Food connoisseurs know how revered Korean cuisine is. It’s about time you experience the best of Korean food for yourself.
Cuisines are reflective of one’s culture, and Korea has ever been eminent about both. You’ll be surprised to know all Korean dishes are harmoniously balanced between flavors, textures and even colours!
Korean food is a language on its own wherein flavors blend, burst and connectnaturally. Sometimes it’s the juicy meat in bulgogi or the spicy bean noodles flaring up your nostrils, often it’s alsowarm chamomile tea. Whatever may be, every bowl and cupis a fresh assortment of something unique.
Together celebrating food and flavor, PEAKLIFE brings you the 10 best restaurants in India that have mastered the creative art of Korean cuisine:
- Gung The Palace, New Delhi
Gung, meaning palace in Korean, takes itself quite literally. Spread across three floors and three unique dining styles, Gung the Palace is a fine example of Korean authenticity. Their extensive menu and hospitable staff allow a comfortable experience where you won’t have to scratch your heads reading ox bone or blood soup. For avid fun lovers, belt your heart out at the in-house Karaoke as you sip on your soju (Korean alcohol).
What sets it apart: Theirmarinated barbecue pork (Wang Galbi), soju, and tteokbokki are unsurpassable.
- The Shim Tur, New Delhi
The Shim Tur in Paharganj, New Delhi is a hidden gem you’ll be glad to have discovered. Set open-air, you can enjoy a vast selection of dishes like the Kimchi Bok Um Bap, Haem Kim Bap, Mi Yeok Guk, and the traditional favoriteSamgyeopsal.The Shim Tur will soon become your go-to destination for impeccable Korean food.
What sets it apart: Try the Haemul Pa Jun; the locals’ favourite.It’s a crispy seafood pancake that’s so much more than the two words listed on the menu.
- Kori’s, Safdarjung
If you are new to the cuisine and have zero idea about what to eat and what to like? Then head straight to Kori’s, Safdarjung, where you can delight in Dosirak, or Korean thali that’s served with 8 side dishes, Korean sticky rice and a main dish of choice.Kimbapand sushi rolls are also on the menu. Totally delicious. Or so they say in Korean –masida!
What sets it apart: You’ll want to keep coming back for their Korean noodles and Dosirak.
- North East Kitchen, Chennai
Meat lovers, you’ll regret not feasting at this limited seating serving lunch and dinner only. Located at the side of a building, the Kitchen’s menu includes sizzling appetizers Kalbi Bokum and Tangsuyuk, seafood like Kanpunggiand other loved dishes like Kimbap and MaungTang (fresh fish with vegetables). Although their vegetarian menu isn’t vast, their Kimchi Bokkeum Bap (rice with kimchi fried)orRamyun (noodles)definitely won’t wear you down.
What sets it apart:You can experiment with anything you like since the menu is diverse with high quality food and affordable prices.
- HaeKum Gang, Bengaluru
Known for their combination of Korean, Chinese and Japanese elements, Hae Kum Gang’s Korean menu outshines the most.You’ll find the space not any different but maybe more oriental and home-grounded so you have a warm ambience while dining. Their menu includes lip-smacking soups and juicy meats for their rice dishes, set dishes and California rolls. Look out for their special offers serving tasty Bibimbap and Deobbap.
What sets it apart: Their Dakdoritang, stir fried potatoes with chicken, onions and potatoes, is the perfect adaptation of what’s good in Korea.
- Soo Ra Sang, Bengaluru
Concealed behind airport lanes, it only makes sense that you make a stop for some authentic Korean food at Soo Ra Sang. You’ll find the seating respectful of Korean tradition and their hospitability friendly. Think dishes like Sen Sun Chhim (fish stew base in soy sauce), Doobu Chhi Ge (tofu soup with pork),tofu stew Doobu Chhim, and much more.At the end you’ll be served complimentary cheesecake and cinnamon tea; leaving you absolutely refreshed and content.
What sets it apart: They’re home to India’s finest Korean BBQ you’ve ever tasted. Bye-bye tight clothes!
- Hi Seoul, Bengaluru
Hi Seoul, Bengaluru, is one simple yet affordable place for good Korean food that satiates your heart quick and well. Their short and basic menu includes items like fried chicken lollipops, ttukbaegibulgogi, nakjibokkeum, and principals of Korean cuisine Bokkeumbap andBulgogiDeopbap. Although located in a fast food outlet in a mall, their quality and flavors resemble nothing of the same.
What sets it apart:Their sweet and spicy deep-fried chicken wings. They’re crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and you just might make a meal out of these original appetizers.
- Arirang Korean Restaurant, Bangalore
Arirang is a feast times two; one for your buds and the other for your eyes. The moment you enter you’re greeted with a typical Korean-style setting with paintings on the walls, floored seats and tables with in-built grills. Arirang’s menu is vast and extensive, serving authentic food items like the short rib soup Galbi Tang, mixed pancake Modeum Jeon, fish roe rice Al Bap and all sorts of stew.
What sets it apart: Their pork barbeque and kimchi stew are worth all the high prices.
- Heng Bok, Mumbai
Heng Bok, meaning happy in Korean, is one way to explain what you feel ahead a hearty meal at this place. Mumbai’s only authentic Korean restaurant, Heng Bok has its standards sorted out with juicy samgyeopsals and bulgoggis bulking in customers every day. Since their menu is extensive, they have pictures beside each item so you’re already found devouring the good food. The menu is mostly meat so vegetarians might not be as thrilled as fellow meat eaters.
What sets it apart:All their samgyeopsals are marvelous, but the Belgium Pork Belly Samgyeopsal is a customer favorite.
- Café Maroo, Pune
Pune’s one and only Korean destination, Café Maroo is a home away from home with vintage wooden furniture and the staff always ready to help. You’ll be away from the noise as Maroo stands nestled where you’ll probably miss if you blinked. Their food is fresh, authentic, and one big burst of delight as you feast on your “Special”.With tasty jajangmyeons, steaks and more, you’ll want to keep the café all to yourself.
What sets it apart: Maroo’s black bean noodles called PorkJajangmyeon are a must-have.
Soju calls for another glass, the karaoke’s getting fun and your food’s just way too hearty to not make you happy. Thisis what Koreans bring to the table.
