Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible seating
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
oChef » Korean Tofu House Express – Seattle
Korean Tofu House Express - Seattle
Photo from Korean Tofu House Express
Korean Tofu House Express at a glance
Seattle University Heights
- π₯’ Korean Restaurant
$$
Price per Person $21β$30
mentioned by 102 of the guests
#336 out of 858 places to eat in Seattle
#3 Korean Restaurant out of 9 in Seattle
Good
7.8 out of 10
Food
Service
Ambience
Value
265
Reviews
80.4%
Satisfaction
Often praised
- Delicious Food
- Good Ambiance
Frequently criticized
- Value Concerns
- Service Inconsistency
The restaurant, a delightful Korean eatery in Seattle’s vibrant University Heights neighborhood, offers a fantastic spot for a quick bite. You’ll find Korean Tofu House Express to be a casual and welcoming place, perfect for enjoying authentic Korean flavors.
Whether you’re looking for healthy options or vegetarian dishes, this spot has you covered. It’s an ideal choice for both lunch and dinner, providing a convenient and tasty experience.
Overview: Introducting Korean Tofu House Express
Korean Tofu House Express offers a generally pleasant dining experience, particularly noted for its flavorful dishes. Many appreciate the delicious food, with specific praise for items like their hearty tofu soups and tasty kimbap.
The atmosphere also contributes positively, described as comfortable and suitable for a casual meal. While the culinary offerings are a strong point, some diners have noted concerns regarding value, citing increased prices and occasional small portions.
Service is generally good, though isolated instances of rude staff or issues with payment have been mentioned, suggesting some inconsistency.
Good
7.8
out of 10
265
Reviews
80.4%
Satisfaction
42
negative
10
neutral
213
positive
Overall, Korean Tofu House Express earns a solid 7.8, reflecting a generally positive reception. This is further supported by a strong 80.4% customer satisfaction rate, indicating that most patrons leave content.
These figures are drawn from a substantial body of feedback, with 213 positive remarks outweighing 42 negative ones among 265 total observations, painting a clear picture of its standing. Delving into specifics, the Food (8) and Ambience (8.2) stand out as particular strengths, consistently receiving high marks for quality and comfort.
Service (7.6) also performs well, with many appreciating the staff’s efficiency and friendliness. However, Value (5.5) presents a more mixed picture, suggesting that while some find it reasonable, others perceive recent price adjustments as a concern.
What people like
- Delicious food quality
- Pleasant atmosphere
- Prompt service
What people don't like
- Inconsistent value
- Occasional rude service
- Specific food issues
With a solid 7.7 recommendation score, Korean Tofu House Express generally delivers a satisfying experience. It’s a worthwhile option if you’re seeking flavorful Korean dishes in a comfortable setting, especially when you prioritize taste and a relaxed atmosphere over strict budget adherence.
However, be mindful of potential inconsistencies in value and service, which some patrons have encountered. If you’re sensitive to price fluctuations or expect flawless service every time, you might approach with tempered expectations.
For a casual meal with good food, it’s a reasonable choice.
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Verdict: Our expert take on Korean Tofu House Express
Food (8 out of 10)
mentioned by 97% of the guests
When it comes to the food, this spot really shines! With a good score of 8 and a good customer satisfaction of 80.9%, its clear that most diners are leaving happy. Out of 157 comments, a whopping 127 rave about the deliciousness, often praising the kimchi fried rice, beef tofu soup, and side dishes for their authentic Korean flavors.
However, a few of the 22 negative comments point out areas for improvement. Some found the spiciness level a bit tricky or felt the soup could lack flavor. There were also mentions of tough beef and some kimchi fried rice being overly greasy', suggesting a bit of inconsistency.
Food
157
Reviews
80%
Satisfaction
22
negative
8
neutral
127
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Delicious, authentic food
- Excellent side dishes
- Generous portion sizes
What people don't like
- Soup lacks flavor
- Meat can be tough
- Some dishes greasy
Often praised
- foodWow, just wow. This was the best thing Iβve ever eaten, and I can't believe we are lucky enough to share this with this divine establishment. The food was truly exceptional, and the overall experience was nothing short of spectacular.
- side dishesThey have different menu items if you order from the counter βexpressβ option versus ordering off their main menu. Ordering off their main menu comes with side dishes, typically. They always are able to accommodate big groups, which I love!
- banchanKorean Tofu Express is a hidden gem! The restaurant offers excellent banchan and the staff are friendly. My personal favorites are their delicious and hearty soft tofu soups.
- kimbapThe kimbap was also incredibly tasty!!
- sidesthe sides that the provided with the rice were quite flavourful.
- Korean foodmy go to place for Korean food
- kimchiThe kimchi overall was good!
- kimchi fried ricethe kimchi fried rice i ordered was really good!
- menuI visited because the nearby Korean Tofu House was full. The menu was almost identical to Korean Tofu House, but this location also offered takeout options like kimbap and bowls. I was satisfied to enjoy the same delicious taste as Korean Tofu House.
- tofu soupThe tofu soup was very delicious!
Frequently criticized
- kimbapkimbap was just bad, the taste and textures were off putting
- foodone dish did not have meat while several did
- ban chandidn't receive any ban chan with my order
- beef bulgogibulgogi being a bit too sweet for our taste
- black hairthere is black hair while my hair is blonde
- bulgogithe beef was tough and gristly
- cold noodlesCold noodle taste only sour and it is way bland
- eggseveral dishes also only had a quarter of an egg instead of half
- gamjatanggamjatang do not cook well
- greasyWe ordered the shrimp kimbap, which was not good, and we didn't even finish it. The kimchi fried rice was pretty tasty and good overall, but it was so unnecessarily greasy that I would probably not order it again : (
If youre craving authentic Korean flavors and generous portions, this place is definitely worth a try. While a few dishes might be inconsistent, the overwhelmingly positive feedback suggests youll likely find a delicious and satisfying meal here.
Service (7.6 out of 10)
mentioned by 53% of the guests
When it comes to service, this spot generally hits the mark, boasting a good score of 7.6 and a solid customer satisfaction rate of 80.4%. Many guests, with 41 positive remarks out of 51 total, frequently praise the friendly staff and quick service. Youll often hear about the warm hospitality, attentive servers, and how quickly your food arrives, making for a pleasant dining experience.
However, its not all sunshine and rainbows, as 9 negative comments point to some areas needing attention. A few patrons have unfortunately encountered rude staff attitudes, reported issues with payment, or experienced longer wait times. While these instances are less frequent, they suggest that service can occasionally be inconsistent, impacting the overall experience for some.
Service
51
Reviews
80%
Satisfaction
9
negative
1
neutral
41
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Friendly staff
- Quick service
- Warm hospitality
What people don't like
- Rude staff attitude
- Long wait times
- Payment issues
Often praised
- serviceMy experience at the restaurant was fantastic! I thoroughly enjoyed the delicious food and the great service. I would highly recommend the beef tofu soup.
- staffThis place is my favorite Korean restaurant! Their side and main dishes are super tasty and the staff is very nice! I highly recommend coming to this place!
- ServiceService:5
- customer servicethe customer service is really nice
- Wait timeWait time:No wait
- big groupsOrdering off their main menu comes with side dishes, typically. They always are able to accommodate big groups, which I love!
- experienceMy friends, family, and I have been coming here for the past few years and have had a great experience each time. The food is great and there are plentiful side dishes!
- foodMy experience at the restaurant was great! The servers were welcoming and the food came timely. The meal was delicious, and the atmosphere was clean and pretty.
- food arrivalIf you love Korean food, this is a great choice. The prices are reasonable, and the food arrives fairly quickly. The menu covers all of the basics of Korean cuisine.
- food came quicklyI ordered the japchae and it was absolutely delicious. The staff was incredibly kind, and the food came quickly. The atmosphere was rated a 5, and the service was also a 5.
Frequently criticized
- servicethe service made the whole experience uncomfortable
- managerManager yelled at us
- paymentcancelled my payment and forced me to add a tip
- serverThe server was really rude
- staff attituderude staff attitude
- wait timethe food took 20-25 minutes to arrive
- waiting timeafter 20 minutes had only received
Overall, the service here is generally good, with many enjoying friendly and efficient interactions. While occasional hiccups like rude staff or delays occur, most visits are positive. If you value mostly reliable and welcoming service, this spot is worth checking out.
Ambience (8.2 out of 10)
mentioned by 36% of the guests
When it comes to the ambience, this spot truly shines! With a strong score of 8.2 and an impressive 92.3% customer satisfaction, its clear most folks adore the atmosphere. Many guests rave about the awesome atmosphere, spacious place, and vibey Korean music, making it a comfortable spot for a meal, as seen in 36 positive remarks.
However, out of 39 total remarks, a few minor hiccups were noted. A couple of guests found the experience embarrassing due to a fly incident, and some mentioned parking' could be a bit challenging. These are isolated points, but worth keeping in mind for your visit.
Ambience
39
Reviews
92%
Satisfaction
3
negative
0
neutral
36
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Awesome atmosphere
- Spacious, comfortable place
- Vibey Korean music
What people don't like
- Fly during meal
- Challenging parking
Often praised
- atmosphereMy experience at the restaurant was great. The service was super fast and the atmosphere was casual. I loved the tofu soup and enjoyed the TV shows that were showing.
- noise levelIt's a quiet place, making it easy to talk
- ACthankfully they turned on the AC
- AtmosphereAtmosphere:5
- Christmas lightsI appreciate the christmas lights.
- awesome atmosphereMy experience at this restaurant was wonderful. It's a beautiful place with an awesome atmosphere. It was a great place to stop for a hot meal on a cold night.
- beautiful placeBeautiful place with an awesome atmosphere
- casual weekend lunchlove this place fir a casual weekend lunch
- comfortableit was comfortable to just be in
- exploring the surrounding areaexploring the surrounding area after the meal, which was nice
Frequently criticized
- embarrassingIt was embarrassing
- flyThe ox bone soup and tofu soup were just okay. Adding to the unpleasantness, there was a fly over our heads during our meal, which significantly worsened the overall experience.
- parkingParking was a bit challenging
If you're looking for a place with a great atmosphere, comfortable seating, and pleasant music, this restaurant is definitely worth a visit. The overall vibe is a huge plus, just be prepared for potentially tricky parking and hope for no unexpected winged guests.
Value (5.5 out of 10)
mentioned by 21% of the guests
When it comes to value, this spot seems to be a bit of a mixed bag, with a score of 5.5 and customer satisfaction sitting at 50%. Many folks appreciate the affordability, mentioning reasonable prices, low cost, and feeling its "worth the money. " Based on 9 positive opinions, some found the prices quite reasonable for decent main dishes, making it a reliable, budget-friendly option.
However, the value proposition isnt universally loved. With 8 negative opinions, some customers feel the price has gone up insanely, making it no longer worth it. Concerns about small portions for the cost and even an automatic gratuity have left others feeling that being too cheap might actually lose customers.
Value
18
Reviews
50%
Satisfaction
8
negative
1
neutral
9
positive
Rating distribution
What people like
- Reasonable prices
- Worth the money
- Good affordability
What people don't like
- Prices increased significantly
- Small portions for cost
- Automatic gratuity
Often praised
- priceEverything is also a good price!
- pricesMy experience at the restaurant offered reasonable prices and decent taste for the main dishes. However, the side dishes were overall very salty and dry, as if they had been left out for a bit.
- affordabilitythe affordability of it all
- low costHigh quality food for a low cost is always great
- reasonable pricesThe prices were reasonable
- reasonably pricedThis place is suchhh a good, reliable option when I want something reasonably priced but is also super worth the money on the Ave. They have different menu items if you order from the counter βexpressβ option versus ordering off their main menu.
- worth the moneyThis place is suchhh a good, reliable option when I want something reasonably priced but is also super worth the money on the Ave. They have different menu items if you order from the counter βexpressβ option versus ordering off their main menu.
Frequently criticized
- priceI ordered delivery and found the kimchi fried rice to be greasy, though it did have a good taste. However, the portion size was VERY VERY small for the almost $20 price. The kimbap was simply bad, with off-putting taste and textures that made me not want to finish it.
- automatic gratuityforced me to add a tip before paying again
- cheapbeing cheap too much will lose customer
- pricesI used to love this restaurant, but the prices have gone up so ridiculously much that itβs not even worth it anymore. It's so disappointing.
- same dishlast year same dish now is 30~40% higher
- worthI used to love this restaurant, but the prices have gone up so ridiculously much that itβs not even worth it anymore. It's so disappointing.
If youre looking for a potentially affordable meal and dont mind a bit of a gamble on portion sizes or recent price hikes, it might be worth a try. However, be aware that some feel the value isn't what it used to be, so manage your expectations regarding cost versus quantity.
How are the prices at Korean Tofu House Express?
Youβre looking at roughly 21 per person β reported by 102 diners. That puts it in the $21β$30 category. For a Korean Restaurant, itβs comfortably mid-range: not a steal, but not bank-breaking either.
While the average hovers around 21, it’s interesting to see that a good chunk of diners (63 of them!) actually spent a bit less, in the $11β$20 range. Meanwhile, 31 guests were in the $21β$30 bracket, and a few even splurged up to $41β$50, showing a nice mix of options.
Hereβs a quick look at what guests spend per person, based on the latest 102 reviews.
How this restaurant’s value stacks up against similar spots in Seattle.
Overall, we think the pricing here feels pretty fair for a Korean spot, offering a good range of options whether you’re looking for a quick, affordable bite or something a bit more special.
Customer Reviews: what people think about Korean Tofu House Express
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
10
Absolutely Divine Short Ribs!
My experience at this restaurant was incredible! I tried the short ribs and they were absolutely divine. I'm already planning my next visit just to have them again.
You definitely have to try them if you get the chance. I'm obsessed!
- short ribs10
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Cozy Rainy Day Soup Delight
On a rainy day, this place was a great find. I absolutely love soup, and it's a fantastic choice for staying hydrated and satisfied. The Christmas lights added a lovely touch to the atmosphere, and the staff were friendly.
I definitely recommend checking this place out! I ordered the veggie soup, which came with rice, eggs, and other delicious ingredients. It tasted wonderfully hearty and delicious.
- soup9
- veggie soup9
- Christmas lights8
Price per Person
- $21β$30
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Group Type
- Friends
Group Size
- Small Group
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Lunch
9
Delicious Spicy Pork BBQ with Cozy Atmosphere
My experience at the restaurant was very positive. I ordered the spicy pork bbq and was very satisfied with the food. The dish came with many different sides.
The atmosphere was cosy and nice, would recommend!
- spicy pork bbq9
- many different sides8
- atmosphere9
Price per Person
- $11β$20
Visit Type
- Food Exploration
Service Type
- Dine-in
Meal Type
- Dinner
Noise Level
- Quiet
10
Amazing Tofu Soup Weekly!
My experience at this restaurant has been consistently wonderful, especially with their tofu soup. I love it so much that I have it almost weekly, and I always request it extra spicy. The food quality is clearly a highlight, as indicated by the perfect score.
The atmosphere also received a perfect score, making it a great place to enjoy a meal. The noise level is quiet, which makes conversation easy. Overall, it's a fantastic dining experience.
- tofu soup10
- extra spicy9
- atmosphere10
Service Type
- Dine-in
9
Excellent Food and Service!
My experience at this restaurant was overwhelmingly positive. The customer service was really nice, and the food was good. Overall, it's a really good restaurant, and I would recommend it.
- customer service9
- food8
What Korean Tofu House Express offers
Crowd
- Family-friendly
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
Popular for
- Dinner
- Lunch
- Solo dining
Amenities
- Restroom
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Healthy options
- Vegetarian options
- Quick bite
Dining options
- Dinner
- Lunch
Service Options
- No-contact delivery
- Takeout
- Delivery
- Dine-in
Parking
- Usually plenty of parking
- Paid street parking
Atmosphere
- Casual
FAQs
What dining options and accessibility features does Korean Tofu House Express offer?
Korean Tofu House Express provides both lunch and dinner services. You’ll find the establishment to be fully accessible, featuring a wheelchair-accessible entrance, seating, and restroom, ensuring a comfortable experience for all guests.
Can you get food from Korean Tofu House Express in different ways, and is it suitable for families?
Absolutely! Korean Tofu House Express offers flexible service options including no-contact delivery, takeout, delivery, and dine-in. It’s also considered good for kids, making it a convenient and family-friendly choice for your next meal.
How does Korean Tofu House Express rate overall?
Korean Tofu House Express holds a strong overall score of 7.8. Its Food (8) and Ambience (8.2) are highly rated, with Service (7.6) also performing well. Value (5.5) is considered average.
What can I expect from the food at Korean Tofu House Express?
Customers frequently praise the delicious and flavorful dishes, including hearty tofu soups and tasty kimbap. While generally well-received, some specific food items have occasionally been noted for being greasy or having tough meat.
Is Korean Tofu House Express considered good value for money?
Opinions on value are mixed. While some find the prices reasonable and the food worth the money, others have expressed concerns about recent price increases and small portion sizes for certain dishes.