Tofu House sounds like it may be a vegan or, at least, a vegetarian restaurant. But the Korean establishment that dates back to 2017 only starts with tofu. In fact, there is a full list of protein options including chicken, pork and beef.
Tofu House reopened in July in Damonte Ranch Town Center next to Safeway. The restaurant’s previous closure was related to the coronavirus pandemic.
Chef Osu Kwon, who has always owned Tofu House, also opened the neighboring space, Poke N Go, as a way to diversify his offerings.
The menu is still a collection of authentic Korean favorites—not the typical fusion you see at many Asian eateries in town. Many of the dishes offer tofu as the main protein, which makes it a crowd-pleaser for those who don’t eat meat or maybe have other dietary restrictions.
Soft tofu soups are definitely a standout on the menu, including vegetable-heavy options featuring mushrooms, Napa cabbage, onion, zucchini and more. There’s also a Spam and kimchi version that’s rather popular, combining a smooth umami broth with slightly spiced kimchi, mushrooms, zucchini and egg. From pork to beef to dumplings, there are plenty of variations to enjoy.
The menu also includes a large selection of bibimbap, a popular rice cake dish called dukbokki with ramen noodles, boiled egg and fish cake and Korean fried chicken wings. Beef bulgogi—a thinly sliced meat popular in Korean fare—and spicy pork bulgogi are also on the menu.
The japchae noodles stood out to me. The delicious glass noodles are stir-fried and tossed with various vegetables. While you can choose from several meats, the fried tofu is my personal choice, slightly crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Plus, when in Rome—or Korea, I guess. The perfectly greasy noodle dish is everything I dream about when I think about Korean cuisine.
Another mainstay on Korean menus is fried rice. Made with white rice, you can choose from vegetable, kimchi and shrimp. The vegetable fried rice is brimming with fresh vegetables and more mild tastes that I personally think make it a good choice for kids, too. It includes carrots, corn, mushrooms, onion and zucchini, all finely chopped.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try the spicy stir-fried squid featuring jalapeño and flour noodles or an appetizer of fried tofu nuggets.
The sit-down restaurant brings out a tray of accompaniments after taking your order, which includes proteins as well as vegetables and a standout kimchi that offers only mild spice.
Overall, the experience feels easy. It’s a full-service space (with takeout available of course), unlike its counter-serve neighbor. And with a few months already under its belt, it doesn’t appear there has been any love lost; the restaurant remains filled with dedicated customers who travel to the new location as well as those discovering it for the first time.
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(775) 622-0708
- 1021 Steamboat Pkwy Suite 180
