Hee Sook Lee

Hee Sook Lee

Hee Sook Lee in 2020

Hee Sook Lee was a prominent South Korean-American entrepreneur and restaurateur, best known for founding the popular restaurant chain BCD Tofu House. Her contributions to the culinary world, particularly in popularizing Korean cuisine in the United States, have been widely recognized.

Early Life and Education

Hee Sook Lee was born in South Korea, where she developed an early interest in cooking and traditional Korean cuisine. Her passion for food was influenced by her family, who valued culinary traditions and the art of cooking. Lee pursued her education in South Korea before immigrating to the United States in the 1980s.

Career

Upon arriving in the United States, Hee Sook Lee noticed a lack of authentic Korean dining options. This inspired her to open her own restaurant, aiming to introduce Americans to the rich flavors of Korean cuisine. In 1996, she founded the first BCD Tofu House in Los Angeles, California. The restaurant quickly gained popularity for its signature dish, soondubu jjigae, a spicy tofu stew.

BCD Tofu House

BCD Tofu House location at Diamond Jamboree, Irvine, California

BCD Tofu House became a culinary sensation, known for its authentic Korean dishes and welcoming atmosphere. The restaurant's name, BCD, stands for "Buk Chang Dong," a neighborhood in Seoul, reflecting Lee's roots and commitment to traditional Korean flavors. The success of the first location led to the expansion of the chain, with multiple locations opening across the United States and internationally.

Impact on Korean Cuisine

Hee Sook Lee played a significant role in popularizing Korean cuisine in the United States. Her restaurants introduced many Americans to dishes such as kimchi, bulgogi, and bibimbap. Lee's emphasis on quality ingredients and authentic recipes helped elevate the perception of Korean food, making it a staple in the diverse American culinary landscape.

Legacy

Hee Sook Lee's legacy extends beyond her successful restaurant chain. She is remembered as a pioneer who bridged cultural gaps through food, bringing people together with her passion for Korean cuisine. Her work inspired a new generation of chefs and restaurateurs to explore and innovate within the realm of Korean cooking.

Related Pages

• Korean cuisine
• Soondubu jjigae
• Kimchi
• Bulgogi
• Bibimbap