A bowl of clear, soul-warming pork soup in the heart of Honolulu. 🥣
When you’re traveling in Hawaii, you’ll eventually hit a point where you need something more than burgers, acai bowls, and poke. While there are plenty of K-BBQ spots in town, sometimes you just want a warm, clean bowl of soup that’s gentle on the stomach. 😌
If that’s you, I’ve found the perfect spot: OKDONGSIK Hawaii. You might recognize the name—Chef Ok Dong-sik recently appeared on the hit Netflix show Culinary Class Wars (Black and White Chef), and his New York location is already legendary (even making the NYT best dishes list!). I recently visited the Honolulu branch, and here’s my honest take.
📍 Location & Vibes
- Address: 1388 Kapiolani Blvd #3, Honolulu, HI 96814
- Hours: Check Google Maps (usually open for lunch and dinner)
It’s located right near the Walmart Ala Moana, just a short 3-5 minute drive from the Ala Moana Center. It’s the perfect spot to refuel after a long shopping spree! 🛍️
💰 Menu & Pricing (Hawaii Standard)
Let’s be real—Hawaii prices are no joke. But considering the quality and the clean ingredients, it felt worth it.
- Dwaeji-Gomtang (Pork Soup): $18
- Kimchi-mari Guksu (Cold Kimchi Noodles): $16
- Lard Tonkatsu: $21
- Chilled Sliced Pork (Naeng-jeyuk): $10
- Mini Pork Bowl (Add-on): +$5
- Plum Ade: $5
If you order the soup and the noodles together (the classic combo), expect to spend around $34 per person before tax and tip. 💸
🥢 The “Go-chu-ji” Rule
They keep it simple with two side dishes: Kimchi and Go-chu-ji (pickled chili paste).
💡 Pro Tip from the Chef:
When you see the red chili paste, don’t stir it into the soup! To fully appreciate the clear, delicate flavor of the broth, you should dab a little bit of the paste directly onto the pork slices instead. Trust me, it’s a total game-changer. 🌶️
🍲 My Honest Review: What to Order?
1. Dwaeji-Gomtang (The Star of the Show) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The broth is incredibly clear and light. No grease, no “porky” smell—just pure comfort. It honestly felt like a “detox” meal in the middle of my trip. The pork is sliced paper-thin and is so tender it practically melts. I finished the whole bowl (Wandduk!)! 🥣
2. Kimchi-mari Guksu (Cold Kimchi Noodles) ⭐⭐⭐⭐
This isn’t your typical heavy, spicy noodle dish. It’s refreshing, crisp, and slightly sweet/tangy. The best part? The hot soup makes you want the cold noodles, and the cold noodles make you want the hot soup. You have to order both to share! ❄️🔥
3. Chilled Sliced Pork (Naeng-jeyuk) ⭐⭐⭐⭐
I tried this for the first time, and I loved it! It’s served cold, which gives the pork a nice, firm texture. Pair it with the pickled onions—it’s the perfect appetizer. 🐷
4. Lard Tonkatsu ⭐⭐⭐
It’s a solid, crispy, Japanese-style cutlet. Delicious? Yes. But compared to the soup and noodles, it didn’t stand out as much for me.
If you’re really hungry for something fried, go for it.
⚠️ One Small Skip: The Mini Pork Bowl
I was excited about the Mini Pork Bowl, but honestly, I’d pass next time.
They use a torch to give it a smoky flavor, but on the day I went, the gas smell from the torch was a bit too strong.
It might have just been an off day, but the plain rice that comes with the soup is honestly enough! 🍚
🌍 Hawaii vs. NY & Korea
Unlike the New York or Seoul locations, which have very minimal menus (mostly just soup), OKDONGSIK Hawaii offers a lot more variety! You can try the noodles, the tonkatsu, and the chilled pork all in one place.
It feels a bit more casual and has something for everyone. 🌴
✍️ Seoha’s Final Thought
It’s rare to find such a clean, high-quality Korean soup in Hawaii.
If you’re looking for a meal that won’t leave you feeling bloated or heavy, this is the place.
It’s “soul food” in the truest sense. ✅
🏨 Where to Stay Nearby?
If you want to stay close to this foodie area and Ala Moana Center, here are my top two picks:
- Ala Moana Hotel by Mantra: Perfect for shopaholics! It’s literally connected to the mall and a very short walk to OKDONGSIK.
- Prince Waikiki: If you want a stunning ocean view and a beautiful infinity pool, this is the one. It’s only a 3-minute drive away.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Mahalo for your support! 🌴
