šŗšø Boston | The steaming soup of the spine is delicious
š„ Hanmaru: Allstonās Cozy Korean SpotāWarming Spine Soup, Classic Bibimbap, and Sweet Grilled Beef On Harvard Avenue in Allston, this tiny Korean restaurant is a winter favoriteāserving up hearty soups and comforting staples that feel like a warm hug. Arrive early (especially during peak hours) to skip the lineātables fill up fast, and for good reason: the food is simple, satisfying, and perfect for cold days. š The Standouts Spine Soup (Galbitang) š The star of the show. A steaming pot of rich, savory broth with tender, fall-off-the-bone beef spine. We opted for medium size and mild spiceājust enough heat to warm you up without overpowering the brothās natural . Add ramen noodles or rice to soak up the soup (trust us, youāll want to)āitās hearty, filling, and so comforting. The soft tofu in the soup is mild (not heavily seasoned), but its creaminess balances the broth nicely. Stone Pot Bibimbap (Beef) š A classic done right. Hot stone pot keeps the rice crispy on the bottom, mixed with tender beef, mushrooms, carrots, and a fried egg, all tossed in spicy gochujang. Itās flavorful, textural (crunchy rice + soft veggies), and exactly what you want from bibimbap. š Solid, But Simple Grilled Beef š Sweet, tender beef slices with caramelized edges, served with charred onions. The marinade is light but flavorfulāsweet without being cloying. Itās a good side, though overshadowed by the soup and bibimbap. š° Value & Vibe Price: $25ā$30 per personāexcellent for the portions, especially the soup (easily feeds 2ā3). Atmosphere: Casual, cozy, and bustling. Itās small, so expect a tight squeeze, but the warm broth and lively energy make it feel like a neighborhood staple. Hanmaru wonāt blow you away with innovation, but it nails Korean comfort food. The spine soup alone is worth braving the lineāperfect for chasing away winter chills or satisfying a craving for hearty, home-style eats. š Hanmaru 168 Harvard Ave, Allston, MA 02134 #AllstonEats #KoreanComfortFood #WinterWarmers