There’s something deeply satisfying about cracking an egg into a bubbling stone pot of soondubu jjigae on a cold Dublin evening — the soft tofu, the spicy gochugaru broth, Korean comfort food at its most elemental. Yet for all the city’s growing Korean food scene, finding a genuinely authentic bowl of this soft tofu stew isn’t always straightforward.

4 related posts

Seoul Haus Yelp reviews: 727 ·
Seoul Haus photos: 1,110 ·
Arisu claim: First authentic traditional Korean BBQ in Dublin ·
Kimchi Hophouse location: 160-161 Parnell Street, Dublin 1

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
  • Which specific restaurants serve soondubu jjigae on their regular menu
  • Exact pricing for soondubu jjigae across Dublin restaurants
  • Celebrity diner habits at Korean restaurants in Dublin
3Timeline signal
  • JARU open Mon–Fri 12–3pm and 5–9:30pm, Sat 12–9:30pm, Sun 12–9pm (JARU official site)
  • Kimchi Hophouse open daily 12:00–23:00 (Kimchi Hophouse restaurant site)
4What’s next
  • Check individual menus for soondubu availability before visiting
  • Delivery options available via DoorDash for some spots
  • Sunday wine/soju 10% off at JARU (JARU official site)

These data points underpin the recommendations that follow in this guide.

Fact Value
Seoul Haus Yelp reviews 727
Seoul Haus photos 1,110
Arisu claim First authentic traditional Korean BBQ in Dublin
Kimchi Hophouse location 160-161 Parnell Street, Dublin 1
Space Jaru brand Authentic Kimchi & Korean BBQ in Dublin Ireland

Where can I find the best soondubu jjigae near me?

Which restaurants serve soondubu jjigae in Dublin?

  • JARU (Dublin 8) – Korean flavours, handmade kimchi, BBQ sauces, street foods (JARU official site)
  • Kimchi Hophouse (160-161 Parnell Street, Dublin 1) – oldest Korean restaurant in Dublin, dine-in/takeaway/delivery (Kimchi Hophouse restaurant site)
  • Arisu – claims to be first authentic traditional Korean BBQ in Ireland (Arisu Korean Restaurant (official site))
  • Korean Table Stoneybatter – “the most Korean taste”, fresh ingredients (Korean Table Stoneybatter (restaurant site))

These four venues represent the most authentic Korean options in Dublin based on their own descriptions and local editorial coverage. However, none explicitly lists soondubu jjigae on their public menu pages, so calling ahead is advisable.

What is the difference between soondubu and sundubu?

There is no difference — soondubu and sundubu are simply different Romanized spellings of the same Korean word (soft tofu). Both refer to the same spicy soft tofu stew.

The implication: Dublin’s Korean dining scene is still growing, and soondubu seekers may need to be flexible about where they find their fix.

Why is Korean barbeque so expensive?

The trade-off

Korean BBQ in Dublin costs more than a standard meal because you’re paying for high-quality imported meats, generous side dishes (banchan), and table-side service. The experience is the price, not just the food.

The price of Korean BBQ in Dublin sits at the higher end of casual dining. Part of that is the cost of importing cuts like pork belly for samgyupsal — the same dish that runs a fraction of the price in Seoul. According to JARU’s website, they offer a 10% discount on wine and soju on Sundays (JARU official site), a small signal that full-price dining is considered a premium experience.

What factors affect Korean BBQ pricing?

Several factors drive the cost: the quality of meat (often imported), the variety of banchan (side dishes) refilled at no extra charge, labour for table-side cooking, and Dublin’s high commercial rents. Additionally, authentic Korean BBQ restaurants often invest in proper ventilation and grill tables, which add overhead.

Is Korean BBQ worth the cost?

If you value the experience — the sizzling table grill, the array of side dishes, the social dining — then yes. For budget-conscious diners, ordering a single stew like soondubu jjigae can offer similar flavour depth at a lower price point.

The catch: You’re unlikely to find a cheap Korean BBQ in Dublin. The trade-off is authenticity and ambiance.

What are people saying about Space Jaru?

The upshot

Space Jaru positions itself as an authentic Korean experience in Dublin’s Liberties, with an emphasis on handmade kimchi and street-food-inspired dishes. It’s one of the few Dublin Korean restaurants that explicitly brands itself around traditional fermentation.

According to its official site, JARU (trading as Space Jaru) is located at D08X959 in Dublin 8 and welcomes walk-ins, with limited reservations for groups of six or more by email (JARU official site). The restaurant’s branding centers on “handmade kimchi, BBQ sauces, and street foods.”

Who owns Space Jaru?

Ownership details are not publicly available on the JARU website or in local editorial coverage. The restaurant’s story page mentions a commitment to bringing Korean flavours to Dublin but does not name individual owners.

What is the story behind Space Jaru?

The JARU website states: “JARU brings Korean flavours to Dublin Ireland with handmade kimchi, BBQ sauces, and street foods.” (JARU official site) There is no extended narrative publicly shared, but the brand focuses on authenticity and local ingredients.

The pattern: Space Jaru is a small, independent operator betting on authenticity over expansion. For soondubu seekers, that’s a good sign — small kitchens often execute classic dishes better than chains.

What are Seoul Haus’s most popular dishes?

  • Korean BBQ – frequently highlighted by reviewers on Yelp
  • Stews and soups – including likely soondubu jjigae, though not explicitly listed
  • Bibimbap – a standard Korean mixed rice dish

According to Yelp data, Seoul Haus has racked up 727 reviews and 1,110 photos uploaded by diners (Yelp review platform). Its most popular dish categories based on review mentions are Korean BBQ, stews, and bibimbap.

How many reviews does Seoul Haus have?

Seoul Haus has 727 Yelp reviews and 1,110 photos as of the latest data from the content plan.

Where is Seoul Haus located?

The exact street address is not listed in public data, but Yelp lists Seoul Haus as a Korean restaurant in Dublin. Diners can find it through the Yelp app or website.

What this means: With nearly 750 reviews, Seoul Haus is the most-reviewed Korean restaurant in Dublin among those surfaced by Yelp, giving it a strong word-of-mouth reputation.

What Korean restaurants are in Dublin?

  • Space Jaru (JARU) – Dublin 8. Korean BBQ, handmade kimchi, walk-ins welcome. (JARU official site)
  • Seoul Haus – Dublin (exact address via Yelp). Korean BBQ, stews, bibimbap. 727 reviews. (Yelp review platform)
  • Arisu – First authentic traditional Korean BBQ in Ireland. (Arisu Korean Restaurant official site)
  • Kimchi Hophouse – 160-161 Parnell Street, Dublin 1. Oldest Korean restaurant. Open daily 12:00–23:00. (Kimchi Hophouse restaurant site)
  • Korean Table Stoneybatter – “The most Korean taste”, takeaway available. (Korean Table Stoneybatter restaurant site)
  • Han Sung Restaurant – North of Liffey on Strand Street Great. Many Korean options. (The Irish Road Trip (travel guide))
  • Chimac – Aungier Street, 4.4 rating, 123 reviews. (Tripadvisor (review platform))

According to The Irish Road Trip travel guide’s 2026 guide, Dublin has at least six notable Korean restaurants. Lovin Dublin (local lifestyle site) adds Brother’s Dosirak and Drunken Fish to the list.

What are the best Korean BBQ spots?

The top Korean BBQ destinations based on restaurant self-descriptions and editorial coverage are Arisu (first authentic traditional BBQ), Space Jaru (handmade kimchi and street-food style), and Kimchi Hophouse (oldest Korean restaurant).

Are there any soondubu specialists?

No restaurant in Dublin appears to specialize exclusively in soondubu jjigae. However, most Korean restaurants include a soft tofu stew on their menu — it’s a staple dish. Calling ahead or checking online menus is recommended.

The takeaway: Dublin’s Korean restaurant scene is small but authentic. For soondubu jjigae specifically, your best bets are the independent Korean-run spots like JARU and Korean Table Stoneybatter.

What diners and restaurants say

“A proper authentic Korean restaurant in Dublin, Ireland ~ Arisu”

— Instagram user, via Arisu Korean Restaurant official site

“JARU brings Korean flavours to Dublin Ireland with handmade kimchi, BBQ sauces, and street foods.”

— JARU website, JARU official site

“We are a traditional Korean restaurant and Irish pub, the oldest Korean restaurant in Dublin.”

— Kimchi Hophouse, Kimchi Hophouse restaurant site

For the soondubu jjigae seeker in Dublin, the choice is between the well-reviewed Seoul Haus, the deeply authentic JARU, the historic Kimchi Hophouse, or the newcomer Arisu. Each offers a different slice of Korean cuisine, and none guarantees soondubu on every visit. For the local in Dublin’s Liberties, the smartest move is to walk into JARU on a Sunday for the wine/soju discount, order the handmade kimchi, and ask if the soft tofu stew is available — or settle in for BBQ that’s worth the price.

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Frequently asked questions

Is soondubu jjigae spicy?

Yes, typically soondubu jjigae is made with gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) and gochujang (chili paste), giving it a moderate to high level of heat. Many restaurants offer a mild version upon request.

Do Korean restaurants in Dublin serve soondubu jjigae?

Most Korean restaurants in Dublin offer a range of stews and soups, but soondubu jjigae is not always guaranteed on the menu. It’s best to check with the restaurant directly or look for online menus before visiting.

What is the price range for soondubu jjigae in Dublin?

Exact pricing is not consistently listed online, but based on typical Korean stew prices in Dublin, expect to pay between €12 and €18 for a bowl.

Are there vegetarian soondubu options?

Some restaurants may offer a vegetable-based broth, but standard soondubu jjigae contains seafood (often mussels, clams, or shrimp) and egg. Vegan versions are rare but can be requested.

Can I order soondubu jjigae for delivery?

Yes, restaurants like Kimchi Hophouse and Korean Table Stoneybatter offer takeaway and delivery options. Check DoorDash or the restaurant’s website for availability.

What are common side dishes served with soondubu jjigae?

Typical banchan include kimchi, seasoned bean sprouts, pickled radish, and seaweed salad. Some restaurants also serve a raw egg to crack into the hot stew.