If there is one meal that perfectly balances Health and Happiness, especially on a chilly day, it is a bubbling hot stone bowl of Soondubu Jjigae (Korean Soft Tofu Soup).
Today, I’m taking you to one of my favorite spots in the Philadelphia area: DuBu in Elkins Park. I’ve eaten my way through hundreds of restaurants, but DuBu stands out for its authenticity, clean ingredients, and the sheer feeling of abundance.
The Vibe: Modern Warmth
When you walk into DuBu, you are greeted by a sleek, wood-paneled interior that feels both modern and traditional. It’s the perfect place for a family dinner or a “date night” where you want to focus on sharing great food.
T-Nice’s Order: What to Eat
Here is the “5-Star” lineup I recommend for the ultimate experience:
- The Star: Soondubu Jjigae (Soft Tofu Soup). I usually go for the Seafood or Beef mix. It comes out bubbling violently (in a good way!) in a traditional stone pot. The tofu is silky, the broth is deep and spicy, and it’s packed with protein.
- 5-Bok Health Tip: Tofu is an incredible source of plant-based protein and contains isoflavones that promote heart health. They have various options – pictured here is the “gopchang” which was very good. Crack a raw egg into the bubbling soup and enjoy!
- Dolsot Bibimbap. The wide surface area provides more crisping of the bibimbap.
- The Banchan (Side Dishes). In Korean culture, a meal isn’t complete without an array of side dishes. DuBu is famous for their generosity here—crispy fried croaker fish, fresh kimchi, seasoned spinach, and more. All free, and all refillable.
- Galbitang. Galbitang, a traditional Korean clear soup made with beef short ribs, served in a dolsot (stone pot) and garnished with sliced egg and green onions.
- Galbi (BBQ Short Ribs). If you want to treat yourself, get the Galbi. It’s marinated to perfection—sweet, savory, and tender.
There is a Korean Cafe right next door if you need a little dessert afterwards.
📍 Visit DuBu
Address: 1333 W Cheltenham Ave #102, Elkins Park, PA 19027 Phone: (215) 782-3828
👩🍳 Bring the “5-Bok” Kitchen Home
Inspired by DuBu? You can recreate the health benefits of Korean cuisine in your own kitchen. T-Nice recommends these essentials to get that authentic “stone bowl” taste.
🛒 T-Nice’s “Chef” Recommends (via Amazon)
To make the soup bubble just like it does at DuBu, you need the right cookware!
1. Premium Korean Stone Bowl (Dolsot)
This is the secret to keeping your soup hot from the first sip to the last. It also creates that delicious crispy rice at the bottom of Bibimbap.
Check Price on Amazon »2. Maangchi’s Real Korean Cooking
If you want to learn authentic recipes, this is the “Bible” of Korean cooking. A must-have for your healthy bookshelf.
Get the Cookbook »*As an Amazon Associate, 5-Bok earns from qualifying purchases.*
Have you tried Korean Soft Tofu Soup? Let T-Nice know your favorite spot in the comments below!
Watch: A Taste of DuBu
For a visual taste, check out this great feature on DuBu from “Check, Please! Philly”: Try this Korean Spot Where the Banchan is Fresh and the Soju is Flowing
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