The Rise of Gopchang

Korean BBQ has always been a hit in NYC but lately, we’ve been noticing that Korean beef intestine BBQ has become more common. Because of the rise in popularity, more and more spots are opening up that specialize in these cuts — making us want to try them all since it’s one of our FAVORITE foods.

Gopchang Story has been serving a variety of Korean beef intestine dishes since 2004, while also offering a variety of beef BBQ & entrees. I always get the Assorted Gui combo which comes with gopchang (small intestines), makchang (beef entrails) and daechang (large intestines). They beautifully plate the intestines on a grill already cut up and with sprinkled cheese powder on top. The servers grill the meats to crispy, juicy perfection and give you an option of fried rice at the end for an extra cost. The intestines (and their other meat dishes) are always so fresh and clean. Although on the pricier end, the amount of food is plentiful, especially with a refreshing side of soju!

Ahgassi Gopchang is the newest Korean BBQ spot in NYC Koreatown, originally loved by LA. They specialize in beef intestines but also sell a variety of pork and beef cuts — all grilled for you by the servers. Their banchans are great with a large selection of veggies, tofu, and special sauces (which you won’t find anywhere else thanks to Esther Choi). We ordered the Modeum Combo which included gopchang (small intestines), makchang (beef entrails), abomasum, and daechang (large intestines). Combos come with choice of hot soup and steamed egg but the cheese fried rice was with an additional charge. Although similar in high price, I thought that the portion here was smaller than Gopchang Story and not as beautifully presented (at least they cook it to perfection for you!). This spot is known to be loved and visited by K-Pop stars like BlackPink and BTS (which they present on their wall of signatures) but it’s nothing incredibly special, just another BBQ spot in Koreatown.