Authentic Korean Soul Food
Located in Yorba Linda, Jincook evokes the spirit of 1980s Korean restaurants. The interior retains elements of traditional Hanok while also exuding a familiar old-world charm, and even before opening hours, the restaurant was bustling with people waiting to get in. This naturally created a sense of anticipation, and rather than being flashy, it conveyed a warm and inviting impression.
During this visit, we ordered Sweet Potato Cheese Curry Katsu, Braised Beef Short Rib (Add Cheese), Kimbap Jeon, Garlic Soy Chicken, and Spicy Pork Hot Stone. The menu here is said to be based on the home-cooked meals made by the owner’s mother. The kimchi is made in-house and fermented for three days before serving, and the other side dishes are prepared fresh on the same day, which reflects a great deal of care.
The Braised Beef Short Rib could be chosen in either spicy or non-spicy flavors, and we opted for the cheese addition. The ribs were cooked to tenderness, and the cheese was melted right at the table using a torch, enhancing the flavor even more. The rich seasoning of the ribs combined beautifully with the savory cheese, making it easy to see why this dish is a signature item. The Garlic Soy Chicken is also a popular choice, made with a homemade garlic soy sauce and cooked with chicken thighs, resulting in a moist texture and a subtle sweetness. It’s not overly stimulating, making it a great pairing with rice.
Kimbap Jeon had a particularly interesting backstory. It originated from the memory of frying leftover kimbap in egg after a picnic. The familiar kimbap was grilled again, resulting in a soft exterior and warm interior, evoking a sense of nostalgia. The Sweet Potato Cheese Curry Katsu was created with the intention of serving a dish reminiscent of what one would make for their children during childhood. The gentle sweetness of the sweet potato, combined with cheese and the crispiness of the katsu, made for a relatively easy-to-enjoy dish. The Spicy Pork Hot Stone was served in a hot stone pot, allowing it to stay warm until the last bite, and the spicy seasoning paired well with the rice.
Jincook
Jincook feels more like a place that encapsulates the memories of home-cooked meals rather than just a restaurant serving a menu. The homemade kimchi, thoughtful side dishes, and the story behind the menu items left a lasting impression even after finishing the meal. If you’re looking for comforting Korean food in Yorba Linda, why not pay a visit to this place?
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