LOCATION
Although we have claimed to dislike chain restaurants, the fact that BCD Tofu House is a franchise with numerous locations throughout southern California and Seattle, WA, does not deter our affection for this traditional Korean eatery.’ With locations in Reseda, Los Angeles, Rowland Heights, Garden Grove, and Torrance, BCD Tofu House is easily accessible. The parking lot at the Reseda location is typically to most strip malls and there is readily available street parking surrounding the restaurant.
ATMOSPHERE
Depending on which location you choose to visit you will find that the atmosphere and surroundings vary significantly. The original Vermont location that opened in 1996 is an entirely different experience from its Wilshire or Reseda counterparts. If you are looking for a more upscale ambiance, we suggest the Wilshire or Downtown Los Angeles locations. More casual and eclectic surroundings can be found in the Western or Reseda Tofu Houses. Most of the locations are open 24 hours a day, making it easy to satisfy those late-night cravings.
SERVICE
Since the growth and expansion of BCD, the service has become less reliable, and like the atmosphere, varies from one restaurant to the next. The service can sometimes leave much to be desired, and depending on the location you visit, your wait might be either non-existent or take ten to fifteen minutes.
SELECTION
The food at BCD Tofu House is traditional Korean fair and is not for the faint of heart. Those afraid of spicy, strong tasting foods that stray outside the norms of most American interpretations of Asian cuisine are in for a surprise.
Generous portions are served with rice and complimentary side dishes such as kimchee, whole-fried fish, and seasoned pickles. Particularly popular are the boiling hot bowls of tofu soup.’ There is an entire menu devoted to BCD’s tofu soup dishes. Choose from soups prepared with beef, chicken, pork, seafood, dumplings, ham and sausage, and even curry.
What makes the tofu legendary ay BCD Tofu House is its silky texture. The beef dumpling tofu soup is served boiling hot with steam quickly evaporating before your eyes, and while it may not be aesthetically pleasing, the bold and complex flavors make this a signature and worthy dish. When placing your order, you can request the intensity of the spiciness desired. However, be careful when requesting the extra spicy version of the soup, it more than lives up to its label.
A great way to cool off from the hot and spicy food items is to order a cup of green tea. The tea helps calm the taste buds and is a nice contrast in flavor to the food. The menu also offers a number of specials and combination dishes such a Korean BBQ ribs, Bulgogi, Teriyaki, Bibimbap, and spicy pickled crab. While many of these dishes are daunting to casual visitors, more adventurous eaters will be pleasantly surprised and richly rewarded.
PRICING
Menu items are more than reasonably priced. All of the premium-tofu soups are priced at $8.99. A combination tofu item, such as the Chicken Teriyaki and premium-tofu, is served for $12.99 during lunch and $14.99 during dinner. The various side dishes make this a great place to come with a group of friends and share the different culinary delights offered at BCD Tofu House.
18044 Saticoy Street
Reseda, CA 91335
10:00 a.m.-12:00 a.m.,
Open 7 days a week