Bonjuk — Restaurant in Toronto

Was there for the soft launch.

If this is authentic Korean "rice porridge" then it's not for me.

Would not recommend due to the value proposition (and the 2 star rating.) Flavours were bland, There was not much meat in the porridge. The staff were attentive and friendly, but it took over 45 minutes just for a walk-in takeout. Bulgogi side was a total rip-off.

Atmosphere: bright, upscale, trendy. There are three tables for 2 and 4 window bar style seats.

Food quality: Caveat - I am Chinese and am very familiar with Canto style congee. This was my very first taste of Korean "homestyle rice porridge.". That being said, I felt the rice was a little undercooked, somewhere in-between Chiujao style and Canto, and not very smooth. The base flavour was extremely bland, and there was very little abolone in a $20 personal size porridge.

I also ordered the bulgogi side dish... For $20 you would expect a decent size, but it was only enough to cover the bottom of the takeout container. It was so little that the price should be embarressing. Three times the amount would have made the value proposition for the bulgogi side almost worth the money.

The staff were very friendly and apologetic about the cooking and fulfillment time, and gave guests realistic wait time estimates.

At the time there was a promotion where they gave a small sweet pumpkin porridge for all takeout orders. It was very...

Visited recently while in the Yonge-Sheppard area as they were one of the new restaurants in the area + promoting during the summer at some North York events. They’re known for their Korean rice porridge but they serve other Korean dishes as well such as bibimbap. Their location at Yonge-Sheppard is their first Canadian location as they have other locations worldwide.

Tried one of their signature rice porridge dishes which was their Bulgolgi Octopus Porridge, which was a mix of octopus pieces and bulgolgi in a thick porridge. It was well balanced in terms of flavour and the portion size was generous for one and would probably be shareable for two. What was helpful was that the level of saltiness can be adjusted/requested as part of the order, also given with traditional Korean side dishes being included. They also offer other porridge dishes which are not spicy and lean more on the healthier side.

Overall, it’s a decent spot to try in the area if looking for a healthier alternative, however, the slight drawback is that many of their dishes lean on the pricey side depending on the item. Service was friendly in helping to take orders and explain more about the dishes.

It may be recommended to order as takeout, as they have limited seating inside the restaurant and can be busy...

If you’re craving a warm, comforting meal that feels like a hug in a bowl, Bonjuk is the perfect spot. Specializing in traditional Korean congee, or “juk,” this place delivers both flavor and comfort in every spoonful.

The menu offers a wide variety of options, from abalone porridge to spicy octopus and kimchi variations. Each bowl is generously portioned, made fresh, and seasoned just right—not too salty, but still packed with rich umami flavor. The texture is smooth and creamy, and the toppings are always fresh and well-balanced.

I especially loved the octopus kimchi—it was hearty, soothing, and felt like something your Korean grandma would make if she had restaurant-level skills. They also serve each meal with a variety of tasty side dishes (banchan) that complement the congee perfectly.

The space is clean, minimalist, and calming—great for a quiet solo meal or catching up with a friend. Service is fast and friendly, and the prices are reasonable considering the quality and portion size.

Whether you’re under the weather, looking for a light but satisfying meal, or just want to explore more of Korean cuisine, Bonjuk is definitely worth...