Chodang Soon Tofu

This a legit old school Korean spot with in-house made tofu which is featured heavily throughout the menu.

First off, the tofu is absolutely top-class. Very fresh, subtle flavour, and delicious texture (medium to firm). If tofu is your thing, you should definitely give this place a try.

They have a number of dishes that play off their tofu, but my favourite is the veggie dumplings. The dumplings are classic Korean style and steamed. I think I remember chives within the dumplings but because the tofu is so fresh it really brings out the adjacent flavours of the other ingredients within the dish. The Yaki-tofu is a Japanese style fried-tofu block with a sweet soy sauce marinade. This was ok for me. It wasn't super crispy and so I felt the textures didn't express the tofu flavour in the best way.

The soon tofu dish is banging. At other soon tofu restaurants, there's a number of other ingredients within the dish (kimchi, bok choy, mushroom, etc.) I got the original pork and that's exactly what they delivered: ground pork, a clay pot full of homemade silken tofu and the deliciously spicy soup. I thought it would be boring with other veggies in the soup, didn't even miss it the tofu is so good.

Classic side dishes are free (bean sprouts, kimchi, and also a nice taster of fresh firm tofu) with a very nice addition of two fried fish. That's different than most Korean places these days and very nostalgic as that's very old school Korean restaurant style.

Finally, the best part of the tofu is that it tastes INFINITELY better the next day. We brought the dumplings and yaki-tofu home and left it in the fridge, I am not exaggerating, it tastes better the next day. I guess that in-house tofu recipe need a day to really let the flavours mellow into the dish.

Big fan of this place, will be taking my wife there again.

I've been here once before last winter and the food and service were okay. But I went again today and our two servings seafood soon Tofu soup smelled and tasted very funky. It did not taste like the dish I had the last time and it wasn't like other soon tofu soups I've had. We told her it smelled weird and it tasted very salty. She said how can it be that way and that she will have to make the soups again so we should just have these ones. She was very rude, said it was our preference and we can probably not take the spice, which was not true. She didn't replace the soups and stood beside our table staring at us for five minutes. It was very uncomfortable and later she did not come to us when we were asking for our bill although she was being very nice and chatty with other Asian customers. Horrible service, food was not good because they probably used bad seafood, although it was good last time. Really sad as I love Korean food and was excited to have a go to spot in this neighbourhood. Will never go again especially because how badly we were treated.

This is a great find. I had never been through Islington Village before (a short stretch on Dundas West between Kipling and Islington). Hit the area around lunchtime and saw this place just as I was feeling hungry after a long walk. Small and cosy interior and a friendly if not effusive welcome.

I have a light familiarity with Korean food but it doesn't really go much deeper than Kimchi, Bibimbap, Bulgogi, Japchae and Korean chicken, so I asked the owner for a recommendation and had the Soon Tofu, a mixed tofu soup with seafood. The tofu is cooked in front of you in a bubbling bowl with a kimchi stock and it was delicious, accompanied by rice and by the usual pickled sides and a small fried fish. It was a lot of food but I made good work of most of it.

I have eaten at some pretty high end places a few times in my life but what I really like are hidden gems that serve simple, home-made, authentic food and this meets all of those criteria. Highly recommended and very inexpensive. The whole thing, with a can of pop was under $21 before tip.

This place has really excellent authentic Korean food. It's run by a lovely couple and they make the best tofu. Really awesome family business. Everyone there seems to be Korean so that's a really good sign

Chodang Soon Tofu is one of the few restaurants I know very well that prioritize preparing dishes as healthy as possible. The owners make the tofu from scratch in the restaurant and the overall quality of the final product really benefits from it. Chodang Soon Tofu has the best tasting soup I have ever had the pleasure of trying.

I have been coming to Chodang Soon Tofu ever since my grandparents and parents took me here. This restaurant has fed three generations of my family because of its consistent quality, healthy options and delicious dishes.

Dining in is better than take out here. If you get take out they only give you 2/5 (sprouts, radish) appetizers that come with the tofu normally. This is also the only restaurant I've been to that refuses to serve tap water and you must buy bottled water. Not sure if it's a communication issue, but the lady can be a bit terse.

Tofu is solid. The soya milk was good but stay away from the katsu, it's mostly batter and drowned in sauce.

My family and I have been coming here for years. ChoDang soon tofu consistently delivers delicious food made with quality ingredients in a clean and cozy setting. Not to mention the prices are very reasonable. The made in-house tofu is second to none! As vegetarians, it is challenging to find Korean restaurants with so many options on the menu. The Tofu Yaki, Veggie Dumplings and Kimchi Or Mushroom Soon Tofu bowls are just some of the standout dishes. So so good!

Amazing Korean. Toronto Life raved about this place some years back, and rightfully so. Tofu made fresh in house everyday. All the soon tofu bowls are excellent. Lots of mushrooms and great kimchi if you opt for one of those two. The tofu yaki (fried tofu) is amazing, as are the dumplings. Homey, chill dine-in experience. The service is cool…Korean mom and pop styles.

Feels like I am dining at my relatives house. The ahjuma that is serving us is very nice and sweet.would definitely go back in winter

The place is small. The foods are decent. However, it takes so long to serve. They didn't provide water for drink. Small cup of soy milk is $2.00
It seems that this Chodang Soon Tofu is run by two people, husband and wife only. That's why the service was sooo slow. They are so busy, that we cannot even order or ask for drink. She didn't even tell us about drink. We thought she would serve water later, until we asked about the drink, and we was told, there is no water, and we should order for other drink, but she didn't tell us in the first place.
They only provide one set of free side dishes for 6 people, and can't request more.
I would prefer ONNURI in Mississauga, where they provide side dishes which we can request more, and free water or hot tea.
Conclusion, we would not recommended this.

Hidden gem of Etobicoke! Tofu made fresh, in house. This restaurant humbly serves amazing Korean soups that are jam packed with flavour and quality ingredients. Side dishes were an absolute delight, especially the tasty mackerel that was served. Hope that more people discover what a great place this is!

Home made tofu and home style Korean food. All their tofu dishes are great especially the soon dobu ofc. Heads up tho.the lady that works here (I think the owner) is hella mean and has a nasty attitude.if you dont mind that and like a little personality with your food like I do, then come on by! I always visit here when I have a chance!

If you’re looking for delicious Homemade high quality tofu and gourmet Korean food - please come to this gem in Etobicoke - Toronto’s west end.

Own and operated by a lovely Korean couple - they have a clean space and their menu offers a wide variety of Soon Tofu soup from vegetarian to meat - guaranteed to be excellent.

I find this to be the best place!

If you are looking for a comforting home made meal this is the place to go. The owners are amazing and the food is fantastic. So happy a place like this exists.

Just ordered takeout and wow is this a hidden gem in the neighborhood! I am not usually the biggest fan of tofu but this made me keep refilling my plate with more since it was so creamy and as fluffy as a cloud.
I can’t wait to go in person when the lockdown is over and experience their hearty hospitality and food again.

The tofu soup was not in any way authentic. The portion was big but there was very little meat/seafood, and the soup was quite bland so we had to add some salt to it. The lady who took the order was nice though. Overall, not worth the price.

We ordered the fresh tofu and the mushroom and seafood shareable stew. The portions were HUGE and the food was delicious. We were also served several side dishes (kimchi, radish, and a fried fish) as well as rice. All of which were also really good. Looking forward to our next meal here!

Dumplings and tofu were great, bulgogi and teriyaki beef was very bad. I wouldn’t go back, except to try their veggie tofu bowls

This restaurant was once promising but it's really gone downhill fast. Beware, their entire menu is salty! The soon tofu soup is so salty it makes you wonder if they're trying to overcompensate for weak flavour. The side dishes/banchan are also salty and unappetizing. Don't be duped by their photos or complimentary side dishes. This is not authentic Korean (or good) food by any means.

The owner/server is rude af and inattentive. We asked for water to drink and she brought us bottled water. When we asked if we could just get tap water, she said she doesn't serve tap water "due to COVID". Uhh, last I checked, COVID isn't transmissible through water! And she still had the audacity to charge us for the bottled water we didn't even want! Completely inappropriate and dishonest. I do not recommend this place.

I think about was this hole in the wall with their perfect morsels of tofu yaki and steamed dumplings often. Their tofu is so good bc they make their tofu daily, so it’s fresh. I wish I had more tofu yaki

I ordered takeout from Chodang on a whim while walking by, and boy was I amazed. The pork soon tofu was incredibly tasty. The tofu was silky and flavourful, the broth was perfectly salted and tangy, and the spice level was exactly as promised. I basically inhaled it. I loved it. Doesn't hurt that Chodang is also a local, family-run business! I can't wait to eat their food again!

The lady was rude af. We ordered seafood soon tofu, one mussel and one shrimp. You call that seafood stew? Over priced for quality. Bs. Dont start yelling at customers becuase you know your food isnt great at all. Bs place never going there again

The care they take in making everything is so obvious. The tofu is delicious. Space is tight come early

Love there freshly made tofu.lovely. Hope on unpacking more of their Korean dishes to comment on. Their kimchi bowls for those of you who love it.yummm

The best soft tofu soup restaurant! Even better than the ones in Korea. There are lots of reviews about the owner lady being unkind. Give her some time, she's just shy. Love this place.

This is some of the best korean food you can eat. I lived in Seoul for 3 years and this soft tofu soup is easily the best I've had. Everything is freshly made including the tofu made with ontario soybeans. The woman working here may seem rude at first but I believe shes just uncomfortable speaking English. After coming here for a few times shes definitely opened up and is pleasant and smiley. The prices are great and with every soup order you get rice, side dishes and a small fried fish. Do yourself a favour and eat here.

While Toronto has quite a few great soon tofu soups, Chodang is the standard I judge them all by. The dumpling soon tofu soup is my favorite.

The soups are served boiling, with a raw egg to crack in to them. As you're taking this step, and wondering how to start on this tasty bowl, a hot stone bowl with rice is brought, the rice extracted, and water poured in to the stone bowl, creating a toasted rice broth for later.

One spoon at a time, the hot soup can be combined with the rice to reduce the heat. Personally, I save the dumplings for last, as I like them best. (Yes, I also save the frosting for last on a cake.)

The bachan is really tasty, including a small fish that's a bit fiddly for me, but very tasty.

I was introduced to this place by my neighbour. The restaurant itself is simple. The menu might seem intimidating but really is not The food and variety of food is amazing. The main feature is the tofu. They make their own everyday. The dishes they offer both vegan and non vegan dishes (aka meat dishes). The utensils they usually use is stainless steel chopsticks and spoons. If you need forks you can always ask. The food portion is very filling. The soup dishes are amazing especially on cold wet days. Every time I have gone here I ordered something different and have not been disappointed. Good food all around.

Amazing food. The lady is an older Korean woman working her butt off for God knows how many years, who knows what she's been through, and doesn't play to our expectations of superficial smiles. Big deal. Enjoy an amazing meal and carry on. The soon tofu soup is amazing! The rice is great. And she's happy to see you enjoying and eating all thats in your bowl.

Best soon tofu in GTA. Im from Mississauga but I travel all the way to this restaurant whenever I'm craving soon tofu. People should also try their Fresh Tofu it's soooo good. Would definitely recommend to friends and family.

We had an excellent time in this spot. We liked the awesome ambience and the food. The waiters were super affable. I am happy we eventually managed to try this restaurant.

We always buy fresh tofu after dinner; it's the best around i think. There's a language barrier with server/owner? But she tries and has been nicer than when we first started coming

The best authentic Korean restaurant. More authentic than Korea to some degree. Many seem to have felt that the female server is rude. I know she is not rude at all. She is shy and very warm hearted inside. Also I prefer a place where they make their food with honesty making good flavor from good ingredients instead of MSG. This is the #1 place to recommend if anyone asks me where to get good korean food.

Went to their uptown location and missisauga location and after moving dt, went to this one. Quality all very excellent!

Don’t go to this store! The lady is SO RUDE and should definitely not be in the service industry as confirmed by many. Be prepared to wait for at least 30 minutes before she actually tales your order. Most of the time, she just busy doing her own things without even look at the customers.
And the food was toxic as well. I definitely felt Sick after eating that! When you enter the store it smells like food gone bad.

Bad customer service, rude behaviour. Did not allow me to sit and eat, eventhough for no reason.

Please dont come here! The lady is SO RUDE! They advertise that they close at 10pm but really they close at 9pm because they dont accept any customers after 9pm! Me and my friend arrived at 9: 10pm and the owner just shook her head. Didnt even speak! But they had “open” sign on! Ha! Also we called at 9: 20pm asking if we can come now and she said they are closed. So we asked to turn off the “open” sign but she didnt answer and hung up. The attitude.never going there

Small cozy place - I think there are only two people who operate the restaurant. It can get busy. Their specialty is "fresh" made tofu stew.

I pretty much have only gone for the mushroom tofu stew and has always tasted great. The other option is their pork katsu cutlet - but always ask for sauce on the side instead of on top.

I had the Mixed (beef and seafood) Soon Tofu and it is the best tofu pot in the area. I’ve tried Insadong and other Korean places in the area and this beats it by far. They hand make the tofu in house and they fill the bowl to the brim! The intensity of the flavour is also better. The extra items in the bowl are a little scarce with only 1 muscle, 1-2 shrimp, and almost invisible amounts of ground beef, but it still tastes great. It also comes with an egg, a dried fish, and the hot water in a bowl with the leftover rice situation (not sure what it’s called but they give it to you!).

Would deffs recommend. Just don’t get offended by how angry the women who works there looks. She’s sweet at heart:)

ONE OF THE BEST Korean food I’ve ever had. Incredibly fresh tofu, you can taste the beans. The lady was not as terrible as everyone else described, just a little quite. Many choices of free appetizer & the price is very fair. Definitely coming back.

Nice to eat tofu stew on a cold winter evening. A few options available for the tofu stews and i chose the kimchi. Solid taste and filling if you eat/drink everything including the classic appetizer dishes and the Rice crust bowl that is filled with water.

The claim is they produce their own tofu. As well they do not use detergent to clean the hot stone rice bowl used to cook the rice. No way to verify this, but that's a bonus if they do.

Picture does not include the rice bowl and the hot stone bowl with water.

A mom-n-pop place that serves very authentic Korean menu with complimentary fried whole small fish for certain dishes ordered. Tofu used in dishes is fresh made. The mixed grain purple rice is unique and delicious and healthy which you don't get from other korean restaurants.

Lady owner might look serious but actually she is nice and do smiles when we chit chat with her by adding some of our not so fluent korean and she tries her best to communicate in her not so fluent English.

A restaurant my whole family will certainly go back again for more authentic Korean food with their special purple mixed grain rice

Found the food excellent. Service a little grumpy but efficient. Home made tofu is fresh and amazing! I bought some to take home and cook with. Not fancy at all but if you like tofu, check it out.