Busan Gukbap (부산국밥): Real Korean Comfort, No Passport Needed
Tucked into a modest storefront in Fort Lee, Busan Gukbap is a no-frills restaurant specializing in Busan-style gukbap (soup with rice) dishes—the ultimate comfort food! The space is simple, with just a few tables for diners and a kitchen situated in the back. A small crew of 2-3 people efficiently manages everything in the dining area, from taking orders to serving tables and handling takeout. Meanwhile, another team member (or two) works in the kitchen, preparing the food. During busy hours, the restaurant is filled with diners, while a steady flow of takeout orders keeps the atmosphere bustling.
The menu is straightforward, focusing on Busan specialties that deliver bold and comforting flavors. For me, the star of the lineup is the Ansung Maeun Sogogi Gukbap, a spicy ox bone soup with tender beef, radish, and bean sprouts. The slow-simmered broth is deeply flavorful, with the bone marrow’s richness standing out against the heat and spice. Each spoonful strikes a satisfying balance of heat, umami, and the fresh crunch of the vegetables, making it a dish that warms you from the inside out.
While the menu doesn’t overwhelm with variety, every dish reflects careful preparation and authenticity. By perfecting a few core offerings, Busan Gukbap ensures that the flavors feel both homely and delicious. It’s unpretentious dining at its best—simple, satisfying, and traditional.
Annie swears by the authenticity of the food, confidently saying that it rivals what you’d find in Busan. For anyone craving a true taste of Korea in New Jersey, Busan Gukbap is a must-visit.
Cuisine: Korean
Average Price per Person: $20 USD
Address:
2444 Lemoine Ave, Fort Lee, NJ 07024
Recommended:
Ansung Maeun Sogogi Gukbap (안성 매운소고기 국밥)
Gamja Tang (감자탕)
Dwaeji Gukbap (돼지국밥)
Busan Gukbap’s dining area exudes a cozy charm with its warm wooden furniture and practical layout. The walls mix a brick-patterned accent with simple wood paneling, adorned with posters of hearty Korean soups that hint at the flavorful meals ahead. Bright lighting and minimal decor create a welcoming space for casual, comfort-food dining.
Homemade Kkakdugi (깍두기) and Baechu Kimchi (배추김치) - Cubed Radish Kimchi and Cabbage Kimchi
The Kkakdugi (Cubed Radish Kimchi) is crisp and refreshing, with just the right amount of spice, while the Baechu (Cabbage) Kimchi has that perfect balance of sour, spicy, and savory flavors. You can really tell these are homemade. There’s a depth and freshness that store-bought just can’t match.
Individual-sized portions at Busan Gukbap are reasonably priced, ranging from $15 to $18, making them accessible for a satisfying and authentic meal. For those dining in groups, the restaurant also offers larger-format dishes called "jeonggol," which are hot pot-style meals designed for sharing. These hearty options are perfect for enjoying a communal dining experience with friends or family.
[$16.99 USD]
The Ansung Maeun Sogogi Gukbap is an impressively generous portion, served in a dolsot (Korean stone pot) that’s filled to the brim. While the rich, flavorful broth takes center stage, the hearty amounts of beef, radish, beansprouts, and scallions make the dish just as satisfying to eat as it is to drink. It’s a comforting, substantial meal that leaves you completely satisfied.
At the surface, you can see the fine oils and flavor compounds, a testament to the slow-simmered ox bone broth that forms the heart of the dish.