Choqajib - Honolulu Restaurant Image
#645 of 1,740 Restaurants in Honolulu Korean

Choqajib

4.4(10 community reviews)
Moderate ($$)

About

Discover Choqajib, offering the best Korean experience in Ala Moana. Enjoy Moderate ($$) meals, explore their menu, and read reviews from the community on TasteHi.

A Taste of Seoul in Kaimuki

Tucked away in the vibrant Kaimuki district, Choqajib serves as a genuine portal to Korean home-style cooking. The space is modest and utilitarian, lacking the bells and whistles of high-end establishments, which is exactly why the locals gravitate toward it. The air is consistently heavy with the savory, fermented aroma of house-made kimchi and the sharp, clean scent of bubbling stews, grounding you in a sensory environment that feels distinctly unpretentious.

Menu Staples and Culinary Focus

Chef-driven kitchens often prioritize complexity, but here, the focus remains on the integrity of comfort food. The menu centers on hearty Korean staples. Diners frequently flock here for the Gamjatang—a pork neck bone soup that arrives at the table with tender meat falling off the bone, submerged in a rich, spicy broth loaded with perilla seeds and potatoes. It is rustic, messy, and deeply satisfying. Unlike modern fusion spots that soften flavors, Choqajib leans into the traditional spice levels and pungent aromatics expected by those seeking an authentic Korean meal.

The Neighborhood Experience

Being positioned in one of Honolulu’s most beloved food corridors means parking can become a bit of a localized sport. Expect to circle the block a few times or navigate the narrow side streets before snagging a spot. Once inside, the atmosphere is loud and energetic, defined by the clatter of stainless steel chopsticks against bowls and the hum of conversations in a mix of English and Korean. It is an ideal spot for a casual weeknight dinner when you want to bypass the heavy tourist crowds of Waikiki and settle into a meal that feels like it came straight from a family kitchen. If you appreciate a meal that prioritizes robust, unadulterated flavor over polished decor, this Kaimuki gem is your destination.

Photos

Choqajib - Honolulu Restaurant Image
Choqajib - Honolulu Restaurant Image
Choqajib - Honolulu Restaurant Image
Choqajib - Honolulu Restaurant Image
Choqajib - Honolulu Restaurant Image
Choqajib - Honolulu Restaurant Image
Choqajib - Honolulu Restaurant Image
Choqajib - Honolulu Restaurant Image

Location

825 Keeaumoku St Unit 111, Honolulu, Hawaii, 96814-2368

Directions

Reviews

Showing 3 of 10 community reviews
K

Kabao VGoogle Maps

Recently

This place is as authentic as it gets. My husband and I really enjoyed the Soon tofu soup, which is probably one of the best tofu soups we've had in a while. Their spicy pork bulgogi was seasoned just right..not salty..and I especially loved their side dishes, especially the seaweed one! So delicious! Our service was excellent. Amazing delicious korean restaurant.

R

RoninGoogle Maps

Recently

Walking by with my family, we decided to try Choga-jip. Upon entering, the restaurant opens into a large, open seating area on the right, with karaoke rooms lining the left side. The kitchen is located further back. We were quickly seated in a karaoke room, which felt a little unusual, but we settled in and began reviewing the menu. ​The menu features a variety of typical Korean dishes, and we ordered several items to share family-style. ​When the side dishes arrived, we were immediately and pleasantly surprised by how delicious they were. I particularly enjoyed the kimchi; it wasn't the sour type and had a wonderfully complex flavor that is hard to describe. The seasoned potatoes were my second favorite. Honestly, we requested a refill for almost every side dish! ​For our main courses, the seafood soft tofu soup contained a generous amount of seafood and a whole hard-boiled egg. The meat pancake (Jeon) was tender, savory, and had very little fat. The Japchae (glass noodles) was also delicious, although it was slightly wetter compared to other versions I've had. ​The servers visited our "room" regularly, but the room also had a call button just in case. ​The restaurant wasn't as busy as I expected. I suspect this might be because the exterior is quite dark and could seem unappealing or even sketchy to passersby. Despite the exterior, this is surprisingly a very good place. We definitely need to come back and try more of their dishes.

L

Leon FullertonGoogle Maps

Recently

A clean, cozy, and delicious Korean restaurant. I was quickly seated, ordered my food, and promptly brought my food. I ordered the tofu stew with beef which was hearty and delicious. The side dishes were also juicy and tasty. This is a hidden gem in Waikiki. I would come here again. Also a quick remake regarding one of the other reviews. There is NOT a $10 tip requirement, so rest assured.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Choqajib

Common questions from diners about Choqajib in Honolulu.

They serve Korean cuisine.

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