BOP JOA — Restaurant in Sachse

Have you ever wanted to hug a place? I can't say I've wanted to until I came across this establishment. My mom and I had just finished watching an early movie screening at the Firewheel mall leaving thoroughly entertained but famished looking for something to eat. However, we wanted to eat something different than the chain restaurants at the mall so I did a simple search for places to eat finding BOP JOA conveniently located 5 minutes from the mall. Upon walking in, we were greeted by a worker to a table, simply adorned by two appetizer plates and table mats. I noticed the restaurant still seemed to be set up for covid guidelines which was confirmed by the waiter directing us to scan a QR code for the menu. I personally did not mind but something worth mentioning since some patrons may. Despite this, the small dining area was trendy and fresh decorated with art work and a TV quietly playing a drama. The staff member that attended us was very knowledgeable and sensitive to the fact both my mom and I had limited experience with Korean Cuisine readily answering questions we had and directing us to menu items that he felt would satiate our cravings.

We ended up ordering the Seafood dduk bokki and the Seafood soondubu at a medium spice level (I would recommend mild spice level if you cannot handle spicy food since the medium level had me sipping my water every other bite). Aside from the entree itself, the soondubu was accompanied by a generous helping of white rice and 2 sides (kimchi and pickled radish). The entrees were also quite large with plenty of seafood. Midway through our meal, the server offered us a freshly made spicy zucchini side to accompany our meal which was as equally delicious as the other items we ate and a delightful surprise!

We had such an enjoyable experience from the deliciously spicy food and the knowledgeable and attentive staff. This place is definitely a hidden gem that I am glad we got to experience. Given the mix of fresh, sweet, warm, and welcoming food and atmosphere I think this place deserves all the stellar reviews and patrons coming its way (and a hug couldn't...

First time trying Bop Joa FUSION Korean, and it was FABULOUS! Very innovative! The owner was awesome, had a great visit while we waited for our take away order. I didn't mind the wait, because it was all cooked fresh. Thought it better to just walk in and order rather than order by phone/net and let the food sit. We ordered a lot of things so we could get a real feel for what they're about. The burritos were great, bulgogi cheese fried roll was probably my favorite. Others loved the kimchi pancake more than me, but it was all very interesting; and even though personally I would probably not order the pancake again, I'm glad I tried it. In fact, a fam. member who really doesn't like Korean and cannot STAND kimchi LOVED the kimchi pancake (well yeah, there's bacon!) My very favorite part, the REAL HOME MADE KIM CHI! Had a chance to taste a sample, of course it was so fresh, it hadn't even really fermented yet. In Texas I have YET to find good kimchi... does not exist here apparently like it does up north. Well, thank you Bop Joa for making THE in Texas! Folks who say Bop Joa "isn't real" need to realize this is fusion, so expect it to be different please, that's why you went here to begin with! Concerned about time? Well, do you want your food fresh? Cooking fresh food takes time! Inauthentic kimchi? I don't think soooooo! My friends from South Korea would agree with me... in fact it was so good I had to order some cabbage and radish to go! The fam is already talking about a second trip back. It's great to support small local business who bring fresh blood into the community! See u...

Walking into this plac, I was expecting just another run of the mill Asian experience. Wow I sure was wrong!!! This place is amazing. The atmosphere is very laid back and very relaxing. K-pop music playing, wasn't to loud or anything. We ordered mini dumplings, and a seafood pancake for appetizers. The mini dumplings came in a steaming basket, presented beautifully and tasted amazing!! Served with a soy sauce with some spice and sesame oil mixed in. That sauce was fantastic. The seafood pancake came served on just a simple plate, cut like a pizza. It was light and fluffy and filled with tiny morsels of all kinds of seafood and fresh vegetables.

The main course was a bowl of doltsun bibimbap, which was served in an extremely hot stone pot. It had a variety of fresh veggies on top and was presented perfectly. A side of assorted house made kimchi came with it and a house made sauce was immaculate. Let's just say the bowl was empty when we left! The crispy bits of rice on the bottom, mixed with the tender bulgogi beef and vegetables was to die for.

My friends had a chicken burrito, which looked incredible and the bulgogi burger. Both these items were stunning in their presentation and by the looks of it, tasted just as amazing.

All in all, this place is fantastic. We were served by the owner of the establishment and this gentleman was very clearly proud of his food. He was a delightful host and we will certainly return...