Korean BBQ traces its roots to the ancient Goguryeo era, but it wasn’t until the post-Korean War period that it transformed into the interactive dining experience we know today. Fueled by resource scarcity, street vendors and eateries began grilling meat, giving rise to modern Korean BBQ. The 1960s introduced tabletop grilling, allowing diners to cook at their tables, while “samgyeopsal” (pork belly) became a star. Fast forward to the present, and Korean BBQ is a global sensation, blending tradition with innovation, with high-quality ingredients elevating the experience and making each sizzle on the grill a celebration of Korea’s culinary heritage.
Having made its debut just last year in The Shops at Santa Anita, Hodori BBQ & Korean offers a diverse array of beef and pork cuts. One of its signature items is the beef and pork combo, which includes a large selection of multiple meat cuts, such as prime beef brisket, prime boneless short rib, wagyu bulgogi, prime marinated beef short, and premium pork belly – all grilled to perfection right before your eyes. Each combo is served with your choice of soy stew or kimchi stew, accompanied by a fresh salad, rice paper, and an array of banchan (Korean side dishes).
“I liked how the combos included many types of meat; my favorite one was the short rib,” said junior Megan Wong. “It was tender and very juicy.”
I had the pleasure of indulging in the small beef combo on several occasions, and each time was a thoroughly enjoyable experience. I often went with my friends and was always pleasantly surprised with the amount of leftovers, considering we ordered a small combo. The grilled meat was tender and paired seamlessly with the various sauces given, enhancing the overall taste. The kimchi stew, though spicy, boasted a fantastic flavor profile that I found particularly satisfying. The banchans, with their different textures and tatsues, not only refreshed my palate but also complemented well with the meat, making each dining experience truly delightful.
“I really liked how if I ran out of a side dish, the servers would refill it free of charge,” said sophomore Vivian Fan.
If barbecue isn’t your craving, Hodori BBQ also serves a diverse selection of traditional dishes such as Yukgaejang (spicy beef soup), Yangnyeon Gegang (sweet and spicy marinated raw crab), Bibim Naeng Myun (spicy buckwheat noodles), and Gyeranjjim (Korean savory egg custard).
An intriguing facet of Hodori BBQ’s service is the incorporation of Servi, a restaurant delivery robot designed to enhance efficiency in plate delivery, hosting, and bussing. This robotic assistant proves particularly valuable during hours when the restaurant experiences high customer traffic or may be understaffed. With the help of Servi, servers are able to spend more time with customers, while Servi runs food orders between the kitchen and customers.
All in all, Hodori BBQ is an excellent dining choice, whether you are going out with friends or just craving Korean food.
