you through the menu.

Customers ordering soondubu can choose to add toppings such as instant noodle, rice cake, and mussels, as well as picking between three levels of spiciness – plain, mild, or spicy. Customers ordering grilled meat can also choose their preferred spice level.

But before we dig in the meat of the meal, first came the banchan, or more commonly recognized as the ubiquitous side dishes served at almost all Korean restaurants. The kimchi was superb with a fresh tang; a clear distinction from the store-bought variety. There was also kkadugi or cubed radish kimchi, creamed vegetables, daikon, and steamed broccoli.

The beef soondubu (RMB 58) with kimchi add-on (RMB 7) in spice level mild came in a hotpot with a side of rice. The broth itself had the ideal umami flavor. The silky tofu made the soup rich but didn't leave us feeling too full too soon. There were plenty – and we mean plenty – of high quality, buttery beef slices in the soup. On a side note, you'll want to make sure to mix the soup well in order that the seasoning is diffused throughout.

The grilled pork belly (RMB 68), which has been labeled ‘best’ on the menu, was served with a bowl of steamed rice and salted sesame oil dipping sauce. The pork itself was delicious. The thinly sliced meat was marinated in sweet sauce that balanced the fattiness of the pork well. Everything was perfectly cooked, down to the tender onion slices.

We ordered a mild grilled beef (RMB 72) to compare with our non-spicy pork belly. The beef came thinly sliced and well-seasoned. Overall, it was tasty with a slight kick, but not as tender and intriguing as the aforementioned pork belly.

Dubujib’s kimchi pancake (RMB 48) is topped with fresh, quality mozzarella cheese that has been melted to the right consistency, while the pancake itself was crisp with a distinctive kimchi flavor. The combination of tang from the kimchi and saltiness from the mozzarella makes this pancake the right accompaniment for a tall glass of beer.

All in all, Dubujib’s new branch lives up to expectations, following in the footsteps of its first branch in Liangmaqiao, which also received a glowing review from us just last year. Their attentive staff is helpful and professional without being overly bothersome, and the hearty portions as well as the quality of the meal make Dubujib a strong contender in Beijing's Korean food scene.

Dubujib
Daily 10am-10pm. 2 Gongti Beilu, Unit 132, 1/F, Pacific Century Place, Chaoyang District (6508 3657)
朝阳区工体北路甲2号盈科中心裙房1层132单元

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Photos: Carmel Moersalim