ONGI (41st/3ave) — Restaurant in New York

January 2025 Follow Up: my medium bowl looks nothing like the picture. It’s mostly rice and a few kernels of corn and a small triangles of cucumber. The amount of protein you get has also decreased. The location is more popular so I guess giving less is how they are handling the increased volume. As much as I like the taste and concept, the chipotle effect is not good. December 2024 Follow Up: 4 stars to 2 stars. the food is decent and the prices aren’t bad. The customer service is bad. To be a business person who hardly go outs for lunch, I spend close to $50 on a meal for two and they are making me beg for a sauce????? I ordered two types of nuggets. I has sauce on it. The other doesn’t. I asked for one sauce. ONE SAUCE! You have to pay extra $1 blah blah blah. I just spent $50 and I am asking for a sauce for the nuggets and you act like you’re doing me a favor???? Most tables are not stable too. Food and prices maybe decent. Your poor attitude will have me forget all about you and never recommend you.

ONGI has become a new lunch favorite. Very diverse menu. Plenty of protein, veggie and sauce options. Very nice flavors. My only qualms is the food is not hot. It’s warm so by the time you get toward the end of the bowl it’s cold. Next, their sauces are amazing but even when a sauce should be included they are very strict. It’s a small location; not many seats. They have complimentary infused water which is nice. Quick service and decent...

I ate here twice yesterday. Entered the restaurant, and they've got menus that you mark up choosing what you want. When ready, hand to the cashier. Simple concept. Prices are fantastic for Manhattan.

First bowl: medium with bulgogi and shrimp, sushi rice and japchae, and all the veggie freebies except sesame seeds plus gongchong sauce. Cost about $13. Enjoyed every bite! Portion was so large that I ate it over two sittings.

Indoor dining is an option with casual chairs and benches meant for short visits. Most opt for takeout. There's a section with utensils, bags, covers, and really tasty and free infused water. The bowls are biodegradable.

Staff are very friendly. Expect 10 minutes or less for your order to come out.

The second bowl ordered via Uber eats takeout:

Second bowl: large with bulgogi, garlic chicken and salmon, sushi rice and japchae, and all the veggie freebies except sesame seeds plus gongchong sauce (this time on the side). Cost about $16. Shared with my wife. She liked it. I loved it.

Can't wait...

Great concept. Was excited to see a place like this pop up. Could use a couple small easy to implement adjustments and it’d definitely become a super regular go-to for me.

1. My bowl was very heavy on the rice and super light on the veggie toppings in proportion — I’d love if that could even out a little more like how Cava does it so that it’d be more flavorful and balanced. I’d be willing to pay more for it too.

2. I can’t speak for all the protein options but the grilled salmon was not very tasty, making the sauce options a necessity. That may be by design so that it’s a plain base to add your sauce and I’m cool w that. Would maybe like to see one more healthier sauce option on the menu bc of that though.

Overall, good spot. Looking forward to...