When the temperature is just cool enough, I get a hankering for something hot and filling.  Sobahn Express satisfies that craving with a hot stone bowl.  Whether it’s with beef or pork, you’re in for a treat.

Sobanh Express is located in the small (like 3 shops) food court side of H-Mart, a Korean supermarket. Parking can be troublesome and it can be hard to get a free table during the busy lunch hour, but it’s well worth it if you give it a chance.

Most of the hot stone bowls come with either rice or noodles, some veggies, protien, and a raw egg which cooks as you stir the ingredients around the nuclear-hot bowl when it comes to you.  The meat is tender and well marinaded.  On top of that, you get two small pickled-sides (kimchi and radish).  In Korean sit-down restaurants, you’d normally get five to seven sides; the fact that this “fast-food” gives you any sides is a plus. I would have preferred one pickled and one non-pickled side just for variety.  Not bad for just $7 to $9 dollars (depending on the type of meat you order).

There are soft tofu hot stone bowls as well.  The menu for those are limited compared to a full on Korean restaurant but a decent number is presented.  Get a cold drink if you go with the soft-tofu, I guarantee you’ll burn your tongue at least a little.

One really interesting departure from traditional Korean fare is the bulgolgi (Korean bbq beef) sandwich.  A single-serving baguette is hallowed out and stuffed with meat and sauce.  It’s actually tasty and quite satisfying.  One option of sides to go with it are rice fries which is exactly as it sounds: french fries made out of rice.  I really couldn’t get into it, there was something off about the flavor.  You won’t miss anything if you skip the fries.

Sobanh Express is a fast and cheap option if you’re looking for some good Korean food while shopping at H-Mart or on your lunch break.

Sobahn Express
2600-2100 Alton Pkwy
Irvine, CA 92606
(949) 660-8085