Koja Kitchen at 345 Clement
Last week Koja Kitchen opened up at 343 Clement near 5th Avenue in the space that was most recently occupied by a Vietnamese sandwich spot, and Barley before that.
Koja, as in Korean-Japanese, is “like a burger, but better. Your choice of protein served between fried garlic rice buns” according to their menu.
The lineup of kojas includes short rib, beef, teriyaki and chicken. Their bowls feature a protein served over rice with a side of sesame vinaigrette spring mix. They also offer two types of fries as sides – Kamikaze fries with kimchi, and vegetarian Cal fries.
There’s also a line on the menu that says “Ask about our secret menu.” Shhh…
This is their third location. Koja initially came on the scene with their food truck in 2011, which was featured on two Food Network Shows: Diners, Drive-ins & Dives and Eat Street. In 2014 they opened their first storefront in Berkeley, and the Clement Street location is their first foray into San Francisco.
For now Koja is in “soft opening” mode but they will be having a grand opening in the near future, featuring none other than the silver and red Japanese superhero, “Ultraman” (who can be seen battling Godzilla on their menu board).
Welcome to the neighborhood, Koja!
Thanks to reader Derek for the tip and pics.
Sarah B.
The Koja Kitchen menu featuring Ultraman
Weird that there’s no veggie protein option – whether tofu, or some kind of garbanzo burger, whatever. Too bad!
@SierraJeff – I just clicked the menu – there is a veg option “Teriyaki Zen”
“DMZ Fries?”
If this is what I think it is (commodification of tragedy), please include a Pol Pot Rice Bowl (bowl with no rice in it); The Stalin Super (all proteins on a plate; just pick out and purge the ones you don’t want); and The Assad Barrel Bomb Bowl (kids size).
Awesome. Don’t usually like fusion, but loved their stuff from the trucks. Look forward to having a location nearby to pig out. They were always so friendly too.
The Koja themselves are very small – for $7 to $8 each feels way overpriced, especially for that neighborhood
Man that location must be cursed, is this the third spot now in 2 years?