Living in Chicago, you never know when the weather will be hot or cold. Good thing we have so many food options for unpredictable weather in the city! My go-to is hot soup or stew, no matter what temperature it is outside. My favorites are Korean stews and soups at Ahjoomah’s Apron.
After my trip to Korea, I was taken by the culture’s cuisine and crave it all the time now. There’s something to eat for every season. I don’t feel heavy after a Korean meal since fresh vegetables are used in lot of the dishes. I love it! Ahjoomah’s Apron has become my number one spot when I have a hankering for soup. It is so convenient and close to me and the best option when I get a craving for Korean food.
{Ambiance}
Ahjoomah’s Apron is a casual spot and a great place to enjoy food with friends in a laid back environment. There is almost always a crowd of people from all different age groups in the restaurant. The staff is friendly and energetic. If you need recommendations, don’t hesitate to ask. The staff is knowledgeable. If they don’t know something, the managers are usually at the restaurant, too. They do get overwhelmed during dinner and lunch times, so the consistency of service and food may not be at its best. Go during non-peak hours and I can guarantee you will have a more enjoyable experience.
{Food}
The food is constantly developing but overall, Ahjoomah’s uses fresh ingredients. There are some staples that I order every single time I go. Certain waiters know my entire order before I even sit down. So what are these dishes? Take a look…
Chicken Wings
I am addicted to Ahjoomah’s batter dipped chicken wings. I get the sweet and spicy sauce and it makes me ecstatic every time! The sweetness from the honey and the spiciness from the hot chili flakes make such a great combination. The batter that they use for the chicken is so light and crunchy that I can’t help but order it every time. When you bite into the chicken wing, you can taste the juiciness from the chicken and it is so heavenly.
Chicken Wings at Ahjoomah’s Apron // Photo: @vansventures
Korean Rice Cake
If you haven’t guessed already, I am a big fan of spice. The Korean rice cake is a kicker for those who enjoy spice as much as I do. It is boiled in sweet and spicy sauce with fish cakes and vegetables. The dish comes out hot and red so be prepared to gulp down some water if you can’t take spice well. The rice cakes are nice and soft with a bouncy texture. Mix it with additional sauce on the plate for extra blasts of flavor.
Rice Cake at Ahjoomah’s Apron // Photo: @vansventures
Soontofu Soup
Soontofu soup is one of my favorite things in the entire world. Seafood and tofu? You just get me, Ahjoomah! Whenever I have a craving for this dish and I don’t want to travel, Ahjoomah’s Apron is the first place I go. It comes out boiling and steamy. They also crack an egg in it before they bring it out to you. Let it sit at the table for a bit and you have a perfectly poached egg to put on your rice. The most ideal bite for this dish is a little bit of rice, a little bit of soup, and topped with some banchan (sides).
Tofu Hot Pot at Ahjoomah’s Apron // Photo: @vansventures
Dolsot Bibimbap
Not much of a soup person? Try the dolsot bibimbap. It is a rice dish topped with fresh veggies, meat, and a fried egg. It comes in a stone bowl that is still hot, hot, hot! The stone bowl will continue to cook the rice so that it becomes crispy on the bottom of the bowl. Let the dish sit for a couple minutes before you mix it up for a crunch to every bite. If you’re not a fan of the crunch, mix your ingredients right away to keep the rice from being cooked. They give you gochujang (hot chili paste) to add into the dish. Add as little or as much as you want. I like to add the whole thing to make it extra spicy.
Jajangmyun
Jajangmyun is a must-try noodle dish here. The thick noodles come topped with a black bean sauce that is mixed with pork, cubed potatoes, and onions. You can always ask for a vegetarian option as well. There are pieces of daikon radish on top of the noodles and sauce. Mix it all up and slurp it down. Careful if you’re wearing white though, you might get some sauce on yourself. Chewy noodles and a delicious sauce? Oh. My. Yum!
Black Bean Noodles at Ahjoomah’s Apron // Photo: @vansventures
FAB TIP: They have lunch specials such as kimbap (Korean sushi rolls).
{Experience}
The service fluctuates depending on the times that I go to the restaurant. Most of the time, I can take my time and have my meal with no rush. The food comes out in a timely manner and I can be in and out quickly if I am pressed for time. The quality of the food is good, although it might taste different each time you go. Generally, they have the recipe down.
The food is great if you have a craving for Korean food and need a quick fix, especially if you are like me and live on the south side of the city. The ingredients are fresh and so are the banchans (side dishes). It is a great spot in Chinatown to meet with friends and family for a meal since there are a variety of options for everyone. The restaurant has a good number of seats but none with a back, so make sure to keep that in mind. I always look forward to going back to this place since it is so convenient for me.
{Location}
Ahjoomah’s Apron
Chinatown || 218 West Cermak Road, Chicago, IL || P: (312) 326-2800
{Price Range}
$$ ($11-$35)
{Fab Ratings: 3.5 Fabs}
Have you had Korean food? What are your favorites? Where do you go when you have a craving?
Until the next venture!
With Love,
Van
Note: This meal was not complimentary. The views and opinions expressed herein are those of the writer.
