Woorijip

12 W 32nd St, New York, NY

You may have heard of this place, or perhaps you haven’t, but the first time you try it is invariably sparked by a craving for a solid, efficient lunch that isn’t boring, which is rarer than you may think even in the middle of Midtown Manhattan. Woorijip epitomizes the adventurous flavors and eclectic blends of ingredients that are unique to Korean cuisine on Koreatown’s vibrant 32nd Street, particularly on the block between 5th Ave and Broadway. Many of the restaurants on the block are dedicated to Korean BBQ or karaoke, both of which are incredibly fun experiences that nonetheless are more befitting to a night out with friends than one’s lunch break, for example. Woorijip thus fills the important role of a place for Midtown office workers (such as myself) who want to make the most of their proximity to arguably the best area for Korean food in New York City during their delightfully brief escape from the office. The sheer variety of food that Woorijip has to offer that is already freshly prepared will pleasantly surprise anyone who walks in for the first time. They have dishes ranging from the more accessible but still intriguing (kimchi fried rice) to the more quintessentially Korean (bok choy and eel). I will acknowledge that their fried rice is spicier than most, and it’s probably a safe bet that most of their food is a bit more piquant or spicy than your expectations. With that disclaimer out of the way, I’ll describe the other perks of this spot that have made it the default lunch recommendation for Koreatown: aside from the efficiency, it really speaks to tea lovers. It’s well-stocked with all varieties of Japanese tea, including my favorite classic green tea, a crisp, refreshing compliment to a meal that I’ve still found only goes well with a limited number of foods (Korean food being one of them). There is also a pleasant energy in the space driven by the diverse clientele of the restaurant; there are a lot of Korean patrons which makes sense considering its location, and an equal proportion of tourists of all nationalities stopping by after a stroll in one of the more touristy crossroads of NYC, Herald Square. Accommodating all of these customers with different tastes and backgrounds, even the most minute aspects of buffet-style food service are tailored for their comfort at Woorijip. They have microwaves available to warm up your meals to your liking, and they offer both knives and forks and chopsticks depending on one’s preference. There are many foods there that I haven’t tried and pique my interest, which I appreciate since it fuels my desire to remain an adventurous eater, and since I’ve been a reliably consistent customer, the diversity of foods served there can only help their business. In conclusion, if you’re looking for a low-maintenance introduction to Manhattan’s Koreatown, Woorijip is one of your best bets.

Rating: 9/10