Oiso offers Korean street food

Oiso, a restaurant focusing on Korean street food, is having a soft opening on May 15.

The restaurant, located at 7133-C Columbia Pike, Annandale, is in the space formerly occupied by Gom Ba Woo.

The owner and chef, William Kim, is offering an original take on traditional Korean food, using all-fresh ingredients.

Oiso’s menu features kimbap, tteok-bokki (dishes based on rice cakes), Korean-style donkatsu, noodle dishes, barbecue, Korean beer, soju, and more.

Kim is the former owner and chef at the highly acclaimed Oegadgib Korean BBQ restaurant in Annandale. He grew up in Busan, Korea, where he learned to cook from his mother and grandmother.

Oiso will have a Grand Opening on May 22, with free Yoju (soju and yogurt) cocktail tastings 4-8 p.m. Customers will receive a free Korean ice cream bar with the purchase of a main dish on May 22 through Father’s Day.

According to Kim, Oiso is the only restaurant in Annandale with a kiosk for ordering and self-service.

Kim says “oiso” means “welcome” in a Korean dialect. The restaurant’s symbol is a bunny known as “Happy Tteoki.”