Hama Korean Cuisine

- 88 Godwin Ave #3, Ridgewood, NJ 07450

Introduction / Overview

For residents of Bergen County and beyond, Hama Korean Cuisine stands as a true culinary landmark in Ridgewood, New Jersey. Established in 2008, it proudly holds the distinction of being the first Korean restaurant in the area, setting a high standard for authentic, homestyle Korean specialties. Hama is more than just a Korean restaurant; it is a dynamic dining destination offering a rich blend of traditional Korean flavors alongside a varied selection of Japanese-style sushi and sashimi, catering to a wide range of tastes within a cozy, inviting setting.

The core philosophy at Hama centers on quality, flavor, and a health-conscious approach. They are particularly renowned for their dedication to preparing all their foods using Alkaline water, a unique feature aimed at enhancing the quality and purity of the ingredients. Diners frequently praise the establishment for its generous portions, which provide excellent value, and for the flavorful dishes that capture the essence of genuine Korean cooking. The restaurant has cultivated a reputation for being an ideal spot for both casual lunches and memorable group dinners, all enhanced by a welcoming atmosphere and attentive service. Whether you are craving a comforting bowl of spicy stew or a plate of perfectly marinated Bulgogi, Hama offers a taste of Korea right here in New Jersey.

The venue is classified as a Korean Restaurant and a Soup Restaurant, which immediately highlights their expertise in rich, traditional stews. Their menu is extensive, featuring classic dishes like BBQ Kalbi, Bulgogi, and BiBimbab, alongside a signature collection of stews, including over 15 varieties of their highly praised Soft Tofu Soup (Soon Tofu), prepared with the freshest ingredients. The addition of a comprehensive sushi and sashimi menu ensures that Hama appeals to diners looking for Asian fusion options as well. Recent customer feedback suggests the restaurant has received a modern makeover, offering a clean aesthetic that complements the exceptional food quality.

A key advantage that frequently delights New Jersey diners is the restaurant's BYOB (Bring Your Own Bottle) policy, which allows guests to pair their favorite beverages with the authentic Korean cuisine, making a night out more personalized and cost-effective.

Location and Accessibility

Hama Korean Cuisine is conveniently situated at the heart of Ridgewood, a vibrant and easily accessible town in Bergen County, NJ.

Address:

88 Godwin Ave #3, Ridgewood, NJ 07450, USA

The location is noted for being accessible and suitable for local diners. For those driving, the restaurant provides valuable amenities: Free parking lot and Free street parking are available, a significant benefit in a busy downtown area like Ridgewood, though patrons should be aware that parking can sometimes be challenging during peak hours due to the venue’s popularity.

Accessibility for all guests is a priority, as the restaurant offers:

• Wheelchair accessible entrance
• Wheelchair accessible parking lot
• Wheelchair accessible seating
• Restroom facilities, including a gender-neutral restroom

This thoughtful accommodation ensures a comfortable dining experience for everyone in the family or group.

Services Offered

Hama Korean Cuisine provides a full spectrum of dining services tailored for the convenience of its New Jersey customer base, from quick lunches to catered events.

• Dine-in and Table Service: Offering comfortable and cozy seating for enjoying meals at the restaurant, including table service. Reservations are accepted, which is advisable for groups or weekend dinners.
• Takeout and Delivery: Comprehensive options including traditional takeout, plus Delivery and No-contact delivery through popular platforms like DoorDash and Grubhub, often with a minimum order for delivery.
• Lunch Specials Box: A popular feature providing value-packed meals perfect for mid-day dining, such as the Bulgogi & Vermicelli Noodle box. Lunch specials are typically available Monday through Thursday from 11:30 AM to 3:00 PM.
• Catering and Platter Options: The extensive selection of sushi/sashimi and Korean platters, such as the Imperial Platter (66 Pcs) or the Vegetarian Platter (77 Pcs), makes Hama an excellent choice for parties, family gatherings, or events.
• Complimentary Side Dishes (Banchan): Customers receive free, authentic Korean side dishes with their meals, adding value and a traditional touch to the dining experience.
• Accommodations: The venue is family-friendly, offering high chairs and a designated Kids' menu.

Features / Highlights

Hama Korean Cuisine stands out in the competitive North Jersey dining scene with several distinctive features:

• BYOB Policy: This is a major highlight for local diners, offering a relaxed environment and the ability to enjoy personal drink selections without restaurant markup.
• Focus on Health and Quality: All foods are prepared using Alkaline water, a unique commitment to cleaner, healthier preparation that customers appreciate and notice, often mentioning feeling less "bloated and exhausted from the sodium and MSG" compared to other Korean establishments.
• Exceptional Tofu Soup Selection: The restaurant is recognized as a Soup restaurant, specializing in an extensive menu of Soft Tofu (Soon Tofu) stews, which are perfect for comfort food seekers.
• Dual Cuisine Offering: The blend of authentic Korean classics (Bulgogi, Kalbi, Jjigae) and fresh Japanese favorites (Sushi, Sashimi, Specialty Rolls like the Ridgewood Roll or Crazy Tuna Roll) provides unique versatility.
• Great Tea Selection: Hama is noted for having a Great tea selection, which is perfect for unwinding after a flavorful, spicy meal.
• Atmosphere and Ambiance: The interior is described as Casual and Cozy, with a clean, inviting aesthetic, making it suitable for solo dining, family meals, or groups.
• Dietary Accommodations: The menu is highly inclusive, featuring explicit Healthy options, Vegan options, and a wide range of Vegetarian options, including a dedicated Vegetarian Platter and various vegetable-based stews.

Contact Information

For reservations, takeout orders, or inquiries, you can easily reach Hama Korean Cuisine using the following contact details:

Address:

88 Godwin Ave #3

Ridgewood, NJ 07450

Phone:

(201) 251-7734

Email (for inquiries):

hamakoreancuisine88@gmail.com

Business Hours (Typical - Always check for up-to-date hours):

Monday: Closed

Tuesday - Thursday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM

Friday - Saturday: 11:30 AM – 9:30 PM

Sunday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM

What is Worth Choosing

Hama Korean Cuisine is worth choosing for New Jersey diners seeking an elevated and authentic Korean dining experience, particularly if you are in the Bergen County area.

For the Value-Conscious Diner: The combination of generous portion sizes and the BYOB policy delivers exceptional value for a night out. It allows you to control your beverage costs while enjoying high-quality cuisine. Furthermore, the complimentary side dishes (Banchan) enhance the overall meal without extra cost.

For the Health-Minded Diner: The commitment to using Alkaline water in all preparations is a significant differentiator. Customers repeatedly mention the food feels lighter and cleaner than standard Korean fare, addressing common concerns about high sodium or MSG levels. Paired with extensive Vegan and Vegetarian options, Hama proves that comfort food can also be health-conscious.

For the Korean Food Enthusiast: You must try their signature items. The Soft Tofu Stew (Soon Tofu), which comes in various spice levels and fillings (Seafood, Vege, Kimchi), is a must-order and a core part of their identity as a "Soup restaurant." Additionally, the classic, homestyle preparations of Bulgogi and LA Kal Bi are among their most-liked items and highly recommended. For those looking for fusion, the wide range of fresh, expertly prepared sushi and specialty rolls makes Hama a perfect compromise when the group can't decide between Korean and Japanese.

Choosing Hama Korean Cuisine means opting for quality, authenticity, and a welcoming community restaurant that has been a staple in Ridgewood for over a decade.

Hama Korean Cuisine

88 Godwin Ave #3, Ridgewood, NJ 07450, USA