SOJU Bar

SOJU Bar…a name known to pretty much any foodie around Amsterdam, and their friends. It’s been around for a while now, had really aggressive marketing when it opened, sustains good ratings, and a full restaurant on most nights. So – what’s the hype all about?

My first visit to the SOJU Bar was almost one year ago. My husband and I were celebrating our anniversary, so had a fancy dinner (not the greatest one, though). Therefore, we weren’t there for food, but just to share some soju with friends. I remember my buddies trying “soju go to hell“, the chicken item that has 10 spicy peppers next to it. They almost passed out. Fun to watch, but definitely wasn’t curious to experience it myself. I was, however, curious about the rest of their menu.

SOJU bar has a simple concept: they sell good fried chicken, in a couple of styles. Not the place to go sit down for a specific meal, but more of a great fit for a group to share. So, I found myself some friends (luckily already had some, pfew), and headed there on a busy Friday night.

To start the feast, we’ve shared the honey butter chicken. I mean…what can I say? Can one possibly go wrong with this, unless…I don’t know…they serve raw chicken? They don’t, to be clear. This was really, really good.

Next up, we tried the gangnam style. Also tasty, but not as impressive. The sauce was lacking something – for my preference, probably a kick. It just felt a bit too much like mayo, not enough like gochujang.

On to the next – garlic & soy! A classic taste combination, but a bit on the sweet side. Nicely made and sticky, as they should be.

Stop nr. 4: the onion lovers. I honestly thought I’d dislike this one, as it looked so overly saucy that it could make one feel sick. However, may just me be my favorite one! Definitely onion-y (hence the name), so if you don’t really love onion – not for you. But if you do – go get ’em. I know I would, over and over again.

Going forward, we had the spicy sweet. Many liked this one the most. Slightly spicier than the gangnam one, but not much more. I also enjoyed it, but my heart stayed with the onions and the honey butter.

On to the last one! We finished with a classic: SOJU OG. This is one of the few ones that doesn’t come with a sauce or glaze, just good ol’ seasoning. They give what they promise – nicely done.

Overall, I loved the experience of sharing loads of different fried chicken with friends. Haven’t had anything that wasn’t good, all chicken properly cooked, juicy on the inside, nice and crispy on the outside. The only thing I’d love to see on SOJU Bar’s menu is a spicy option. No, not the one that makes you pass out…just a normal amount of spicy, without it being also sweet or anything else. Other than that – really satisfied with the experience, taste, and quality.

To wash all this fried chicken down, we’ve also had loads of…soju, as you can imagine. My favorites were the green grape, and the yogurt flavored one. It may sound odd, but just trust me on this one.

SOJU Bar, well played – worth the hype. It 100% delivers on a simple concept. I’d definitely return for a casual, fun night out with friends.

Taste: 9

Value for money: 9

Location: 9 (Ferdinand Bolstraat 13-15)

Service: 9

Website: https://www.sojubar.com/amsterdam/