Hwangbooja Korean Restaurant
$$ • Korean, VegetarianAbout Hwangbooja Korean Restaurant
Customers' Favorites
boochu haemool jeon 부추해물파전
Mest Soup with Spicy Sauce
Galbi Tang 갈비탕
Spicy Crab Soup
Marinated Crab
Soon Tofu
Recent Reviews
86 ratings
Share your opinion about Hwangbooja Korean Restaurant
Food was some of the dankest I’ve had 10/5 stars
Owner Kevin is great at what he does. Go and support this place!!
Owner Kevin is great at what he does. Go and support this place!!
We came here for the first time and had a great experience. The appetizer dishes, army stew and beef ribs are all delicious. This is my first time eating marinated crabs (both soy bean sauce and spicy sauce). It feels like jelly-ish in texture, and the staff recommended to eat with rice. I preferred the spicy sauce one over the soy bean sauce one since the soy bean sauce one left a weird texture on my tooth for a while. Although marinated crabs are not my cup of tea, I can see...read full review
We visited for the first time yesterday and ordered the spicy braised pollock and spicy stir-fried squid. Everything was absolutely delicious!
The braised pollock came in a very generous portion, and the sauce was incredibly flavorful. The squid was exceptionally tender. The homemade tofu soup was warm, comforting, and full of rich, savory flavor. All of the side dishes were also fresh, clean-tasting, and beautifully prepared—it truly felt like enjoying a delicious home-cooked...read full review
The braised pollock came in a very generous portion, and the sauce was incredibly flavorful. The squid was exceptionally tender. The homemade tofu soup was warm, comforting, and full of rich, savory flavor. All of the side dishes were also fresh, clean-tasting, and beautifully prepared—it truly felt like enjoying a delicious home-cooked...read full review
Hours
| Monday | 11AM - 9PM |
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | 11AM - 9PM |
| Thursday | 11AM - 9PM |
| Friday | 11AM - 9PM |
| Saturday | 11AM - 9PM |
| Sunday | 11AM - 9PM |
Hwangbooja Korean Restaurant is a hidden gem in Centerville, known for serving authentic Korean cuisine, including its standout dish - marinated raw crab. This cozy, family-owned restaurant has a casual atmosphere with about 10 four-top tables in a single dining area, adorned with food posters that give it a clean and straightforward look.
The menu features both spicy and soy-marinated raw crabs, which are a rarity in the DMV area. Each order includes approximately 5-6 pieces of the succulent, garlic-infused crustaceans. The flavors are robust, with the sweetness of the raw crab meat perfectly complementing the savory marinades. While the concept of raw crab may seem daunting, the squishy texture and the fun of slurping the meat from the shells create an enjoyable dining experience.
In addition to the star raw crab dishes, Hwangbooja serves delectable gukbop, a traditional Korean soup and rice dish. The pork broth is hearty and soul-warming, with strong garlic notes that transport diners to the streets of Busan. Other notable dishes include Dolsot Bibimbap, Galbitang, jokbal (braised pig’s trotters), naengmyeon (cold noodles), and kimchi pancake, all of which are super flavorful and offer a variety of textures and seasoning. The fresh and plentiful banchan enhance the meal experience.
The service at Hwangbooja is attentive, with a lone server who predominantly speaks Korean and is helpful in navigating the menu. The food arrives quickly, contributing to an authentic dining experience. Customers have praised the friendly staff, who make diners feel welcomed.
While the prices for the raw crab dishes may be on the higher side, the generous portions and quality of the ingredients make it a worthwhile investment for those seeking true Korean flavors in the DMV. Overall, Hwangbooja offers a terrific experience for anyone looking to enjoy real Korean cooking.