A must-visit spot for soft tofu stew lovers (or skeptics!)
To be honest, I was never a big fan of sundubu (soft tofu stew) before this trip. I always thought it was too bland and mild, so I usually didn’t go out of my way to eat it.
But during my recent trip to Gangneung, I had an unexpected change of heart.
While wandering without a plan, I remembered seeing a restaurant on the variety show "Jeon Hyun-moo’s No Plan Trip" and decided to stop by Chodang Tobagi Grandma Sundubu without much expectation.
Little did I know, this meal would completely change how I feel about sundubu!
✨What is Sundubu?
Sundubu (순두부) is a Korean dish made with extra-soft tofu, often served as a stew with vegetables, seafood, or meat in a flavorful broth. It’s warm, comforting, and especially popular in coastal or traditional towns like Gangneung where the tofu is made fresh every day.
This restaurant in particular uses Chodang-style tofu, which is famous for its delicate texture and clean flavor, made using natural sea water.
Let me share my full experience – from the cozy atmosphere to the absolutely delicious meal that made me a sundubu fan for life.
📌 Restaurant Info
- Name: Chodang Tobagi Halmae Sundubu (초당토박이할머니순두부)
- Address: 47 Chodang Sundubu-gil, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do (Google map link)
- Hours: 08:00 – 20:00 (Last order at 19:00)
- Break time: 15:30 – 17:00
- Closed: Every Tuesday
- Notes: Table reservation via Tabling app available / On-site parking (limited spaces)
🏡 Exterior – A Nostalgic Village Vibe
The restaurant is located in Chodang Village, known for its tofu tradition.
With its tiled roof and weathered wooden sign, the place had the warm charm of an old countryside home — like stepping into your grandma’s yard.
There’s a designated waiting area at the entrance, and I highly recommend using the Tabling app to join the queue ahead of time.
We arrived around 8:30 AM on a weekend, and there were already over 10 groups waiting!
🪑 Interior – Warm and Welcoming Atmosphere
Inside, you’ll find a mix of floor seating and table seating.
The entire space was styled like a cozy, traditional Korean home — clean, peaceful, and inviting.
What stood out most?
You can actually watch them make the tofu on-site.
And here’s a lovely touch: they offer free okara (tofu byproduct) in woven baskets for guests to take.
That small act really touched me — you can feel the care behind every detail.
📋 Menu
As expected from a tofu-specialty spot, the menu is simple and focused:
- Sundubu Jeongol 순두부전골 (Spicy Tofu Hot Pot)
- Modubu 모두부 (Firm Tofu – Half/Full Block)
- Sundubu Baekban 초두부 (Soft Tofu with Rice Set)
- Cheonggukjang 청국장 (Fermented Soybean Stew)
Just a few options — but they clearly take pride in doing them well.
🧾 Our Meal & Taste Review
After about 30 minutes of waiting, we were seated and quickly served a tray of beautifully arranged side dishes.
The banchan (Korean side dishes) were all delicious — even the namul (seasoned vegetables), which I don’t normally enjoy, were full of flavor.
The fish was served warm and tender, with no unpleasant fishiness.
And the okara? Rich, nutty, and honestly unforgettable. I wish I knew how to recreate it at home!
🍲 What We Ordered
✅ Modubu (Half Block Tofu)
The tofu had a firm outer layer but was soft and silky inside.
It didn’t fall apart when picked up with chopsticks, and tasted great with soy sauce or kimchi.
✅ Sundubu Jeongol (Spicy Soft Tofu Hot Pot)
I wasn’t expecting much... but the first spoonful blew me away.
The tofu was perfectly delicate and the broth had a deep, spicy umami thanks to clams and other seafood.
The chewy ingredient I thought was squid turned out to be shredded mushrooms — such a clever addition!
🌟 Final Thoughts – A Newfound Love for Sundubu
This was hands down one of the most memorable meals of our trip.
I used to avoid sundubu, but this restaurant completely changed my perspective.
The dishes were flavorful without being too heavy, every side dish was crafted with care, and the whole place had a heartwarming charm.
It’s a perfect spot to bring your parents or older relatives for a comforting meal.
Next time I’m in Gangneung, I’m definitely coming back — this time with my family!
Just don’t forget to use the Tabling app in advance — it’ll save you a lot of wait time.
