We’re still a while away from temperatures dropping into the 10s but there’s already one restaurant we’re keeping in mind for when it’s time to chow down on wholesome comfort food: Bonjuk, the popular Korean porridge chain, is expanding to Hong Kong!
As one of the largest restaurant chains in South Korea, Bonjuk operates more than 2,000 shops domestically, and has overseas presence in markets such as the US, Japan, and Taiwan. Not bad for a brand that was founded in 2002. Bonjuk’s claim to fame – other than having the peerless Gong Yoo endorsing their porridge on every shopfront – is the mainstream popularisation of Korean juk, transforming this traditional homestyle dish into a fast-casual meal suitable for all-day dining while being nutritious and healthy. Bonjuk’s culinary empire even includes prepackaged juk pouches and ready-to-eat porridge bowls, so their nourishing congee can easily be enjoyed at home as well.
On Bonjuk’s menu, you’ll find signatures such as abalone porridge, ginseng chicken porridge, octopus and kimchi porridge, beef and mushroom porridge, and so much more. Flavours aren’t limited to savouries, either – Bonjuk also offers ‘dessert’ options such as sweet pumpkin, red bean, mung bean, and black sesame.
Most Hongkongers are already familiar with the concept of rice porridge as a comfort food, but there are small differences between Cantonese-style juk and Korean-style juk. Cantonese juk uses slow-boiled rice to create a soupy, starchy base that can be enjoyed on its own with minimal toppings for a plain flavour, or with additions such as shredded chicken, century eggs, minced beef, pork, and even fish. Korean juk is made using a similar approach but results in a thicker consistency, with chicken as a traditional flavour. In both cases, it can be enjoyed any time, and is often eaten as a recovery food.
Not much else is known about Bonjuk’s arrival in Hong Kong other than the fact that an opening in the city has been announced, with the details surrounding its location and launch date still tightly under wraps. Considering the news is out, it won’t be long now until we’re tucking into piping hot, comforting bowls of Korean abalone porridge!
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