The food was like a snack more than a meal. It wasn’t tasty. We only ate because we were hungry. Wouldn’t recommend eating here. Excellent staff though.
The tofu and the banchan were quite good! Just wish the portions were bigger for the price. For the banchan set they only fill it halfway. At least 75% full please! The tofu was yum when I brought it home and just ate it fresh with soy sauce, sesame oil, sesame seeds. The owner (pretty sure the guy from the bon appetit video) sprinkled some flower petals on my carrots as he checked me out. That was cute.
Bustling but efficient, tasty and hospitable, rooted in local farms and traditional diaspora, take out and dine-with-your-dog, and most importantly, delicious and clean.I had one free day in the Oakland/SF area while traveling and so glad to get this recommendation to reconnect with college friends Steve Joo and Shigeharu Kobayashi. Felt as though I encountered half of Oakland during the course of the afternoon. Wonderful welcoming atmosphere and fresh (quite literally!) food concept.
Really charming space. Everything tasted very homey and best thing was the fried tofu that had a delicate thin crispy batter. I found that a lot of dishes kind of taste samey and it was kind of pricey.
First things first: the flavor of the tofu is immediately noticeable compared to store bought House Tofu. There is a wonderful and much deeper flavor in Joodooboo’s tofu that impressed me right away.The banchan I tried was also very good. The rice theif in particular was delicious and all 3 I purchased felt healthy to eat while having great flavor.I hope the Joodooboo team continues making great stuff from their shop.My single critique is that at $9/12oz block, it’s a far distance away from a $2 14oz of House Tofu. I hope as they continue to scale and grow that price considerations (maybe discounted price based on volume?) will be available.
If you like quiet, authentic, sweet little places, especially little Korean places that serve up amazingly fresh food that leaves you feeling nourished and ready for an afternoon activity, then Joodooboo is it.
Their housemade Korean bonchon, Tofu, and bimbimpap is fresh, innovative, and delicious. One thing I would improve is the wait time. The food could be served faster, especially during lunch hours.
This new deli run by well-known local chef Steve Joo serves Korean small dishes (banchan) made out of fresh produce from local farms (including the famous Cannard Family Farm).I want to try all the banchans so got the 6-pack banchan for $18. Every dish is so intricate and you can tell a lot of labour goes into each.I loved the soy-picked carrots and DooBooMooChiim, which is an assortment of vegetables with tofu bits. It sounds so simple but it’s heaven. I also had their squid and crispy rice lunch special which was magic. (The picture here shows a double portion as I ordered two with a friend)They have subscriptions too so you can pick up a bigger lot of their healthy banchans and fresh tofu to compliment meals throughout the week.My only complaint is they have limited opening hours right now which makes it hard for me to pick up more stuff. Hopefully they will expand their hours soon!
Insanely delicious, would highly recommend the kale banchan called the Rice Thief. Still thinking about it days laterReally great design went into this place too. The logo, the sign, the vibes.UPDATE: came back and got the pickled herring, delicious so tender & displayed beautifully highly recommend !!
We just got delivery and everything is really delicious and beautiful. My spouse who despises kabocha thinks the banchan kabocha, lightly yuzu-citrus flavored, is the best he’s ever had. Bummer we live in Los Angeles or we would be back frequently.
Neighborhood spot and destination dining experience in one. Id eat here every week (multiple times) if I could. All the food is carefully considered and crafted. The tofu is amazing. The Fried Dooboo Set never misses. They have great seasonal specials. I feel lucky to live nearby.
Overpriced pickles and tofu, for the most part. Anchovy broth was all right. Mackerel sashimi was sub par. Unsatisfying overall. The bus your own table reminders were laughable.
Super delicious small plates. Every banchan was flavorful and a delight to my palette. The tofu + sauce was fresh and melts in the mouth. Definitely coming back.
This place is amazing. Not only is the dooboo/tofu made fresh every day out of this world (especially with the magical dooboo sauce) and unlike anything Ive ever had, but the weekly banchan (Korean side dish) specials are also thoughtfully crafted and oh-so flavorful. I have had all of the weekly banchan offerings on several occasions and loved them all. Everything Ive had has been incredibly filling yet light, healthy and refreshing. If you havent been, stop by and meet the friendly and passionate folks at Joodooboo. You wont be disappointed by what they feed you.
I checked in about gluten free and enjoyed the joodooboo set! The fried silken tofu is amazing
Korean appetiser and pickle (banchan) specialist - another wonderful first gen Asian American run spot. Wonderfully prepared and well balanced flavours, really uplevelled the at home KBBQ experience.
A friend recommended this place to me, tried it out today and was very pleased. I’ve only tried the Acorn Bowl (a cold, flavorful noodle bowl that was perfect for a warm day and beautifully prepared), but definitely hope to come back soon to try more!
Really charming and incredibly clean spot for lunch or dinner. I usually take their recommendation on what I should have each time. I typically stay away from fried stuff, but the fried tofu here is so light and beautiful.
My credentials are: I descend from tofu/soy people. Joodooboo is, hands down, the best shop (oh, the only shop?) in the East Bay for freshest tofu. Feel really lucky Joodooboo exists! If you dine-in the food presentation is gorgeous. All food is fresh and delightful.
Really great food. A lot of care went into the creation of the food here. Theres so much complexity that is deceptively simple. Ive cooked a lot of Korean food myself, but I cant match the level of preparation and sourcing all the ingredients that go into the crafting of this food. Honestly, Joodooboo food could be served in any super high end new Korean restaurant but its available through your friendly neighborhood deli. Its not cheap, but the value is there.
Some of the best ban chan and tofu you will ever have. If I lived closer, I would definitely be on their weekly subscription service. Would love to see their products in local grocery stores.
Wow. This place lives up to the hype! The farmers bowl was incredibly flavorful, delicious, and filling. It was clear that every element of the bowl was attentively constructed, down to the dressing on the greens (which was a surprise favorite for me)! Very friendly staff and a nice, clean and inviting space. Will absolutely be back for more.
Steve and his crew make the most delicious and fresh food. I could eat this every day. When you want to go out to a meal, and want to be able to feel how much love is in what you are eating, and also in the ingredients its sourced from, then eat at joodooboo. The banchan subscription is also fantastic. If you want to take that love home with you.
Solid food. The vegan banchan and fried tofu set were great. The food is really fresh and healthy. Only wished the vegan set also came with a soup because without it, the rice and set overall was a bit dry.
Got the banchan assortment. It was tasty but the portion sizes were really small. $18 for a few bites of each banchan.
Delicious fresh tofu. The type of specialty item worth spending more on.
I got to visit Joodooboo in Oakland and it absolutely deserves five stars! This bustling yet efficient deli, run by renowned local chef Steve Joo, offers a delightful culinary experience rooted in local farms and traditional diaspora.The concept of serving Korean small dishes, known as banchan, made from fresh produce sourced from local farms, including the famous Cannard Family Farm, truly impressed me. I opted for the 6-pack banchan, which showcased the intricate flavors and labor that went into each dish. Despite not eating fish, I was thrilled to find an array of delicious options that catered to my preferences.Among my favorites were the soy-picked carrots and the DooBooMooChiim, an assortment of vegetables with tofu bits. The simplicity of the dish was heavenly, and the balance of flavors was impeccable. I also had the pleasure of trying their squid and crispy rice lunch special, which was simply magical. The accompanying picture shows a double portion as I shared it with a friend who also marveled at the flavors.Joodooboo offers subscriptions for those looking to enjoy a larger variety of their healthy banchans and fresh tofu throughout the week. Its a fantastic option for those seeking convenient and wholesome meals.My only complaint is the limited opening hours, which makes it a bit challenging to visit more frequently. I do hope that Joodooboo expands its hours soon, as the experience and flavors they offer are truly exceptional.In conclusion, Joodooboo in Oakland is a hidden gem that combines delicious and clean dining with a hospitable atmosphere. The dedication to sourcing fresh, local ingredients and the intricate flavors of their banchans make it a must-visit for anyone craving a unique culinary experience. Even if you dont eat fish, like myself, youll still find a delightful array of options to enjoy. Five stars without a doubt!
Truly blown away. Such thoughtfully prepared, delicious, and super fresh food. My stomach smiled after eating here. Ordered a bowl (rather than the 6-piece banchan) and felt like it was a perfect portion size for a very hungry mid-size human.
Joodooboo is truly the best place for banchan and handmade tofu in the bay! We have a subscription to pick some up every week and we are always delighted by the awesome flavors and textures, and we always feel healthier after each meal. Will continue coming back here as long as were in the bay area!!
The food was good but the selection wasnt great.
Tasty, really fun and unique flavors. Plated beautifully. Restaurant has good vibes too.Definitely worth checking out to see if it agrees with your palate.
Exceedingly poor value.
Fresh tofu was so good. We took it home and pan fried it, then served it with their sauce and banchan sampler-- yummmmmm! Staff is really nice and I love that they call out what is vegetarian and vegan. Would definitely come back.
Really awesome food (I added the fried egg)! They have new local regulars :)
Do yourself a favor and order the special of the day whenever there is one. Steve cooks soulful food that nourishes your body and spirit. The ban chan and tofu are staples in our home.
The dooboo aka tofu is delicious and a great slightly crumbly texture. This is the only place I can find (online searching only) that has fresh/ not pre-packaged tofu available locally since covid! For medical reasons, Im on a raw alkalizing diet, and cant have pre-packaged tofu as the processing & cooking makes it acid-forming. Im able to mix it into my salads and use it in custom recipes. I mostly ate it alone when I first discovered it, just enjoying the texture and sauce.Its best for me to avoid sauces, but the dooboo sauce is light & flavorful for those who can enjoy it, as well as an occasional treat for me!
Get the set and enjoy! Some of the best fried tofu Ive ever had.
Its not the cheapest, fanciest, fastest, or biggest portions of Korean food around, but IT IS the freshest, tastiest, and most creative. Always a treat.
Delicious fresh Fried Tofu plate was delicious. The staff was so pleasant and the atmosphere so peaceful. I’m so glad I tried this place.
Love this spot. So much soul and care in the food. Everything is so fresh and so lovely. Love the vibe too! I definitely would love to come back!
This place is so clean and the staff is so friendly. It’s a very nice open space which is always refreshing and everything about this place is welcoming. The staff is so kind and I love how you can see them making the tofu right in front of you. Everything is so fresh, I highly highly HIGHLY recommend this place.
Beautiful cozy place for a healthy dinner. Even though I am a meat lover, I loved the vegetarian dishes I tried. The LaRatte potatoes are TO DIE FOR!
An extremely special place with the best tofu.
I love this place so much 😭 everything is delicious but my favorite is the green tomato kimchi and rotating specials. Ty Steve
An absolute must!! everything ive eaten here has been delicious. lovely, friendly vibes as well.
A welcome addition to the delicious food scene in Oakland! What they do with dooboo (tofu) is nothing short of amazing and the banchan and rotating specials are delightful as well!
Noodle bowl was delish and my friend’s fried tofu meal set looked amazing too.
Delicious. I got the: choose 6 banchan. Felt like a real gift to myself! Gluten free friendly too.
Great Tofu, Bonchon, and Company!This is a great spot to get yourself a delicious bit on Bonchon, and satisfy your cravings.
Wow! This is some delicious food. Thoughtfully prepared. Definitely one of those meals that you keep thinking about afterwards!
So fresh and nourishing! Only complaint is that it took a while (about 20 minutes) for the food to come out.
Fresh, filling, nutritious, balanced, unique, beautiful TOFU, and super sweet friendly staff. Thank you!
Joodooboos Tofu and Banchan has a reserved place in my heart and in my list of favorites.
Amazing, the freshness, care in making the product, plant forward, respect for ingredients and respect for the food culture.
Healthy, light, tasty!
Fantastic. I tried the entire menu. Everything was amazing.
Cute local place. Food is very fresh. They also have very friendly helpful service.
Fresh and delicious!
Yummmmm. Vegan, gluten free yummmm.
As close to perfection as you can get. Never disappointed.
Fried anchovies! Where have they been all my life?
Everything is good, nothing is bad, and the tofu is excellent!
Gentrification. This restaurant or whatever is gentrifying Longfellow.
SO good and so fresh!
The best tofu in the bay area!!!
Been dying to try this beautiful and local spot. Hit it up 🔥
Fantastic place with a rotating menu
Everyone should try!That good!
Cool spot, great food.
Too expensive
Total reviews rating 4.8
80 Reviews for Joodooboo 2024:
Review №1
2024-06-20 21:49:56Delicious vegetarian meal, with good ingredients and simple preparation, bursting with flavor.There were a few hidden gems (like the acorn noodles) that made it even more special.The location is modest - a few roadside tables outside, a few more inside. A nice high counter for laptopers. Service is friendly and fast.
Review №2
2024-05-23 06:14:59Been on my hit list, already planning to come back. SO good. Who knew that soybeans could hold so much power? I’ve always been a big fan of tofu but never understood the full potential until coming here. Been a big fan of Good to Eat for years now and when they featured the doo boo on their menu and a few friends had mentioned this spot, I knew it had to try it out. A great place to go and share dishes together to get to try a lot of different things. I appreciate how each day, the banchans change so there is always an opportunity to try something new and different. Each dish was super fresh, elevated by its creativity, and really let the ingredients sing. The attention to detail and care was clear, and it made for a very enjoyable and special meal to share.
Review №3
2024-05-04 18:41:51A slightly modern update on a Korean home-cooked meal: entering the realm of California-Korean cuisine.Fried Dooboo Set: perfectly steamed sticky rice, served with house made tofu, soup and 3 banchan. If yet to be invited to a Korean home to dine, this is a close second.A tastefully-designed culinary oasis in West Oakland.
Review №4
2024-02-18 07:39:30I came with my wife and an old friend. I ordered the fried dooboo set, my wife got the same but vegan, and my friend ordered the pan fried fish.Everything was flavorful, fresh, and balanced. The meal came out looking exactly as good as it does in the pictures, and tasting even better.This is a great casual date night spot - good food, reasonable price, and a nice atmosphere.
Review №5
2024-01-14 00:12:45Pricey, but delicious. Excellent ingredients (was told theyre local), colorful presentation. Pleasant service. The interior is very pleasant, good background music, nice seating, lots of light from the windows. If you are craving Korean and want an incredible meal of light food, this is the place.Recommended without reservations.
Review №6
2024-01-27 01:38:37I had the fried dooboo set and thoroughly enjoyed it. The tofu was nicely dense while maintaining a silky texture that went really well with the fried outer shell. Sauce added a nice saltiness and ginger flavor to the tofu. Kimchi was on point, and the tofu & watercress(?) salad with sesame was delicious. I liked that the miso soup was nicely fishy and had solid pieces of tofu in it. All of the ingredients tasted super fresh. Overall really enjoyed every bite of this and will be back again.
Review №7
2024-05-29 21:42:08LOVE this place wish there was one in my area- I’d be there weekly.Fresh, healthy, flavorful
Review №8
2023-08-03 20:03:01Can’t really think of another place where I can get good quality Korean food that will give me that satisfying fill after a meal there. I get all the greens I need from the wide selection that they offer. Feels good that I had a healthy and delicious bowl of buckwheat noodles. The dressing is not too heavy, just enough to gently coat the noodles and greens on it.This is my go-to place!
Review №9
2023-12-15 10:08:32Stopped by for snack and got the vegan banchan sampler, which included all of their daily banchan that was vegan, some steamed quinoa rice, a small salad and fried fresh tofu. Everything was flavorful and good.
Review №10
2023-06-15 14:41:06Tofu is my favorite food from childhood so the freshness of this tofu was exquisite to me. The combination of all flavors were simple and delicious. The owner was there working and serving with his staff which I love to see. We sampled many dishes but my favorite was definitely the fried tofu!