Youree Yu hopes to make bibimbap a local favorite, and thanks to Kogii Kogii Express, she’s well on her way. Since July 2016, Yu has been introducing diners to the classic Korean dish and other favorites at her fast casual restaurant in north Naperville.
“When I opened last year, a lot of people didn’t know about Korean food,” Yu said. “Now they really enjoy (it) and they come back again. We now have our regular customers.”
Bibimbap is a signature Korean dish, Yu said, served as a bowl of warm rice topped with vegetables, meat or tofu, and traditional gochujang (hot chili paste) sauce. And while the name “Kogii Kogii” translates to mean “meat, meat,” there are plenty of vegetables available as well.
“Our restaurant has healthy food (options) and it’s different,” Yu said.
Here’s the dish on this Korean barbecue restaurant.
What’s on the menu: Bibimbap is the signature dish, and customers can build their bowl by choosing a rice (or greens), protein, vegetables and a sauce. In addition, the menu includes Korean tacos, fried chicken, and an assortment of sides like kimchi fries and dumplings.
About the owner: Yu moved to the United States in 2008 and now lives in Naperville. Yu opened her first restaurant (Kogii Kogii Korean BBQ) in Deerfield in 2015 and then opened Kogii Kogii Express in Naperville in 2016.
A mission statement or philosophy: Kogii Kogii Express provides authentic Korean cuisine in a comfortable and friendly atmosphere.
Decor: Light and bright, this fast casual restaurant has a contemporary feel with gray walls, black wood tables and bold red metal chairs. Customers order at the counter using the easy to understand menu boards and choose their spot to dine.
Food specialties: Bibimbap is the signature Korean dish. The bulkogii is also popular, and includes marinated rib-eye, spinach, carrots, mushrooms, cabbage and bean sprouts, and can be topped with a fried egg.
We’re different because: Yu said while Freedom Commons has many restaurants, Kogii Kogii is the only one that offers Korean barbecue.
Price range: Korean tacos are $3 each or three for $7.99. Bibimbap ranges from $9.99 to $11.99 and Korean fried chicken is $5.99 for five pieces and $9.99 for 10 pieces. Rice plates with a marinated rib-eye are $9.99 (or chicken for $8.99) include two sides.
Logistics: Kogii Kogii Express is located at 1763 Freedom Drive (Unit 101) between the Naperville exit of the I-88 Tollway and Diehl Road. They are open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m.-8:30 p.m. and Sunday from 12:30-8 p.m. Call 630-453-5506 or go to www.kogiiexpress.com.
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Jane Donahue is a freelance reporter for the Naperville Sun.