K-food is having a moment – perhaps driven by the popularity of South Korean pop culture, from K-pop to K-literature. The global Hallyu Trends survey of the country’s cultural exports in 2023 ranked K-food as even more popular than its music; meanwhile kimchi and bulgogi are popping up on menus and supermarket shelves all over the world, and hashtags such as #tteokbokki rack up billions of views on TikTok. Where better to sample the best of the cuisine than in South Korea’s vibrant capital, Seoul? The city offers such a wide range of dining options it’s easy to be overwhelmed by choice, but this list provides an excellent starting point...
1. A Flower Blossom On The Rice
With its poetic name, this restaurant serves up various healthy dishes made with only certified organic ingredients. The most popular is bojagi bibimbap – cooked rice with colourful seasoned sautéed vegetables, all wrapped in a thin egg crepe like a gift. This place also offers a variety of tasty vegan dishes and traditional liquors for foodies who particularly enjoy pairing a drink with their meal.
2. Szimpatikus
Fine dining served in a casual, modern setting. The name means ‘likeable’ in Hungarian, and the dishes at this hotspot are definite people-pleasers – think Italian with a Korean twist. Brisket bracken pasta is a signature; the combination of perilla leaf pesto, brisket and bracken is unexpectedly satisfying.
3. Mongtan
Korean barbecue is a must for those unfamiliar with Korean food, and Mongtan is the name to remember. An old Japanese-style house has been transformed into a quirky restaurant full of sizzling sounds, and what makes this restaurant so special is the way they grill meat before bringing it to each table. Rice straw is used in the smoking process and the fresh meat absorbs the unique burnt scent. Try mouth-watering short ribs – the presentation and flavour are incomparable.
4. Mingles
Proudly maintaining Michelin’s two-star status since 2018, Mingles is a pioneer in the current Korean culinary scene. Helmed by chef Kang Mingoo, this restaurant provides a true Korean dining experience no matter what you order. Its delicately arranged lunch and dinner set menus include dishes such as handon soondae (Korean pork blood sausage) – a reimagined version of the typical street food favourite.
5. Woo Lae Oak
Fancy something authentic and different? Pyeongyang Naengmyeon (Pyeongyang-style cold noodles) is one of the beloved dishes of Korea, and Woo Lae Oak is the perfect place to try it like a local. Carnivores should also check out the grilled meat list – it’s what keeps diners flocking here.
Aiden Han is a writer and editor based in Seoul
