Hongdae Dakgalbi, a Seoul-based restaurant specializing in traditional spicy stir-fried chicken and cheese fondue dakgalbi, is preparing to open its first U.S. location in San Diego at 4428 Convoy St, Suite 130.
The company’s debut American restaurant is set to move into the former home of Nice 2 Meet U Chuan Chuan Hot Pot, according to a recent liquor license application. Co-owner Evan Choi tells What Now San Diego that the location is expected to open in early December 2025. Guests can expect Hongdae Dakgalbi’s signature interactive dining style centered around sizzling tabletop griddles and rich, cheese-filled dishes.
Established in 1996, Hongdae Dakgalbi has become a well-known name in Seoul’s Hongdae neighborhood for its signature Cheese Fondue Dakgalbi, featuring spicy stir-fried chicken with melted mozzarella and cheddar. The restaurant has spent nearly three decades perfecting its signature sauce and high-heat cooking method, using an oversized cast-iron plate to achieve its signature texture and flavor.
The new Convoy location will introduce San Diegans to an immersive version of traditional Korean dining. Tables are designed for sharing, with guests cooking and mixing ingredients while enjoying a lively, social atmosphere. The restaurant also offers a self-service salad bar and banchan station, where diners can sample kimchi, pickled radish, and other side dishes, along with a mini jeon corner for making savory chive pancakes.
Menu highlights include the Vegetable Dakgalbi and the signature Cheese Fondue Dakgalbi, both cooked with cabbage, rice cakes, and sweet potatoes in a gochujang-based sauce. Guests can also add toppings such as noodles, cheese, and extra rice cakes. A popular finale is the Snowflake Cheese Fried Rice, made with leftover sauce from the main dish, and the Flying Fish Roe Fried Rice for added texture and flavor. The restaurant will serve Korean beverages, including soju and beer, as well as soft drinks.
