Jincook — Restaurant in Buena Park

Craving some good and authentic Korean food, I found my way back to Jin Cook and as usual, it did not let me down.

ITEM'S ORDERED:

Sweet Potato Cheese Curry Katsu Spicy Braised Beef Short Rib Garlic SuYuk Military Soup

TASTE:

Let me first mention that I'm half Korean to add some credibility to my review :) ;) I will say that the Kimchi here is probably my favorite out of all places. That is mainly because it has a slightly sweeter flavor and less sour than others that usually have that more pickled flavor. I was told that it's the owner's mothers recipe so that just makes it all the better.

The Spicy Braised Beef Short Rib aka Galbi-jjim is a dish I've had before and is one of those flavors that just wants to make you keep on eating. The only thing that slows you down is how hot it is with it being in the stone pot. It's so savory, a little sweet and has a slight amount of heat. I will say that I do have a good tolerance for spicy food though. Besides the meat which is so tender, I really enjoy the pumpkin and rice cakes in the dish. Unless you are with 3 or more people, you'll most likely have leftovers.

Sweet Potato Cheese Curry Katsu is a unique variation that I don't think I've seen at other places. There's a subtly sweetness that goes well with the cheese, pork, and crunch. Be careful when you take your first bite, it comes out and stays very hot.

The Military Soup is one of those really comforting soups that'll make you feel good if you're under the weather. It's actually pretty spicy so be warned. The pork belly that came had a real nice flavor that adds to the dish overall.

It was my first time having the Garlic SuYuk and it's as tasty as it is to look at. The pork is cooked perfectly and the garlic paste that it comes with has so much savory flavor, with the right amount of salt. I could really see this garlic paste tasting good on so many other dishes in general. The chili paste is not really hot but provides a slight chili flavor adding to everything else.

SERVICE:

The service was exceptional. Getting all the warm Korean welcoming vibes at this place just adds to the comfort food feel. They were really friendly and attentive the whole time.

LOCATION & PARKING:

They are basically located in a shopping plaza with an Albertson's so there is lots of parking. The interior is very comfy and warm with its abundant wood use making for a welcoming ambiance.

If you are craving some delicious Korean cuisine you should definitely check...

I’d heard so much about this place and knew I had to try it at least once. Though Jincook has multiple locations around LA, the Buena Park branch is the only one that’s family-run—which made it a must for someone like me who loves that cozy, homey vibe! The name “Jincook” really says it all—they’re here to serve real soul food, and they stay open late, which is rare in this area. The little shop is also filled with cute handmade crafts that give off major Jeju Island charm~

Vinegar Chicken Cold Noodles The ultimate summer refreshment! Chilled chicken broth with sweet and tangy flavor, topped with shredded chicken, cucumber, red onion, and egg. So light and satisfying!

Spicy Braised Short Ribs Tender, flavorful short ribs stewed with tteok (rice cakes), carrots, and onions… but the highlight? A blowtorch-melted cheese topping over charcoal! Seriously packed with flavor.

Korean Fried Chicken Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside. Served with a light cabbage slaw and house special sauce—it’s rich without being greasy.

Garlic Soy Chicken on Sizzling Plate Arrives sizzling hot! The blend of garlic and soy sauce is spot-on and insanely fragrant.

Handmade Steamed Dumplings Juicy and bouncy with just the right chew. The house dipping sauce adds the perfect extra layer. These Korean xiao long bao-style dumplings are an underrated gem!

Seafood Soft Tofu Stew This one blows most tofu stew spots out of the water. The broth is deep, rich, and packed with fresh seafood flavor.

Cheese Curry Sweet Potato Pork Cutlet This combo was wild—in the best way. Fried pork cutlet stuffed with cheese and sweet potato mash, served bubbling in a hot stone pot with Japanese curry and rice.

And don’t skip the side dishes—they’re made fresh every morning and taste worlds apart from store-bought versions. You can even buy them to-go! Honestly, even instant noodles would taste...

This place is crazy popular — good thing I came early‼️ Had dinner here before heading next door to Knott’s Berry Farm. Perfect combo!

🥰 Open until midnight on weekends — it’s the ideal spot for late-night bites or hanging out with friends over drinks.

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🍃 Atmosphere: The vibe is authentically Korean, with decorations and details imported straight from Korea 🇰🇷. You can feel the thought put into every corner.

💁 Service: Honestly, the staff are amazing — not only good-looking but also super kind and attentive! They patiently explained the dishes and were quick to clear plates.

💗 Food Highlights:

🥩 Braised Beef Short Rib This flaming short rib dish is a Korean BBQ classic in LA. Although labeled for two, it could easily feed four or five. The beef is fall-off-the-bone tender, rich with cheesy flavor, and even the rice cakes and pumpkin inside are delicious.

🍜 Chogye Cold Noodle A bowl of cold noodles is just what you need on a hot day. Huge portion, refreshing icy broth with a perfect sweet-and-sour balance.

🍛 Curry Katsu (Combo) We got both pork and chicken cutlets over sizzling stone pot curry rice — it was still bubbling when it arrived! This dish was sold out a while back, so glad it’s back on the menu now.

🐷 Garlic SuYuk Slow-cooked sliced pork served with garlic butter sauce and traditional Korean dipping sauce. Super flavorful, and even the chives were tasty!

🥞 Hotteok (Sweet Korean Pancake) Crispy on the outside, soft inside. Bite into it and the brown sugar and crushed nuts just melt out — sweet and satisfying.

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✅ Final thoughts: Amazing food, great service, cozy vibe, and better value than SND. Definitely adding JinCook to my...