691 Bloor St. west
(416) 537-0972

Buk Chang Dong Soon Tofu is a small restaurant in the heart of the Korean Business District located on Bloor between Bathurst and Christie. This place is named after a popular street in Korea (Buk Chango Dong) and Soon Tofu, meaning Soft tofu. Located right near Christie subway station, the restaurant contains about 15 tables in a very brightly lit, casual dining environment

I avoid dining in this neighbourhood because I fear that there will not be any vegetarian options for me. On this particular evening I dined with Daniel, his friend Grace, and Grace’s roomate Anna. Both Grace and Anna are Korean. I was hesitant about going out for dinner in the Korean neighbourhood but Grace reassured me that there were vegetarian options for me. It also made it easier since she spoke the language.

At Buk Chang Dong Soon Tofu the menu only contains 6 items. I was disappointed to find out that there was only one vegetarian item for me to choose from. Items include the Combination Soon Tofu (meaning Soft Tofu) dish which includes beef, shrimp, clam, and soft tofu, Seafood Soon Tofu includes a medly of seafood (oyster, shrimp, and clam) with soft tofu. Dumpling soon tofu is a beef and tofu dumpling. Soy Bean son tofu is a mushroom , clam, beef, and tofu dumpling. Vegetable soon tofu is a soup of mushrooms, zucchini, broccoli, and onion, with soft tofu.

I ordered an alternative version of the Dolsot Bibimbab, a wonderful stone pot layered with rice, 6 veggies, and topped with beef and egg. I asked for them to omit the beef and egg and substitute it with a large serving of soft tofy (soon tofu). Staff were flexible and accomodating

Anna, who is also vegetarian had the vegetable soon tofu but she thought it was too watery. Grace and Daniel both had the Ddukbego Bulgogi and Dolsotbab, which is a stone bowl full of beef soup with vegetables, and glass noodles. All of their dishes came with purple rice while my dish came with white rice. Both Grace and Daniel loved their meal very much and Grace really liked the sweetness of the dish.

The last item was broiled bulgogi (beef?) and dolsotbab, a stew of beef and vegetables. Our meals came with an assortment of 4 free appetizers. Among them was the traditional Kim-chi, a pickled cabbage in a spicy red pepper sauce. It is as common to Koreans as white bread is common to North Americans.

In addition to Kim-Chi, other wonderful appetizers included Kong Na Mul (bean sprouts), Kong Ja Bon (beans with anchoves), and Do Ra Chi (Pickled raddish root). All of the dishes were $6.95 except Broiled Bulgogi and Dolsotbab which was $7.85

I would definitely go back. Portions were sufficient, service was good, and food was piping hot, fresh, and made to order. They accept cash and Interac. A bit noisy and crowded. Excellent prices.