Hwangbooja Korean Restaurant
$$ • Korean, VegetarianAbout Hwangbooja Korean Restaurant
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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
If you’re craving a home-cooked Korean meal, this is the place to go! The complimentary side dishes are delicious, and the homemade soft tofu is amazing. I highly recommend the grilled mackerel and soybean paste stew combo—it was excellent. If you prefer, you can also substitute the soybean paste stew with fermented soybean stew (cheonggukjang). Everything was fresh, flavorful, and comforting. I’ll definitely be back!
“Everything was absolutely delicious — the tofu kimchi, banquet noodles, and spicy bibim noodles! You can really taste the care and quality in each dish. The tofu kimchi was outstanding, the noodle soup had a comforting and refreshing broth, and the bibim noodles had amazing flavor and seasoning. The staff were very friendly and the atmosphere was great. Definitely a place I’d love to visit again. Highly recommend if you’re craving authentic Korean food in Centreville!...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.