One of my favorite Korean restaurants in OC. Located in a strip mall parking lot, so plenty of parking available.
Medium sized restaurant. Sometimes there is a wait, but I've gotten lucky before and was able to sit immediately.
Food: The dishes here are largely portioned, fresh, and delicious. Every single time. Some favorites are the Katsu Curry, The Braised Beef Short Ribs, and the Beef Hot Stone.
Service is attentive and always friendly.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4
Craving some good and authentic Korean food, I found my way back to Jin Cook and as usual, it did not let me down.
ITEM'S ORDERED:
Sweet Potato Cheese Curry Katsu
Spicy Braised Beef Short Rib
Garlic SuYuk
Military Soup
TASTE:
Let me first mention that I'm half Korean to add some credibility to my review :) ;) I will say that the Kimchi here is probably my favorite out of all places. That is mainly because it has a slightly sweeter flavor and less sour than others that usually have that more pickled flavor. I was told that it's the owner's mothers recipe so that just makes it all the better.
The Spicy Braised Beef Short Rib aka Galbi-jjim is a dish I've had before and is one of those flavors that just wants to make you keep on eating. The only thing that slows you down is how hot it is with it being in the stone pot. It's so savory, a little sweet and has a slight amount of heat. I will say that I do have a good tolerance for spicy food though. Besides the meat which is so tender, I really enjoy the pumpkin and rice cakes in the dish. Unless you are with 3 or more people, you'll most likely have leftovers.
Sweet Potato Cheese Curry Katsu is a unique variation that I don't think I've seen at other places. There's a subtly sweetness that goes well with the cheese, pork, and crunch. Be careful when you take your first bite, it comes out and stays very hot.
The Military Soup is one of those really comforting soups that'll make you feel good if you're under the weather. It's actually pretty spicy so be warned. The pork belly that came had a real nice flavor that adds to the dish overall.
It was my first time having the Garlic SuYuk and it's as tasty as it is to look at. The pork is cooked perfectly and the garlic paste that it comes with has so much savory flavor, with the right amount of salt. I could really see this garlic paste tasting good on so many other dishes in general. The chili paste is not really hot but provides a slight chili flavor adding to everything else.
SERVICE:
The service was exceptional. Getting all the warm Korean welcoming vibes at this place just adds to the comfort food feel. They were really friendly and attentive the whole time.
LOCATION & PARKING:
They are basically located in a shopping plaza with an Albertson's so there is lots of parking. The interior is very comfy and warm with its abundant wood use making for a welcoming ambiance.
If you are craving some delicious Korean cuisine you should definitely check this place out.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Spicy Braised Beef
I love Korean food! And this spot is definitely the place if you are tired of just KBBQ. From kimchi soup to braised beef short ribs, you will love it here and be satisfied. It's a great place to have a meal with family or hang out with friends.
I also got to try their new winter menu items, the Spicy Beef Soup (Ttaro Gukbap) and their Chicken Noodle Soup (Kal Guk Soo). They are both so perfect for this cold weather and hit the spot! They also have brisket ddukbokki, which I highly recommend. I am for sure coming here again.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Korean food is amazing and super authentic here! All their dipping sauces are made in house. Come with me to explore it.
Highlights of the menu:
1. Garlic Suyuk - sous vide pork belly. Super tender and juicy!
2. Braised beef short rib - premium beef ribs make it extra yummy!
3. Hot stone bibimbap with cheese on top
4. Kimchi jjigae
Food and atmosphere are great; however, all parties need to be present before seating. Server doesn’t like to walk too many times. Will only take one time order. If you want to order some dishes first and look at the menu more. Server will not do it.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$30–50
Food: 5
Service: 3
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Spicy Pork Hot Stone Bibimbap
I tried Jin Cook today in the buena park location and really enjoyed tasting all the delicious korean foods that I ordered. I wanted to try few of their best menu items so I kind of ordered a lot. I got the spicy rice cakes with ramen and cheese. That was so good. I also wanted to try a soup so I got the army stew which had sausage, ramen noodles, onion, and kimchi!! THis was good because it wasn't too spicy at all. I also enjoyed eating their cheese sweet potato katsu with curry!! That was my first time trying a katsu with sweet potato inside. I would definitely come back to try this again!! Lastly, I got the galbitang because that's my favorite korean food. I really enjoyed the short rib soup because it wasn't too salty or peppery! I am so glad I checked this korean restaurant out today. One plus was also the huge parking lot in this plaza!!!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$100+
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Recommended dishes
Military Soup
Ok I wasn't too sure about this place because from the pictures, I was very new to this type of Korean food. Nothing bad, I was just unfamiliar. But wow, I am impressed with their food, huge portions and I couldn't stop eating their dishes, especially the Spicy Braised Beef Short Rib!! I love the taste of the meat, I kept going in for seconds and thirds and definitely packed some home and can't wait to eat it tonight for dinner. They even added cheese on top and torched it at the table, that was so fun to watch.
The jalapeño cheese curry katsu was another one of my faves. I didn't care for the rice and only dipped it in the curry a little bit because this doesn't need anything added to it. I loved the way it tasted all by itself. It was perfectly crispy and the jalapeños weren't too overpowering thank goodness, so I was able to enjoy it.
My other favorite was the boiled pork belly. This was another interesting dish and I loved it too. Min Soon said it wouldn't be good if you take it home, most customers complained that it's not something you should take home. But we had a lot leftover and all I did was pop it in the air fryer and I honestly still loved it!!!! Maybe some people wouldn't like it cuz it changes the way it originally tasted, but I actually regret not packing more to-go!!!!!
The side dishes were yummy, I just kept eating the cucumbers like I usually do. I also had their soup, Chicken Kalgusu and seafood pancake. It was okay, I wouldn't get it again though. But I would definitely come back for the other stuff. Service was amazing and everyone was so nice. There was even a line when we left.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Food was so good!
We tried:
Sweet potato cheese katsu with curry
Spicy beef soup
Beef short rib soup
Military soup
Brisket ddukboki (rice cake)
Braised beef short rib
Soups were full flavored and heart warming on such a cold night! we really liked the short rib soup and spiciness of the military soup.
The brisket ddukboki had a yummy charred flavor from the brisket and the cheese.
The braised beef short rib had good quality ribs and went well with the cheese and veggies.
Their side dishes are all made there and tastes very fresh!
Service was great.
Would recommend 👍🏼
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Superior quality Korean food with very warm and accommodating service. Everything tastes like it’s been made from scratch and the portion sizes are very generous (especially the bibimbap).
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
GO SOMEWHERE ELSE. Located in a run down dark part of a retail center. Food is average and service is mediocre at best. Restaurant was about half full & requests to remove finished plates off table 'cannot be done because too busy'
Pork dish is very thinly sliced with salty broth-smells of raw meat. Galbi BEEF dish has more veggies than meat.
Side dishes are average at best, you can get better ones at your local Asian grocery store.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Dinner
Price per person
$100+
Food: 1
Service: 1
Atmosphere: 1
