Archive | July 2023

So Gong Dong – Ala Moana, HI

Jul5

Oh man, I haven’t been to So Gong Dong in probably over a decade. Maybe more? Forreal. We were craving Korean food so we came to check them out! They are now in the same building as Yogurstory (former Likelike Drive Inn). Parking is a bit tight since they share the lot with Yogurstory and that place is crazy busy as heck but I was able to get a stall right away. Also, get plenty road work behind the building so no more street parking there for now. So Gong Dong was good and they were pretty fast bringing out the food. Still doesn’t beat my favorite Korean restaurant though (Frog House).

Kimchi Pancake | $17.55

Yummy pancake, nice and crispy. Small kine thick but it’s okay, tasted good. Was it $18 good? Well, I know how easy it is to make so no it’s not worth the price but also I am lazy so we are all good, no judgements made here.

You can also see their banchan here, good typical banchan fare. Nothing to complain about.

Kalbi | $23.95
marinated short rib

I mean, it was good but when is this dish ever bad right? Hard to screw this dish up.

Combination Soondubu (Soft Tofu Soup) | $12.95
beef, shrimp, clam

They are know for their soondubu and I think it’s probably the best value dish on their menu. I like that you can get all kine different soondubu, I wanted bang for my buck so I got the combination. They also give you a raw egg.

Kind of fun to crack it into the soup at the table. No worries, the soup is so piping hot that it cooks the egg. Just stir around if you don’t trust it, I just buried it into the soup carefully because I no like break the yolk. This soup was delicious! I would get it again!

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Le’s Banh Mi – Ala Moana, HI

Jul3

I love myself a good banh mi and am always in search of a good one. I grew up with the ones from Bale, and while they are good, they are not great. Can’t go wrong when you go to a shop that specializes in them! I’ve wanted to try Le’s Banh Mi for a while now and recently got a chance to try them! They are located in the 808 Sheridan building on the 3rd floor.

The customer service was a bit lackluster but that’s okay, I’m there for the food. Maybe I went on an off day for service. This place was pretty warm when I walked in, like it was the oven. But I was excited to see that they bake their own bread! So I waited outside for my sandwiches in anticipation.

Roasted Pork Banh Mi | $10.50

Sorry the pic is a bit blurry, but take a look at the innards! They pack it in! And roast pork, they mean Chinese style roast pork, you know…with the crispy skin. Although, by the time you eat the sandwich, not really crispy. It still tasted great!

Saigon Special Banh Mi | $10.50

My favorite one, hands down. Anytime I see the saigon special, I know that’s the one I need to get. They put in a variety of meats and a handsome dollop of pate. If you don’t like pate, don’t get this sandwich. Can I praise the bread please? It is SO good. I don’t know if you can tell but it’s not at all doughy, perfect amount of fluff and it’s super light and crispy. Such a good sandwich…I like go back already. Highly recommend!

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