KoJa Kitchen
Categories: Restaurants Korean Restaurants Japanese Korean, Japanese
San Francisco, CA 94123Neighbourhood: Marina/Cow Hollow
(415) 992-7394
- Price Range:
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$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
- Dogs Allowed:
- Yes
Lauren L. said: "Hotei! Haaaaay! Their food is definitely worth four stars but it's the service that gets them five stars from the hubby and me. I always get the donburi chicken teriyaki, possibly the ika fry calamari. Hubby always heartily gobbles…" read more »
124 reviews for KoJa Kitchen
Review Highlights
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"The rice buns help offset the strong flavors of the inside." In 6 reviews -
"...be back for more of those BBQ Beef KoJa and Veggie KoJa." In 12 reviews -
"This might just be my new favorite food truck." In 11 reviews
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124 reviews in English
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Review from Susy C.
Updated - 5/24/2012 2 photos
umm...
Hi.
I love you guys.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/19/2012
Okay. KoJa is definitely being added to my list of favorite food trucks.
Few are very worth waiting… Read more »
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Review from William S.
Milpitas, CA
5/24/2012
Probably my favorite food truck, but why 4 stars you ask? Well for one thing, I've only tried one thing here, well technically two things because it's a combo meal. Every time this food truck is around are area, me and the wifey always try to meet this truck. It's probably one of my favorite trucks if not the best I've tried in the Bay. Another reason why I haven't given it that extra star is that, since the MoGo's truck has launched and been getting a lot of buzz, it seems like everyone and their mom is trying to come up with a creative new lunch truck and it seems like there are still a lot more trucks to try before I can actually declare this as my favorite truck. I can really say though that this trucks is pretty damn good.
So what did we order, or shall I say what do we always order? Every time we can get our hands on this truck we order the same thing the kamakazi combo which comes with the Korean BBQ beef koja (rice bun burger with Borean BBQ, and lettuce), the combo also comes with their bangin fries called kamakazi fries (waffle fries, kimchi, Korean BBQ, and their special sauce. That whole combo is off the hook and can be highly addicting so eaters beware. There are different things on the menu along with different meat choices that I have yet still to try, but then again, I'm more than happy to keep ordering the same thing.
I still need to try a few more trucks before I actually commit to this being my favorite food truck.Listed in: Food Trucks for Schmucks
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Review from Abelina V.
San Jose, CA
5/23/2012
5 Stars. Easy. EASILY!!!!
This truck is by far my favorite truck. The Kamikaze fries will change your life, everything is seasoned perfectly, cooked so well and the Mochimisu is so creative while staying amazingly good.
As far as "sliders" go, I've had the Korean BBQ Beef and the Short Rib. Both AMAZINGLY GOOD. And something I appreciate is the RICE PATTIES. Seriously it's RICE shaped into a patty! It's unique and I completely appreciate the innovative-ness of them, but lets be real -- anyone with half a brain will know that the destiny of this patty is to fall apart. Big deal. Grab a fork and eat it like a rice plate. LOOK AT THAT. IT'S A TRANS-FUCKING-FORMER. Honestly, though, if you're NOT getting the Kamikaze fries (in which case, I'd question your intelligence), then I wouldn't get the Korean BBQ Beef 'slider', only because there's other meats to try and they're all so delicious.
The Kamikaze fries. I can't even begin to tell you how much I crave these fries. The fries themselves are cooked to crispiness which adds texture as well as a great foundation for all the goodness that is piled on top of those fries. Now... you may have read that there's Kimchi on the fries. Now if that is a deal breaker for you, I have a word of advice -- DON'T LET IT BE. I'm not the biggest fan of it, but it's minced and it adds a hint of flavor that is MUCH needed to cut through the heaviness of the meat. It's PERFECTION and I swear it's not gigantic pieces of pickled cabbage. You seriously won't even know it's there.
Now, the Mochimisu -- Tiramisu with chocolate mochi. DELICIOUS!!!! Perhaps a bit on the sweet side, but I still thought it was amazing and the mochi texture was a pleasant addition!!! LOVED IT!! HIGHLY recommend it.
Now, I understand... it's a bit pricey. But what people don't even take into account is that there's a ton of factors running these trucks. The trucks doesn't run on fucking air. There's gas involved, maintenance on the truck and labor and it's everything adding up. Sure the cost of the Kamikaze meal plus a Mochimisu ran me nearly $20, but you know, If you love the food enough and you want to support them, then, like me, you're happy to hand over the cash.
I don't even think about money when it comes to this truck... my mind is just screaming, "TAKE MY MONEY. GIVE ME THE FRIES." -
Review from Daniel B.
San Francisco, CA
5/21/2012 8 photos
Ballin' status. TV's and iPad instead of paper menu listings.
Taste and execution? Four stars. No question.
$5.50 and up per slider? Two stars. No, thanks.
He asked if I only wanted one. I just got one.
Because if $5.50 is too much for one small sandwich,
$11 is way too much for two small sandwiches.Listed in: Asia is Huge, Outdoors, C is for Corea, Pray for Japan, Moves Around
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Review from Erica T.
5/20/2012 1 Check-in Here
Finally a asian food truck worth giving 4 stars! I saw this truck at the Asian Heritage Street Celebration
I ordered the following:
Kamikaze Fries ($6): This was awesome, I love that it was fresh and crispy... well, more like crunchy (my kind of fries!). Note: mix the kimchi with the meat and it won't taste as sweet. Eating the meat alone, it gets a bit too sweet and overwhelming after a while. I even let it sit for 10 mins and it wasn't oily and soggy, still crispy and yummy!!
Mochimisu ($4.50): LOVE IT! It wasn't too sweet and it had a a layer of mochi! AWESOME!
I have to come back and try their koja! I also think it is awesome that they have a deal... not a lot of food trucks have that. Koja, fries, and drink for $12.50.. but add $1 if you want kalbi meat.Listed in: Food Trucks
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Review from .Nette T.
5/14/2012
I've heard a lot about Korean food trucks but have never personally tried one....until KoJa was at Mobile Gourmet Food Trucks in San Carlos. I'm so glad I suggested Aaron I. go with me to try this food truck because this is at the top of my food truck list! We odered the combo ($12.50):
1. Korean BBQ Beef KoJa - Korean BBQ Beef (Bulgogi) with sautéed onions, Japanese seasoned romaine lettuce, drizzled with our signature sauce and served in toasted hand-made rice buns
2. Kamikaze Fries - Crisscut Fries topped with Korean BBQ Beef, kimchi, green onions and drizzled with our signature sauce and Japanese mayo
The BBQ beef was tender and flavorful, LOVE the signature sauce. I expected the toasted hand-made rice buns to be more like Yaki Onigiri (crunchy) but with the line at least 30 people deep it would probably be hard to make.
My favorite dish was the Kamikaze Fries, definitely getting that again, and I'm going to make space for the mochimisu....that looked soooo good. I'm going to stalk them on the Peninsula, whether they're at EA or Mobile Gourmet Food Trucks! -
Review from F. P.
San Francisco, CA
5/18/2012
Loved KoJa Kitchen (KOrean & JApanese food). Checked out the truck in OTG Haight and one thing that stands out right away is how high tech Koja is compared to the other trucks.
The menu and rotating pictures are on hi def screens, which further entices customers (it worked for us!)
The Korean BBQ Short Ribs (Kalbi) Koja was really flavorful and quite delicious. Some of the beef pieces were a little tough, which is a big pet peeve of mine (so I'll take one star off here). The toasted rice bun was a nice touch that makes this place unique from, say, Chairman Bao, which has the more traditional rice buns.
We also had the Kamikaze Fries after seeing a visual on the screen. Think of it as Korean-style nachos. Criss-cut fries (instead of tortilla chips) topped with Korean BBQ beef, sauteed onions, kimchi, green onions and drizzled with Korean-traditional red pepper paste and Japanese mayo combo. This was my favorite. -
Review from Katrina v.
San Jose, CA
5/8/2012
The kamikaze fries are really good. They're fries with green onion, sirracha, beef, and some other sauces. It tastes really spicy/tangy.
However, I don't really dig the rice burgers. I wish the rice patties were cooked more so they'd have delicious crispy rice on it! Also, who wants korean bbq, rice....and lettuce??? No thanks, the rice burger is just a gimmick and I'd rather have good old bbq and rice any day.
Kamikaze combo is about $12 (rice burger, drink, & kamikaze fries) and after eating the delicious fries with beef having a beef rice burger for me was just more of the same. The flavor for the meat though, is good.
I assume "Koja" means "Korean/Japanese"...but really, it's more Korean.
Skip the burgers, have the fries! -
Review from Donna H.
San Francisco, CA
4/29/2012
Good god - this truck has done something horribly wrong, it introduced the Kamikaze fries to me. I frequently attend Off the Grid and try to always try a different truck since the options are endless, I had yet to do KoJa and now that I have eaten those amazing fries is only going to become a habit.
They start with criss cut fries people, which in my opinion is BY FAR the best fry cut there is. hands down. Then they add all this yummy goodness and their bulgogi is the best I've had. Love it all! -
Review from Analisa S.
Berkeley, CA
4/25/2012
I ordered the Kalbi Koja and I don't know why I thought a $5 "sandwich" would get me a lot of food, it didn't.
It was about 2 bites of food, the kalbi was good and I like the idea of the rice being a bun, but it wasn't anything special. Next time I'm going for the bacon truck. -
Review from Anthony N.
San Francisco, CA
4/24/2012
I'm so glad I waited in the stupid long line for KoJa Kitchen! The Koja and the kamikaze fries are straight CRACK! And it's probably one of the best deals you can get at a food truck. 1 koja, 1 kamikaze fries, and a drink for only $12.50, THAT'S WHASSUP. Making a bun out of rice is PURE GENIUS too. The beef is so tender and flavorful and korean. The sauces on the fries are just i can't even describe them, props for using waffle fries too.
"Koja Kitchen was delightful, no no it was brilliant, no no, no words can describe it's perfection, so i'm forced to make one up. And I'm going to do so right now.....
SCRUMTRALASCENT. Koja Kitchen is scrumtralascent." -
Review from Becca I.
San Francisco, CA
5/5/2012 1 photo
The cookies and cream mochimisu literally brought tears of joy to us. It's hard to describe, but it tastes a bit like latiya (Guam dessert). The chocolate mochi is surprising, and the entire dessert is well put together. Not too sweet.
I was pretty disappointed with the kalbi Koja and Kamikaze fries though. The Koja just tastes like a kalbi bowl with toasted rice. Nothing too special. The fries were okay. Let me put it this way... I love potatoes, and these were just okay.
The FIFTY minute wait was well worth the mochimisu. -
Review from Charmaine P.
El Sobrante, CA
4/25/2012 1 photo
I don't know why it took me so long to finally try to this truck! Usually can find em at Off The Grids
They make these little Kojas which are two crispy rice patties as buns and your choice of meat like bulgogi, kimchi, pineapple,etc. which is around 6 bucks. Sooo goood and kinda messy just because the rice tends to fall apart, but well worth it.
You gotta get the Kamikaze fries too! Waffle cut fries topped with KoJa goodness!
I was stuffed and didn't get dessert but they offer this thing called Mochimisu which is like tiramisu but with mochi! Sounds good
The only thing that sucks that its so good that the line is crazy long. It took about 20 minutes to finally get to the front of the line. -
Review from Mc N.
San Jose, CA
4/24/2012
Amazing!
They're a little pricey but the food is great and unique. Try the combo, kamakazi fries were really good and so was the little sandwich that it comes with. A lot of food for $12.50 but that's about the most it's worth.
The dessert is amazing and highly recommended. Give them a try, you won't regret it. -
Review from Rita V.
4/17/2012
I got the chance to try Koja Kitchen at the Moveable Feast Southside (Blossom Hill VTA). There was always a super long line for Koja, but it was definitely worth the wait.
I stood in line with my friends, and we had to wait about 30 minutes to get to the front of the line. Everything on the menu looked so good, too. I decided to try the Beef Koja ($5.5). I liked how the person handling the orders and money was super friendly, and he always had a smile on his face. After I paid, my name was called a few minutes later. I was surprised the food was ready so fast!!
We all sat on the red buckets to enjoy our Koja. My beef koja was so good!! The beef was so tender and flavorful. I loved the little spiciness in the koja. The rice buns was toasted and crispy. I definitely wanted more Koja after having only one..lol.
When more of our friends showed up, I kept raving to them about Koja Kitchen. We all decided to stand in line again, so they can try it. This time we had to wait in line for 1 hour before we got to the front. I decided to order another Beef Koja and Mochimisu to go, so I can enjoy it at home later.
The Mochimisu ($4.5) is a really tasty dessert!! I loved the chocolate covered strawberry on top. The tiny pieces of mochi was a very nice surprise, and the dessert was not too sweet. I will definitely order more of the Mochimisu next time. =)
Overall, Koja Kitchen has really good food!! If you see a long line, quickly get in line. You won't be disappointed after you try their great food and dessert! I hope Koja Kitchen comes to San Jose more often. -
Review from Jennifer C.
San Francisco, CA
5/13/2012
Sharing is not caring when it comes to the important things in life - like kamikaze fries. You don't wanna go through that song and dance when there's only one fry left in the container and you both pretend not to want it.
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Review from Norman P.
San Jose, CA
4/21/2012
Mochimisu is excellent. Little chunks of chocolatey mochi buried deep inside of a top-notch cup of Tiramisu.
Every time I find a mochi nugget, I feel like I've hit the big lode!
Of course, the "burgers" are great. I really recommend the BBQ Beef (Bulgogi), but add the Kimchi. It adds this great pickled, spicy flavor, but its not overpowering. Their Kimchi is soft and mild. Not like your typical Kimchi, but it works oh so great on their "burgers". If you dont like it, scrape it off. It's only 50 cents extra.
I highly recommend following on twitter and giving them a try when their in your hood. They are literally all over the place: San Francisco Fort Mason all they way down to San Jose Blossom Hill -
Review from Jin P.
Berkeley, CA
4/24/2012
Rice buns crispy on the outside but sticky-sweet on the inside, tender and fantastically seasoned bulgogi that punches you with zesty flavor, and fries so fresh you can taste the peanut oil they were fried in. Fast service too! This truck is so good that I track it down weekly, and am sorely disappointed when it does not show up to Off the Grid Berkeley.
For someone who eats A LOT of burgers, KoJa lands near the top. Delicious! -
Review from Christine A.
Daly City, CA
4/18/2012
I thought there was no way this truck can actually be so highly rated. Thank you KoJa Kitchen for proving you live up to your hype.
Things That Were Awesome:
+++Tasty, spicy things between two rice 'buns'. The 'buns' are pressed rice and the KoJa look like little burgers made from Korean BBQ. Lots of meat for each Koja, and extra Siracha is available for desired spiciness.
+++Quickness! The lunch line was long but they moved with the quickness. My KoJa beef and Zen orders came through in about 5 minutes after ordering.
+++(Bonus points) Visually pleasing. Menus are up on flat screens and the truck graphics look like it would be happy in a video game. They also show you your order before the to-go container lid is closed.
Things That Were Not So Awesome:
---ALLERGY WARNINGS were thankfully listed on the menu. Kamikaze fries are cooked in peanut oil and the kimchee they use use shellfish. I know from other reviews that the fries are supposed to be delicious. Too bad my body has already rejected the idea =(
---Rice 'buns' feel apart about halfway through eating. I ended up using my chopsticks and eating the deconstructed KoJa as a rice bowl. Still tasty.
Yes, you will see me in the massive lines for this place in the future. I really want to try their desserts. There weren't any when I came by. -
Review from Stine H.
4/24/2012
Was excited to see the KoJa Kitchen truck at off the grid: upper haight, but it left me unsatisfied.
I really want to support the food trucks because let's admit it, these functions are fun and the food options are interesting...but mostly they leave me with $8 dollars or so of regret. Ok fine, not so much regret, but wanting more? KoJa definitely did not wow me, but I guess it wasn't so bad.
For $6, we got the kamikaze fries which looked like an explosion of delicious flavors. Waffle fries covered in spicy mayo, scallions, short rib meat, kimchi etc etc. I really wished that the meat wasn't so mushy and sweet. I would have liked it to taste more savory.
Perhaps next time I'll get the koja sandwich and mochi misu. -
Review from Fancypants X.
San Francisco, CA
3/23/2012 1 photo
I love an Asian-fusion food truck with vegan & vegetarian options! I've been seeing KoJa Kitchen for the past month at OTG's Thursday night event in the Upper Haight, but only tried their grub last night.
Mochimisu ($4.50) was artistically layered w/ chocolate mochi that was so soft & flavorful. Very complimentary to the cake & cream. Topped with a yummy chocolate-dipped strawberry half.
I stole bites of my girl's Kamikazi Fries, avoiding the beef. So tasty! The crisscut fries were crispy & not too thick. Next time, I'm getting the veggie version.
A few weeks ago, my sister had gotten a KoJa (Korean-Japanese rice patty 'burgers') but only last night did I realize a vegan option (Teriyaki vegan patty) was available! I was too wrapped up in my own meal from another truck that I didn't check out KoJa's menu then *sad face* I have so much to look forward to for next week!Listed in: mobile food
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Review from kim n.
5/9/2012
recommended to me by the folks at Eat On Monday, I decided to give the short ribs a try. Surprisingly different from what I thought I'd be getting. The toasted rice bun with I think a little oil gives this "sandwich" a texture and flavor dimension it normally wouldnt have. Well cooked, marinated shortribs and a little dressed lettuce for freshness. Definitely on the top of my food truck list now. 4.3 stars
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Review from Gabby Y.
Union Square, San Francisco, CA
4/19/2012 2 photos
The longest line at Off the Grid, but I figured it was worth a try. The line has a lot of people but once your order is taken, the food is ready is less than 5 minutes!
Basically, Korean BBQ (choice of short rib, beef, chicken, veg) with lettuce/seasoning between two "rice buns". You know when you order rice from a clay pot, and there is all this crispy flavorful deliciousness at the bottom of the pot? It's an entire bun made out of crispy pressed rice! I thought it was creative (:
Sandwiches may look small but when you receive the tray, the order is SUPER HEAVY. I ordered two (one chicken, one shortrib) but was barely able to finish one. Super delicious and lots of flavor! Definitely worth the ~$6. -
Review from Francesca L.
San Jose, CA
Updated - 5/15/2012 4 photos
So...I still haven't tried the classic Mochimisu... BUT! I did try the Cookies & Cream Mochimisu and that was AMAZING!!! It's a special menu item exclusive to Off the Grid: Fort Mason Center so you gotta make your way to San Francisco if you wanna try it (which you should).
However, I believe you have to eat it a certain way in order to really savor all its glory. I began eating the dessert by scooping a little bit of the creamy top layer onto my spoon and giving it a taste. This is not the way to go. I quickly learned that in order to get the whole experience (the yummy tiramisu cake, the soft and chewy chocolate mochi, and the delicious cookies & cream flavor), you have to dig your spoon all the way to the bottom so that you get a taste of every layer. It's like jumping in a pool. Don't just dip your toe (or in this case, spoon) in... Take the dive and make the plunge (with your spoon)! Yeah, you might go into shock...but at least with KoJa Ktichen it's not from cold water. Instead, you'll immerse yourself in a quite heavenly and sweet tasting dessert. Oh, and this sweet treat looks pretty cute too. I'm always a sucker for cute things...especially desserts. :)
P.S. I love how friendly Team KoJa Kitchen is and the awesome customer service they provide. :)Listed in: Food Trucks
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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4/23/2012
KAMIKAZE FRIES = DELICIOUS!!!
Tried KoJa Kitchen for the first time at SJMade! Waited in line with… Read more »
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Review from Jen H.
Santa Clara, CA
5/13/2012
Had my first BBQ beef and kamikaze fries today. Yum!!!!
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Review from Denise C.
Pacifica, CA
4/15/2012
I. Love. This. Food truck. First time I was exposed was at the Yelp event at Big Daddy's Antiques (the Yelperstitious Holiday Party). They were only demoing portions of their kamikaze fries at the time, which is a delicious mix of waffle fries/wasabi mayo/bulgolgi beef and some other stuff. So freaking good and they were incredibly generous, offering multiple portions. These guys seemed super cool at the event, so I made a mental note to try and find them at some point again. However, their usual haunts are somewhere around the city, which makes it pretty difficult for me to get to :/
Fortunately, I got another chance to see these guys at the Taco Innovation Festival in San Jose. Yay! Their tacos were definitely one of the tastier ones from the food trucks there and I had absolutely no regrets waiting in line for their food. I had seen a picture of their mochimisu at the Yelp event and was dying to try one but never got the chance... but TOTALLY got lucky this time around as we got there when they still had tons to sell! I couldn't help myself but get one to try.
The mochimisu is to DIE for. No question, probably my favorite thing from this food truck. It is their take on tiramisu with mochi in it... the cake, the cream, the chocolate mochi... the chocolate coated strawberry... even the cocoa powder dusting and the seriously cute presentation (the wicked cup it comes in) is so worth seeking this truck out. My boyfriend actually overheard a conversation where this guy was begging other people in line to help him get just one of the mochimisus (since he was afraid they would sell out or something... or didn't want to wait in line... *shrug*). Apparently... they're really popular (for good reason) and it seemed to be the case when we passed the truck a little later and saw they they were already completely out of their heavenly dessert!
If I get a chance, I'll definitely find this truck again. I love their unique take on Korean/Japanese food! -
Review from Tim W.
4/20/2012
I was lured to this truck by the numerous TVs that displayed the menu and pictures of the food.
I tried the short rib koja as well as the bbq chicken. The rice patties both keep the sandwich structurally sound as well as impart a nice crunch to it. But when the patties aren't crispy enough the sandwich literally just falls apart and your sandwich turns into a rice bowl.
Both kojas were true to their korean bbq roots, with the meat being smoky and sweet with a good amount of spice and heat behind that. (Add extra sriracha for even more heat). The sesame seeds were definitely a nice touch. I felt like the sandwiches might have benefited from some additional toppings instead of lettuce. Maybe something like korean bean sprout salad or seaweed. I think the sandwiches are a bit pricey as well coming in at $5.50-$6.50 each, especially since just one doesn't fill me up at all.
I really want to try the mochimisu after seeing people rave about it on yelp too! -
Review from Jia min C.
San Francisco, CA
Updated - 4/15/2012
Now that KoJa Kitchen is at UN PLaza for OTG basically every week, I've been going... basically every week. No other food truck exists for me when this one is in the vicinity-- I get terrible tunnel vision.
I have to say though, the short rib Koja is not as good as the simple BBQ Beef one. That one remains the best, though I now regularly add kimchi. Actually, I haven't tried the other ones yet. I'm sure it'd be amazing.
I'm adding the follow up to praise the amazing service! The people that run the truck are just the nicest ever. They actually know me by sight and name now. It's really nice to know that I'm appreciated. KoJa Kitchen really goes the extra mile in every way.1 Previous Review: Show all »
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12/15/2011
This place really hit it out of the ballpark as far as food goes. Definitely the one food truck I… Read more »
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Review from Gerard Y.
5/10/2012
Me and a couple of co-workers decided to check out the food trucks at Civic Center for lunch and this just happened to be one of them. I ordered the "short ribs burger" after I asked what was their popular item. I didn't notice it at first until a couple of bites it, but I think it's neat that the "hamburger buns" are made out of rice. The short ribs were delicious. I ordered the combo so it came with fries and I got a Pellegrino drink. It's too bad they didn't have Calpico. Calpico would've been great to finish off this meal.
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Review from Isabelle L.
Sunnyvale, CA
4/7/2012
Why eat at a food truck? Well, sometimes you go get a massage because you want to go to an all-out day spa for the experience of spending the day in a hot tub/sauna, relaxing with tea and minted/fruit water, and showering with exotic shampoos before and after your massage but sometimes...your body aches and you need a quick feel-good fix or you can't live. When you eat at a food truck, you know you're not going for the sit-down luxury experience but you go to a food truck because your body craves a quick, delicious, satisfying fix and without the razzle dazzle of suited waiters, the food must simply speak for itself. At Koja Kitchen, the food says, "EAT ME, I AM THE MOST DELICIOUS THING THAT YOUR BODY NOT ONLY WANTS, BUT NEEDS RIGHT NOW!" I'm a bit of a drama queen, I know...
The food is presented as your typical burger and fries but entirely re-imagined and reinvented, Koja Kitchen style. Creatively imagined but more importantly, perfectly executed. The "burger buns" are rice patties perfectly held together. The meat is succulent, well seasoned and perfectly cooked with just the right amount of sauce, lettuce and condiment to give the Asian flavore flare. Short rib Koja was definitely my favorite - slam dunk Koja team! Accompany this with the Kamikaze fries which are basically criss-cut fries with sauce, hints of kimchi, green onion and some tender flakes of meat and you're in heaven. However, you don't quite have your wings until you top all this off with the Mochimisu dessert (tiramisu with mochi) - sublime!
Warning: If you get the mochimisu dessert and are holding on to it while waiting for your meal to be picked up, you may realize that it's half gone and in your tummy by the time you get your food, not because the food takes long to get to you but because the mochimisu is magic and irresistible. Maybe you eaters are stronger willed than I... -
Review from Cheryl Q.
4/17/2012 2 Check-ins Here
Friendly people serving tasty food out of a cool looking truck. Thumbs up from me!
I always get the kamikaze fries, which are crisscut fries topped with bits of meat in sweet and spicy sauce and finely minced kimchi. Everytime I've had them, the fries are still hot and is the perfect amount for a snack. I've tried the mochimishu which has the concept of a tiramisu. It took a couple of bites for me to get used to. I loved the texture, but tasted something a little gingery, which I wasn't too fond of.
The price is slightly pricey, kamikaze fries being I think $6 and Mochimishu dessert being about $4.50. -
Review from Harry T.
3/21/2012
There's always a HUGE line for KoJa at MVBL Feast Garden City so when I saw that they were going to be at MVBL Feast South Side I decided to go "early" and beat the rush. MVBL Feast started at 5PM anddd my phone was set to Filipino time I guess and I showed up at 6PM lol. There were about 10 people in front of us but the line moved quick so it wasn't that bad.
First impression: Cool they have 2 flat screen TV's on the truck! The TV's had the menu displayed on there which was really convenient because my blind ass didn't have to try to read a tiny little menu. I knew I wanted to try the Kamikaze fries and I saw that they had a combo for KoJa+Kamikaze Fries+drink so I went ahead and got that.
I got a BBQ Beef KoJa(Korean BBQ Beef KoJa with sautéed onions, Japanese seasoned romaine lettuce, signature sauce on toasted rice buns) and I actually really enjoyed it. The beef was well marinated, lettuce was crisp, the signature sauce was a addition to all the flavors that were already in my mouth, BUT the rice buns kept falling apart on me :( I dont know if I was just being a fatty and trying to devour it too fast or maybe I was supposed to eat it with a fork?! Anyways, it's like eating a small bowl of rice with meat and veggies except you throw away the bowl and smush the rice together to make cool little buns to put your food between.
Now the highlight of the truck IMO, Kamikaze fries! Crisscut fries topped with stuff, stuff, and more stuff! Korean BBQ Beef, kimchi, green onions, signature sauce and Japanese mayo to be exact. Beef was delicious like it was in the KoJa, kimchi had great flavor and added a nice kick, and the signature sauce and mayo were like the icing on the cake for me. They topped it off perfectly. The fries themselves were nice and crispy but they seemed kind of airy? I like my fries to be potato-y but these were really light and felt hollow for some reason.
Service was really fast and efficient. I'm used to waiting 10-20min for my food when I go to events like this but my food came out in about 5min and everything was hot and fresh.
I just figured out the name KoJa LOLOL Korean/Japanese duhhh. I feel like an idiot -
Review from Danster L.
San Jose, CA
3/12/2012 1 photo
Ever since KoJa Kitchen catered a Yelp event in San Francisco, I have been hooked onto this truck ever since. Whenever they come down to Moveable Feast in San Jose, I have to get it! Their rice burgers/sliders are amazing! I would say the short rib sandwich is the best but what you should definitely get is the Koja fries! The fries are like crack and once you eat one, you cannot stop. I am serious!
A mountain of waffle fries topped with a hint of kimchi, scallions, Korean bbq beef and a special sauce which makes the fries even more amazing! The waffle fries are perfectly crisp even underneath all those toppings. I have yet to try their other items since I am so addicted to their rice sandwiches and fries but I cannot wait to try their dessert and other rice sandwiches and specials. Simple, unique and great on the palette! -
Review from Joanna W.
4/11/2012
O. M. G. KoJa has the most orgasmic fries ever!
I got to sample their fries during one of the Yelp Holiday Party and it was the best thing that day. I kept lining up for seconds, and thirds, and .....
I'm waiting for the day till we meet again so I can try the rest of the menu. -
Review from Veasna H.
4/5/2012
Our second stop at OTG last week was KoJa Kitchen. Line was pretty long, moved pretty fast. We ordered the Kamakazi Fries, the BBQ Korean Beef Burger with Pineapple and the Short Rib Burger. The food came out almost right away, so although the initial wait was long, there wasn't a long wait to actually get the food. A plus!
The burgers were quite good. The sauce was a bit on the sweet side, but not over done so it was pretty good. The bulgogi beef had thinner slices of meat, and fell apart a little bit easier and tasted more SAUCEY...the pineapple didn't help with the sweetness. The short ribs were bigger chunks, so you definitely got more of the meat taste. My favorite part of both burgers were the Rice Patty Buns. Soft on the inside and crunchy on the outside. The best way I can describe the burgers were that they were like Korean Clay pots formed burger likeness. Although the portions looked small, the beef portions were quite generous. JDo asked if I had left any beef for her after she saw me attacking the BBQ beef one, and I looked down and was surprised to see a good amount of beef left! Quite delicious.
The Kamakazi fries were pretty good as well. Tasted a lot like Namu's Gamja fries.
What differentiates them is that these are Cross Cut fries (the waffle like shape). I don't think this really adds to the dish. One of my favorite parts of the Gamja fries are the crunchy little pieces of fries that you can mix in with the meat and saaaauwce!!! It was still a good dish tho.
I didn't get to try the Mochimusu...which I regret not trying now after seeing the pics yelp! I will have to return to KoJa again!!! -
Review from Joyce C.
3/5/2012 1 photo
I had the opportunity to try KoJa at Moveable Feast - Garden City this past weekend. I didn't get the rice buns which seems popular. I went for the Kamikaze fries instead. Criss cut ries with grounded korean bbq beef, chopped up kimchi and Japanese mayo. I liked that the beef was grounded up and mixed with the chopped kimchi so you get a taste of everything in each bite. The flavors were on point and the servings are decent. Next time, I'll have to try the rice buns.
I also want to give them credit for the way their truck looks - LCD screens to show pictures of the food and to display the menu.Listed in: Food on Wheels
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Review from Daniel S.
Millbrae, CA
5/7/2012
let me just say that the hour wait in line was definitely worth it! i swear the sun had already come down by the time we ordered but the service was very quick. ordered the $12.50 combo that came with 1 koja sandwich, 1 kamikaze fries, and a drink-- GOTTA HAVE IT! i thoroughly enjoyed the fries. the sandwich was good too, especially with the rice patties, but it was missing something.
Note to Koja: the sandwich needs some acidity, but since youve already used kim chi in the fries, try pickled radishes/carrots or even daikon like chairman bao does. i think a little goes a long way. seriously, make it happen. -
Review from T A.
Alameda, CA
2/27/2012
God dang, these peeps really know how to season their meat!
My fries were a lil on the lukewarm side, but still fucking delicious.. all the toppings were perfectly paired.
The sticky bunned rice sandwiches are a cute lil compact rice plate all wrapped into a cute lil package. Aww, lil rice buns, so so cute...so so delicious. -
Review from Jade W.
3/31/2012
Kamakazi Fries!
Really do you need to try anything else. French fries covered in a kimchi concoction and a mixture of sauces, bits and piece that I would have never thought should ever belong together in a bowl nor taste so damn good. -
Review from lala d.
Campbell, CA
3/26/2012
YUM YUM YUM!!
Seriously, I would eat from this truck every day if I could. Great prices, amazing blend of flavors, and super clever with presentation.
First tried them at the MVBL Feast in the Garden City parking lot. I can't remember the name of it, but I ordered the vegan patty in the rice buns. WOW! I am hooked!
Can't wait for them to come back!
