Hello, this is Mari-tabi. On a Sunday afternoon in Shin-Okubo, I found myself searching for some “properly good Korean food ” and ended up at Kkulbam . This spot is so famous it pops up in almost every social media feed and search result, but is it actually worth the hype?
• Name: Kkulbam (Honey Night)Address: 2F Hikari Building, 1-1-22 Hyakunincho, Shinjuku-ku, TokyoAccess: About a 3-minute walk from Shin-Okubo Station.Payment: Cash and credit card accepted. Crowds & Bookings: While you can put your name on the waiting list , you can also book a table in advance even for lunch on Tabelog. Booking is definitely the smoothest way to go.
Skip the lines and stay connected instantly with our high-speed Japan eSIM, delivered to your email for immediate setup upon arrival.
Note The entrance is a bit tricky to find! It’s right next to Nishi-Okubo Park. Take the lift to the 2nd floor from in front of the yakiniku restaurant “Nanman Kogi” on the ground floor.
The Atmosphere: A Welcoming Space for Everyone Inside, the restaurant has that classic “Shin-Okubo vibe” with K-pop music videos playing , but the decor is simple and relaxed. The crowd wasn’t just teenagers and people in their 20s ; I saw plenty of families and groups in their 40s and 50s too. It has a lovely atmosphere where anyone can feel comfortable enjoying a meal.
The Main Event: Lunch-Only “Yukhoe & Ganjang-saeu Bibimbap” I ordered the one dish that no yukhoe lover should miss:
Yukhoe & Ganjang-saeu Bibimbap (¥1,958 inc. tax) This is a lunch-only menu item!
Visual Impact The moment it arrives, the generous serving of yukhoe and tobikko (flying fish roe) catches your eye!
A Luxurious Trio You get the popping texture of the tobikko, the rich flavour of the yukhoe , and the succulent, plump texture of the ganjang-saeu (soy-marinated prawns) all at once.
Hospitality The staff cut the prawns for you at the table , making it very easy to eat without getting your hands messy.
Pro Tip It already contains seaweed, but if you wrap it in the extra “Korean seaweed” provided on the side, the salty, seaside aroma makes it even more delicious!
It’s perfect not only for rice bowls but also as a snack.
Samgyeopsal and Other Lunch Options While I went for the bibimbap, many tables around me were enjoying their signature samgyeopsal ( pork belly).
Great Value Set They offer a plan with 10 dishes plus all-you-can-drink for ¥5,000, which is a fantastic deal for groups.
Loved samgyeopsal in Tokyo? Recreate it at home.
Other Lunch Choices • Yukhoe Bibimbap Set
Whether you love spicy food or prefer something milder, there’s something for every mood.
Service and Things to Note Service Speed Many of the staff are Korean and they are incredibly efficient. The food arrives quickly after ordering , so you can make the most of your lunch break.
Large Groups Tables can seat up to six people. For larger groups, you may have to split up or wait on the stairs outside , so it’s best to coordinate early if you’re visiting with many friends.
Summary: The “Can’t-Go-Wrong” Yukhoe Lunch in Shin-Okubo! • One of the most popular and trusted spots in Shin-Okubo.A welcoming atmosphere for all generations.
If you’re wondering where to eat in Shin-Okubo—especially if you’re a yukhoe fan—I can wholeheartedly recommend this place!
Two popular lunch spots Tokyo food lovers shouldn’t miss.
あわせて読みたい Tonkatsu Akira (Shibuya) — Salmon Rare Katsu Review Hello — there! On this occasion, I visited the much discussed tonkatsu specialty restaurant in Shibuya, Tonkatsu Akira. Supervised by a Michelin-trained chef… 
Comments