Daeho kalbijjim & beef soup — Restaurant in San Mateo

Went in with no expectations since I haven't ever eaten this specific kind of food. So take this review as a more uncultured take than the opinion of a seasoned expert.

The food was top tier - we ordered the Braised Short Ribs w/Cheese added on.

Taste & Quality: We ordered spice level 3 and it was the right amount of heat for our preference - hot enough to feel it but not nearly enough to cause you to sweat. The gravy itself was a delightful mix of sweet and spicy very reminiscent of the flavors you'd expect from Asian takeout. This is not a bad thing, the flavors are familiar, taste good and you'll feel comfortable with them, this isnt an acquired taste.

The meat was excellent, fall off the bone soft and full of flavor. You barely needed to exter any effort to cut it or break it off into smaller pieces. A couple of pieces had some cartilage - but not anything that would count as a negative - it's all great flavor and texture.

The extra cheese is toasted at the table and is a generous amount. It's a positive addition to the dish and well worth adding, not a gimmick as things like this can often be.

Portion Size: A regular portion was enough to get 4 people with average appetites completely full. I would wager that even with large appetites, two people would need to put in some work to finish it. A regular portion came with two bowls of rice.

Price: We paid over $100 for the single item w/Cheese. It may feel like a lot for one item, but it's surprisingly decent value for what you get. I'd be willing to do it all over again with a group...

Cheesy Short Rib 💯

There’s no doubt that Daeho has been one of the hottest Korean restaurants in the Bay Area for the past couple of years

Now with three locations with the opening of their newest San Mateo spot, this was my first time back since they opened Daeho Milpitas to join their flagship San Francisco location

I was determined this time to try the Kalbijjim with cheese (I thought it was gimmicky a few years ago) while also sampling more of their menu with a larger group

While there was a line, it moved quickly with first seating and the San Mateo interior may very well be their largest location

You preorder on entry and while I thought the server suggested we order too much, it was actual spot on with the plentiful orders resulting in just a bit of leftovers (appetites are easily stimulated by delicious food)

My favorites are definitely the beef ribs with cheese (it’s a great addition), the chadol (great soup broth) and the cold noodles. The stone pot rice and the spicy cold noodles, I’d skip next time. The price is elevated but portions and service are top notch. Now with three locations, crowds are more manageable although still popular.

📷 Kalbi Jjim $85 Braised Beef Rib with Extra Meat, Mild, Topping Cheese +$5 / Chadol (Brisket Point) Daeho Suyuk $55 / Kalbi Stone Pot $26 Sizzling Rice Bowl w/ Mixed Vegetables & Grilled BBQ Beef Ribs / Mool Nyaeng Myun $20 Noodle with Cold Beef Broth / Bibim Naeng Myun $20 Noodle with Cold Sweet and Sour Spicy Sauce

📍DaeHo Kalbijjim & Beef Soup ...

This location is hard to find street parking but after 6p on weekdays , parking is free. Came here on a Wednesday evening for hubs Bday and good thing we came early before 6p because after that, the place was full, and plenty of waiting people were standing out by the sidewalk. Looking on the outside, you would think this place was small but there have plenty of seats.

Was here with a group of 7 without reservations. They do have a waitlist but didn't have to use it at that time. We sat a little close to the back by the bathrooms. They seated us in a small table for seven. Good thing, we only ordered four things. We did have to order before sitting us down though. Drinks offers to see are by the QR code on the table.

Their strawberry slushie was very thick and strong alcoholic; just like how I like it!!! LOL We ordered their Cheese Corn Steamed Egg.; it's like a sweet egg soufflé but very good since they have it with melted cheese on top. We also ordered two of their large Daeho Premium Kalbijjim Short rib medium spice which has carrots, rice cake and potatoes. One with cheese and one without. I love it with melted cheese! We also ordered their regular size Ttoek Kalbi Tang which was beef rib soup with rice cakes and egg. This was pretty good if you add green onions but I could do without.

All good flavors, good for groups and strong drinks! Service is ok. Prices are pretty expensive to me but good to try if you want to treat yourself. Our family will be back and will...