Gopchang Story Dallas Review: Carrollton's Korean BBQ Gem

You might be wondering, why would I seek out Gopchang Story in the US when I barely even visit it back in Korea? Well, sometimes the most unexpected culinary adventures lead to the best discoveries, even if it means revisiting a familiar favorite!

The Google Maps listing, simply 'Gopchang Story,' already felt a little cheeky, but I was in for a treat! I was invited by an acquaintance of my cousin, who happens to be a chef there, and just like that, my final meal in the US ended up being at Gopchang Story.

It was only their soft opening, but on a Friday evening, the place was absolutely packed! It felt like the talk of the town, and while most of the patrons were Korean, the energy was undeniable.

The menu structure was largely the same as in Korea, but they had a few extra Korean dishes that seemed to cater to a broader international clientele. You'll find the full menu further down!

Was this picture taken when we walked in? I think we ate from about 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM, and the place was absolutely packed from start to finish!

Here's a glimpse of the menu. I didn't get a shot of everything, but they offer a great selection of Gopchang, other meat dishes, and sides like hot pot and yukhoe (beef tartare).

We ordered two large assorted platters! Looks like even here, you're expected to order about two servings per person, just like in Korea. Haha!

The complimentary side dishes were fantastic! We were already mixing soju and beer before the main event even arrived – definitely setting the mood for a fun night.

They even had aprons! With the atmosphere and the food, it felt like I was back in Korea on a Friday night, not in Texas!

The visuals were incredibly similar to what you'd find in Korea! As a chain restaurant, consistency is key, and they nailed it.

And of course, no Gopchang Story experience is complete without their signature 'magic powder' – that addictive seasoning that takes everything to the next level!

Sizzling, sizzling, sizzling! The taste was absolutely identical to what I'd get in Korea. It feels like the synchronization of Korean food, both at home and abroad, is now about 80% complete. Gopchang used to be one of those harder-to-find Korean dishes outside of Korea, but with a dedicated chain opening up, those worries are a thing of the past!

Suddenly, they brought us Yukhoe (beef tartare) and Yukhoe Sushi! This was a complimentary service, a little secret just for us! It had been a while since I had yukhoe, and it definitely brightened my mood.

Instead of ordering more grilled items, we moved straight to the Gopchang Jeongol (intestine hot pot)! Everyone was clearly craving something with a rich, flavorful broth.

I remember it being so delicious with udon noodles in that spicy broth! Since it was a soft opening and they were so busy, the udon noodles took a little while to arrive. But it was so good, we ended up ordering an extra serving!

After enjoying every last bite, I took a look at the alcohol selection, curious about what Korean drinks were available in a US restaurant. It was just like Korea, with all the familiar brands – the only difference being the prices were about three times higher!

Thinking back, I probably drank more Terra beer than actual American beer during my entire trip to the US. No regrets, though!