*Written by Katelyn Pan, Photos by Dionysia Mei Kourouklis*

Tofu Tofu, Tada, Lululala
96 Bowery, 70 Bayard St., 139 Hester St.

From coming to America for a fresh start to becoming the general manager of three Korean restaurants in the heart of Chinatown, Kelly's journey is a true testament to the power of passion and community. We got to sit down with her to hear the inside scoop: the story of a Korean immigrant who found her footing, her purpose, and her people.

A Girl, A Kitchen, and a Gap in the Map

Tofu Tofu staff, 2017. Many still with the restaurant today.

Born and raised in South Korea, Kelly found her love for hospitality early. So when she immigrated to America, it felt only natural to return to what she knew best: serving her community and showing up for others. But the more she settled into Chinatown, the more she noticed that getting a taste of Korea meant a long trek to K-town. That felt like a gap, and Kelly was called to close it.

Her motivation was simple: bring good quality Korean food to Chinatown for everyone craving something warm and hearty, without having to go too far. From the very start, it was never just about running a business. It was about making sure she was there for the community, including her commitment to her staff from the very beginning.

A Dream Gets a Front Door

Kelly and staff packing lunch boxes for local hospitals through Welcome to Chinatown's Sik Faan Fund.

After months of long conversations and scouting spaces with her partners, 2017 marked a milestone: Tofu Tofu opened its doors. The name was a quiet act of bridge-building. Tofu, a beloved staple in both Korean and Chinese kitchens, was the perfect symbol of the community Kelly wanted to bring together. From the high ceilings to the exposed brick walls, every detail had to feel right, and when she found the space, she knew it was home. Every element, from the décor to the banchan on the table, is made in-house to ensure the best quality and taste. Kelly and her partner often stay up until 2 a.m. preparing banchan for the next day, because freshness and quality are never up for compromise.

The early days were a grind, and just as the business began finding its footing, with support from advocates like the Fung Bros, the COVID-19 pandemic knocked the wind out of Chinatown. Kelly refused to let the doors close on everything she had built. Through Welcome to Chinatown's Sik Faan Fund initiative, she kept going by making lunch boxes for locals who needed extra support during a difficult time, showing up for her community the only way she knew how.

Chicken, Collab, and Coming Back Stronger

When foot traffic slowed, Kelly had an idea: add Korean fried chicken to the menu. What started as crispy chicken with a homemade sauce quickly became a phenomenon, and the demand led to the opening of Tada, a Korean fried chicken specialty restaurant in the heart of Chinatown. Think of it as the answer to your fast food cravings, but better. Tada serves up Korean fried chicken alongside other quick Korean dishes that are anything but ordinary, making it the perfect stop when you want something fast, satisfying, and full of flavor.

As dine-in customers returned, new faces showed up, including K-pop idol Kim Hyun Joong, and food influencers Julian and Max helped amplify what the neighborhood was already buzzing about. Max, a longtime regular before relocating to Korea, still makes Tofu Tofu his first stop whenever he's back in the city.

Most recently, Lululala, a grab-and-go spot just across the street, became an overnight sensation fueled by Julian's video, offering the same homemade kimchi and sauces from Tofu Tofu at an even better price. It quickly became a go-to for local students, teachers, and tourists alike. Meanwhile, Tofu Tofu added private parties to the mix, complete with commissioned hand-drawn portraits of guests, because no detail is too small when it comes to making people feel special.

“My concept: good food, good price.”

— Kelly

More Than a Menu

When we asked Kelly what success looks like, she didn't mention revenue or reservations. She talked about watching kids grow up, families returning across generations, and customers who came in as little ones and now walk through the door as young adults still ordering their favorites. She talked about the promises she made to her staff and kept, and a team that feels more like family than coworkers.

“Korean food everywhere is almost the same because it's house food. But I want everyone to be happy. So if something isn't good, if they don't like it, I'll change it right away.”

- Kelly

I can speak to that hospitality firsthand. Tofu Tofu has become my go-to spot, not just for the food, but because Kelly makes everyone feel the moment they walk in. I've brought friends, family, and first-timers, and every time, she treats them like they've been coming for years. When I brought my baby cousin for the first time, Kelly didn't miss a beat, steering her straight to the fried chicken and fries without a second thought. That quiet, instinctive care is what makes the difference between a restaurant and a place where you truly belong.

What’s Next

Kelly's focus will always be on her customers and the experiences she can create for them. Even through the changes ahead, she is committed to putting her community first, especially those who have been there since the very beginning. She even hinted at the possibility of a new location coming soon, but you'll have to stick around to find out more.

In the meantime, next time you find yourself in Chinatown, head to one of Kelly’s businesses. Not sure where to start? Chances are, she already knows exactly what you need. Her top picks at Tofu Tofu are the Kimchi Sundubu, Cheese Chicken Hot Stone Bowl, and the Korean Fried Chicken. And if you want her personal favorite, order the Gamja-tang. Or check out Tada and Lululala for more quick bites.