## A Culinary Star Returns Home: Dubu Hana Brings Korean Comfort Food to Downtown Jersey City
Get ready, Jersey City! Renowned James Beard-winning chef Esther Choi, who grew up right here, is opening her newest spot: Dubu Hana.
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This Korean-inspired restaurant promises a fresh take on comfort food. It’ll transform a historic Downtown building into a new go-to for delicious dining—just what the city’s food scene needed.
Downtown Jersey City Welcomes a New Culinary Gem
People are already talking about Dubu Hana, and honestly, who can blame them? Chef Esther Choi trained at New York’s Institute of Culinary Education and now she’s back in her hometown.
Choi made her mark with Mökbar, her ramen-Korean fusion spot that picked up a James Beard Award. She also opened a Mökbar in Newark’s Gateway Center, showing that New Jersey definitely craves her style.
Location, Location, Location: A Historic Setting for a Modern Taste
Dubu Hana will open at 8 Erie Street, right in the heart of Downtown. The restaurant’s inside the TelCo Lofts, a building that dates back to 1900.
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It used to house the NY/NJ Telephone Company and later served as the police headquarters. Now, it’s getting a new lease on life as a culinary hangout.
The ground floor was most recently home to The Boil, which closed last year after five years. Dubu Hana plans to revitalize the space, with Li Architecture Studio handling the interior design.
Renderings show cozy booths, plenty of tables, and a sleek bar tucked in the back. The full menu’s still under wraps, but the idea of “comfort food, the Korean way” sounds pretty irresistible.
Anticipating the Fall 2026 Opening
Dubu Hana is aiming for a fall 2026 opening, so mark your calendars (or at least start dreaming). The restaurant already has a website and a lively Instagram account (@eatdubuhana) for updates and behind-the-scenes peeks.
Esther Choi’s got a lot going on—she’s releasing her first cookbook, *Hand Taste*, later this year, and she co-hosts the Food Network show *24 in 24: Last Chef Standing*. She’s definitely a culinary force to watch.
Exploring Jersey City’s Diverse Offerings
The arrival of Dubu Hana gives locals and visitors yet another reason to dive into Jersey City’s culinary scene. If you’re planning a trip, you’ll find plenty of **Jersey City hotels** to pick from, so a comfy stay shouldn’t be an issue.
You might want to check out the lively Powerhouse Arts District. Or maybe you’d rather stay near the waterfront for those unbeatable views.
Not sure **where to stay in Jersey City**? There’s really something for every taste and budget.
Jersey City isn’t just about food, though. There’s a whole list of **things to do in Jersey City**.
Liberty State Park offers sweeping views of the Manhattan skyline. The city’s different **city districts** each have their own unique art scenes and energy.
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Getting here is pretty straightforward. With PATH trains and ferries, **getting to Jersey City** from New York or nearby areas is quick and easy.
Here is the source article for this story: Owners of NYC’s Mökbar Opening Dubu Hana in Jersey City
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