Sokongdong Tofu House in Atlanta: What to Know Before You Go

If you’re craving Korean comfort food in Atlanta—especially warm, bubbling tofu stews—Sokongdong Tofu House is one of the names you’ll hear again and again. This longtime spot near Doraville and the Buford Highway corridor is part of the city’s broader wave of authentic international dining options.

This guide walks you through what to expect at Sokongdong Tofu House, how it fits into Atlanta’s international cuisine scene, and practical tips for visiting if you live in or are visiting the metro area.

Where Sokongdong Tofu House Fits in Atlanta’s Food Scene

Atlanta’s international cuisine is heavily centered around a few key corridors, and Sokongdong fits squarely into that pattern.

Location & Surroundings

Sokongdong Tofu House is typically found in the northeast metro area, close to or along Buford Highway, a stretch well-known for:

• Korean restaurants (BBQ, tofu houses, bakeries)
• Chinese, Vietnamese, and Mexican eateries
• International markets and dessert shops

Many Atlanta locals make a trip to Buford Highway specifically for Korean tofu stews and BBQ, often pairing a visit to Sokongdong with nearby bakeries, bubble tea shops, or a stop at an Asian supermarket.

If you’re staying inside the perimeter (ITP)—for example in Midtown, Buckhead, or Downtown—expect about a 20–30 minute drive in normal traffic to reach the Doraville/Brookhaven/BuHi area where spots like Sokongdong are clustered.

What Kind of Restaurant Is Sokongdong Tofu House?

Sokongdong Tofu House is generally described as a casual Korean restaurant that specializes in:

• Soondubu jjigae (soft tofu stew)
• Other classic Korean homestyle dishes

It’s in the “Restaurants → International Cuisine → Korean” space, with a focus on hearty, stew-based meals rather than BBQ cooked at the table.

You can expect:

• Informal, sit-down dining
• A menu centered on individual bowls of stew
• Complimentary banchan (small side dishes) common in Korean meals

Menu Basics: What to Order at Sokongdong

While every Sokongdong location may vary slightly, the core offerings tend to be consistent. Here’s what many Atlanta diners encounter and look for.

1. Soondubu (Soft Tofu Stew)

This is the signature dish and the main reason most people go.

Common varieties include:

• Seafood soft tofu stew (often with shrimp, clams, or mixed seafood)
• Beef or pork tofu stew
• Kimchi tofu stew
• Vegetable tofu stew (sometimes without meat; good for those avoiding meat-based dishes)
• Mushroom or mixed veggie versions at some locations

You usually choose:

• Spice level (often mild, medium, hot, or extra spicy)
• Sometimes add-ons such as dumplings, cheese, or extra egg

The stew typically arrives:

• Boiling hot in a stone pot
• With a raw egg you can crack into the broth to cook
• Served alongside a bowl of steamed white rice and banchan

2. Banchan (Side Dishes)

Most Korean restaurants in Atlanta, including tofu houses, provide free side dishes with your meal, which might include:

• Kimchi (fermented cabbage)
• Pickled radish or cucumbers
• Seasoned bean sprouts or spinach
• Fish cakes or other small savory bites

Refills are often available if you ask politely. These sides are part of the traditional Korean dining experience and help balance the richness of the stew.

3. Other Korean Dishes You Might See

While tofu stew is the headliner, Sokongdong Tofu House may also offer:

• Bibimbap (rice topped with vegetables, egg, sometimes meat, and spicy sauce)
• Galbi or bulgogi plates (marinated short ribs or sliced beef)
• Simple noodle soups or rice dishes

The exact menu can vary, so it’s worth scanning the full list once seated.

Typical Experience: Atmosphere, Service, and Timing

Atmosphere

Expect a simple, functional, and comfortable space:

• Tables and booths, often fairly close together
• Casual decor focused on practicality
• A mix of Korean-speaking regulars and Atlanta locals discovering Korean cuisine

It’s more of a come-to-eat than a long, lounge-style restaurant. The vibe is friendly but no-frills.

Service

In Atlanta’s tofu houses, service tends to be:

• Efficient and to the point
• Focused on getting hot dishes out quickly
• Less “chatty” than some upscale restaurants, but responsive if you flag staff down

If you’re new to Korean food, you can always ask:

• What a dish is
• How spicy something might be
• Which stew is milder or recommended for first-timers

Busy Times

Atlanta diners often notice:

• Evenings and weekends can be busy, especially Friday and Saturday nights
• Weekday lunches are popular with nearby workers and locals

If you’re planning to visit from in-town neighborhoods (like Inman Park, Edgewood, Old Fourth Ward), try going:

• Early evening on weekdays
• Slightly off-peak hours on weekends to avoid waits

Pricing & Portion Expectations

Prices can vary over time, but Korean tofu houses in the Atlanta area often fall into the affordable to moderate range.

You can typically expect:

• Individual tofu stews: priced like a standard casual Atlanta entree
• Banchan + rice: usually included with your order
• Combo plates (e.g., stew + small BBQ portion): somewhat higher but still below many upscale Midtown or Buckhead restaurants

Portions are usually hearty, especially with rice and banchan, so many Atlanta locals find one entree easily fills them up.

Dietary Considerations

If you’re in Atlanta and paying attention to what you eat, here are some practical points.

Spice Levels 🌶️

Most tofu stews allow you to select a spiciness level. If you’re unsure:

• Ask for mild or medium your first visit
• Remember that Korean chili heat builds over the meal

Meat & Seafood

• Some stews contain pork, beef, or seafood in the broth
• A vegetable tofu stew may be available, but if you avoid meat entirely, it’s worth asking:
  • Whether the broth is meat-based
  • If they can make a fully vegetarian or vegan version

Allergens

Common ingredients in Korean tofu dishes can include:

• Soy (tofu, sauces)
• Shellfish or fish (in seafood stews or broths)
• Egg (often cracked raw into the stew to cook)
• Gluten (in some sauces or marinades)

If you have serious allergies, tell your server clearly and ask which dishes may be safer options.

Getting There From Around Atlanta

Because Sokongdong Tofu House sits in the broader Buford Highway/Doraville corridor, access is relatively straightforward.

By Car

From popular Atlanta neighborhoods:

• Midtown / Downtown: Take I-85 North, then connect toward the Doraville / Chamblee area near Buford Highway or Peachtree Industrial, depending on the exact Sokongdong location.
• Buckhead / Brookhaven: You may be able to head straight up Peachtree Road and cut over, or take I‑85 North a short distance.

Parking is often in a shared surface lot with other plazas and businesses. Lots can fill up during prime dining hours, so allow a few extra minutes to park.

By MARTA

If you’re using public transit in Atlanta:

• Take the Gold Line northbound to Doraville Station
• From there, you may need a short ride-share or local bus to reach the exact strip center where Sokongdong is located

Many international restaurants along Buford Highway are reachable with a short car ride from either Doraville or Chamblee MARTA stations.

How Sokongdong Compares to Other Korean Options Nearby

Atlanta’s Korean food scene is one of the busiest in the Southeast. Around Sokongdong Tofu House, you’ll find:

• Korean BBQ restaurants (tabletop grilling, groups, and late-night vibes)
• Korean fried chicken spots
• Cafes and bakeries offering Korean-style breads, cakes, and coffee
• Korean supermarkets where you can buy ingredients to cook at home

Sokongdong stands out as a specialist in:

• Soft tofu stews and homestyle cooking
• Individual meal portions rather than shared grills
• A relatively quick, focused dining experience

If you’re planning an “international food tour” of Atlanta, a visit to Sokongdong fits well alongside:

• A stop at a Korean bakery for dessert or coffee
• A visit to a Korean or pan-Asian market for snacks and ingredients

Simple Snapshot: What to Expect at Sokongdong Tofu House

Practical Tips Before You Go

To make your visit smoother, especially if you’re coming from elsewhere in Atlanta:

• Check hours: Korean restaurants in Doraville sometimes have specific lunch and dinner windows; verify hours before driving up.
• Bring a small group: Tables accommodate couples to small groups easily; larger parties should expect to wait at peak times.
• Try the tofu stew first: If it’s your first visit, a classic seafood or kimchi soondubu is a good introduction to Korean flavors.
• Plan for traffic: Northbound I‑85 and Buford Highway can slow down during rush hour, so build in extra time if you’re coming from in-town.
• Explore the area: Pair your meal with a stop at a nearby bakery, café, or market to get the full international corridor experience.

For anyone living in or visiting Atlanta who wants to explore authentic Korean food beyond BBQ, Sokongdong Tofu House offers a straightforward, comforting entry point into one of the city’s most beloved international cuisines.