Wasabi
Five Korean Restaurants you won’t be able to live without!
Korean Food
There’s something of a food renaissance going on in London at the moment. British staples are being reinvented and improved and a host of exciting international flavours are being introduced to the British palate. Korean food is going from strength to strength in London at the moment. It is something about the barbecue flavours and fresh vegetable dishes that really hit the spot. Traditionally it is cooked at your table, which gives the meal a fun and communal feel.
I had a chat with Kim Moulfier, Front Office Manager and native Korean who works at the InterContinental London Park Lane to see where she recommends guests visit when staying at the hotel. She had this to say:
“Koreans love to celebrate any occasion with lots of great food; as a nation, we love food! There are also some really interesting Korean events around the capital, from film festivals to sport and dance. As a film lover, I would definitely recommend the London Korean Film Festival happening in November this year. It showcases some upcoming film makers and this year has even expanded outside of London too, with events around the UK.”
I asked her if she wouldn’t mind telling me the best spots for authentic Korean cuisine in London and she gave me this list.
Kimchee London
CENTRAL LONDON
Kimchee
71 High Holborn, Holborn
Named after the Korean national dish, Kimchee is a sleek, stylish and bustling restaurant with an open-plan kitchen that mimics the tradition of cooking in plain sight of the patron. Undoubtedly one of London’s finest.
Korean Barbecue at Koba
Koba
11 Rathborne Street, Soho
There are some delicious meat dishes on the menu such as beef kalbi or bulgogi. There are also some delicious drinks to wash it down with, such as Korean beers and soju. Soju is a spirit nor dissimilar to sake, but of course both are well worth trying.
Arang Soho
Arang
9 Golden Square, Soho
A favourite of Kim’s as it is a short walk from the hotel. Arang offers some fantastic dishes with traditional ingredients, and it’s just off the bustling Regent Street.
Dotori
A LITTLE FURTHER AFIELD
Dotori
3a Stroud Green Road, Finsbury Park
This restaurant has been treating people to a fusion between Japanese and Korean food since it opened in 2008. Kim advises that you book in advance as it’s always packed with locals enjoying a meal after work or on the weekend.
Cah-Chi
Cah-Chi
34 Durham Road, Raynes Park and 394 Garratt Lane, Earlsfield
This restaurant’s two locations can be found in the well-to-do South-West of the city. Make a day of the journey and take in the leafy suburbs surrounding Wimbledon Common and Raynes Park
Korean Barbecue Food
*Sponsored Post*
Have you found any hidden gems that you would like to share? Let us know in the comments below……
Sylvia says
I’ve never visited korean restaurant! I quess it’s time to find a good one someday 😉 Not in Luton though!
Karen says
I think there maybe a Korean restaurant in St Albans Sylvia, and London is only 20 minutes on the train from Luton anyway! 😉
Ren Behan says
I haven’t seen one in St Albans, but I’ll certainly look!
Una says
Great for the Korean restaurants if you live in Central London – not if you live in Leeds. Why so London-based?
Karen says
Sorry Una, this was a sponsored post and the company who commissioned me are focusing on London based restaurants for March! I agree with you, as I am from N Yorkshire and would love to see more “provincial” recommendations too!
Deena kakaya says
I really wanted to try Kimchee, but didn’t even know about Arang, can’t wait to check it out x
Karen says
There’s plenty there to check out Deena!
Bintu @ Recipes From A Pantry says
I love Korean food and have a few fav Korean restaurants I go to when in London. I have ever been to any of these though but they sound good.
Karen says
Maybe worth trying one of them out when you are in London next week Bintu?
Mary says
Now you’ve done it! You’ve made me hungry! All I need now is a plane ticket to cross the pond! LOL!!! Have a great weekend!
Ren Behan says
Commented above, I’ve never tried Korean food – lots to explore here.
Glamorous Glutton says
I haven’t had Korean food since the 90s. Not sure why and not in the Uk either. It looks delicious and a couple of these restaurants look very special. GG
Janice Pattie (@FarmersgirlCook) says
I’d love to try Korean Food. They should open one in Edinburgh or Glasgow.
Janie says
Oooh, love that Kimchee restaurant. I could quite happily live in that room, it’s stunning!
Janie x
tina posey says
I don’t like korean food,but the kimchee restaurant looks great so I will try.
Sarah, Maison Cupcake says
Never tried Korean food but I know exactly where to go now – the Stroud Green restaurant is my side of town and I would like to look that one up.
London Unattached Lifestyle and Travel says
There’s just too much in London to be true…
Nayna Kanabar says
Interesting cuisine I wonder if they are veggie friendly as I had a lot of problems findind veggie friendly food in that part of the world when I was travelling.
Choclette says
I don’t really know much about Korean food other than kimchi, but I always love lots of little dishes of things to try and I suspect their food is nice and hot too.
Cindy Robert says
I’ve been eating and cooking Korean food for the past 12 years and have been over there twice. I can honestly say that the best Korean food I had in London was the one at the Korean BBQ ” Yijo” in Finchley Central. Authentic flavours, no funny additives, real charcoal BBQ on the tables, homemade kimchi and others sides. The Chef is a real gem. He aleays have a chat with the customers and loves to share his passion for his food and his country. He also organise cooking classes.
I tried Kimchee, Asadal, Spicy Grill, Woojung, Assa, Koba, Jubo, … and definitely, Yijo is the real deal. But if you’re in Central London and need a quick fix, I would recommend Seoul Bakery and Woojung just down Center Point/Tottenham Couet Road.
Karen says
BRILLIANT recommendations thanks Cindy! Thanks so much for sharing them with us all! 🙂
Jacqueline Meldrum says
Nice idea for a post Karen.
Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy says
I absolutely love Korean food. So much so that we are thinking of taking a trip there next year.
Phil in the Kitchen says
I lived in Raynes Park for 10 years or so but I don’t think I’ve ever been described as well-to-do – I feel flattered now. I had many very enjoyable Korean meals in the area when I was there and I still make visits back to the Korean supermarkets in New Malden so I’ll try to check out the restaurant next time I’m there.
Tracy Nixon says
Thanks G+’d