How ONGA is Changing the Korean Food Scene in New Jersey—One Bowl at a Time
Discover ONGA Korean Restaurant in Fort Lee, NJ—home to rich, beef-based Korean soups and their famous spicy galbijjim. Read our interview with owner Daniel to learn about their signature dishes, community love, and future plans.
When Daniel, an investor with a deep love for food, met Chef Zhang through a friend, he had no idea it would lead to opening a restaurant. But after tasting Zhang’s cooking and recognizing the gap in the East Coast’s Korean food scene, the two teamed up to create ONGA Korean Restaurant in Fort Lee, New Jersey.
“I’m not a chef,” Daniel admits. “I’m an investor. But I got to know Chef Zhang really well—his work ethic, his food. I’m probably his number one fan.” Their goal? To introduce high-quality, beef-based Korean soups and braised dishes to a community that lacked options like these.
Signature Dishes: Bold, Savory, and Unapologetically Korean
ONGA’s menu revolves around deeply flavorful, slow-simmered broths, made from premium beef cuts. Their standout dishes include:
Galbitang – A rich, beef short rib soup, simmered for hours for a deeply comforting flavor.
Spicy Galbijjim – Braised short ribs with a fiery kick, topped with melted cheese and torched for a smoky finish.
Oxtail Soup (Kkori Gomtang) – A high-quality cut, cooked just right—soft, yet still retaining texture for maximum flavor.
Ox Knee Soup (Jok Hani Tang) – A unique dish rarely seen on menus, offering a robust, collagen-rich broth.
Their $9.99 breakfast menu has also become a neighborhood favorite. “We do four different types of soup in the morning, and when we started, no one else around us was doing that. Now? Everybody copied it,” Daniel shared.
The ONGA Experience: High Standards and a Community Feel
Beyond the food, Daniel and his team focus on quality and consistency. “We don’t cut corners. Our beef is top-notch. If it’s too soft, you lose all the flavor.” The goal is to make every customer feel at home. “People come in, have a solid meal, and leave happy. That’s what we want.”
Since opening, ONGA has seen overwhelming support from locals, including Fort Lee’s senior community, who appreciate the nourishing, authentic flavors. The restaurant has also attracted attention from customers familiar with Zhang’s West Coast roots—he previously oversaw four successful restaurants in LA, including at the renowned Sun Nong Dan.
What’s Next for ONGA?
Expansion is on the horizon, but Daniel is committed to keeping the quality high. “We don’t want to overdo it and lose what makes us special. Wherever we go, we want it to feel homey.” And if there’s one dream guest he’d love to see walk through ONGA’s doors? “Jay-Z and Beyoncé live nearby—that’d be pretty cool.”
For now, the team is focused on perfecting their Fort Lee location and continuing to share their love for Korean comfort food with the community.