Midtown Lunch

I’ve been going to Woorijip (on 32nd btw. B’way+5th) for the better part of a decade, so I’ve seen much change come to this bargain cafeteria-style, almost-24 hour, K-Town stalwart. While the menu is constantly evolving and the portions do seem a bit smaller these days, it’s still a bargain lunch lover’s paradise. Case in point, my new favorite item is just $1…

While many of the items at Woorijip are a la carte, if you keep your eyes peeled they generally have a few marked lunch specials that include choice of either a soup or salad (which go for $1 when purchased separately). I typically opt for the miso soup, but the other day I noticed that they had a spicy bean sprout soup. Made from a light, clear, spicy broth with plenty of crunchy bean sprouts, the soup is warming yet still refreshing tastes far less salty than the miso they serve. I had this with their pan fried tofu, vegetable over brown rice lunch special for $5. If you’re looking to stay under $5 for lunch this is a great choice to either add the other a la carte dishes or pair with their lunch deals. Since trying this soup I’ve gone back several times for just the soup to bulk up a pricier lunch at nearby Food Gallery 32.

Woorjip, 12 W. 32nd St. (btw. 5+6th), 212-244-1115