London's best new Korean restaurants

Do you know your bulgogi from your bibimbap and your pa jeon from your kimchee? Well it's time to learn, as a wave of Korean restaurants is sweeping London town, says Kate Lough
Kate Lough9 April 2015

ON THE BAB

Shoreditch does Korean at this joint: cool industrial decor, smiley staff in cute Breton tees, and very reasonable and delicious food. You'll be tempted to order everything on the menu, but we'd highly recommend not missing out on: Pa Jeon, which are spring onion and seafood pancakes, the Korean fried chicken wings in soy and garlic, and the beef bibimbap — rice, vegetables and bulgogi (Korean beef). To quench your thirst go for a so maek beer — it's like a posh Jager bomb.

305 Old St, EC1V 9LA, onthebab.com

JUBO

The grub at Jubo isn't going to win prizes for authenticity, but if it's cheap NYC-style Korean comfort food you're after, then head to the Bedroom Bar. The menu is small so you haven't got many choices to make: Korean fried boneless chicken thighs or bone-in wings, soy/garlic or hot/sweet sauce, and what to fill your steamed bun with. Or you can book ahead for the special sharing Ssam menu: go for the steak Ssam for four people (£60). The cocktails aren't half bad either.

Bedroom Bar, 68 Rivington St, EC2A 3AY, jubolondon.com

KIMCHINARY AT CATCH BAR

Continuing the trend for street food traders to move indoors, Kimchinary — who've been rolling up Korean tacos at Kerb since last year and at FEAST — are taking over from Death by Burrito with a three-month residency at Catch Bar on Shoreditch High Street. Their signature tacos bulge with delicious fillings such as Gochujang pulled pork, buttermilk fried squid and 'Bulgogi' ox cheek with homemade kimchi and a dollop of Korean chilli paste. Keep an eye on their Twitter feed for more news about the new menu.

22 Kingsland Rd, E2 8DA; from Fri Jan 17 every Wed-Sun; kimchinary.com

BIBIMBAP

You wouldn't come here for a lingering meal, but its canteen-style approach is just grand for quick lunches and post-work pit-stops. It takes its name from the eponymous national dish that we just can't get enough of: rice, sauteed veg and meat are presented in a hot stone bowl, with the mixing and adding of chilli pastes left to you. They've got ten bibimbaps on the menu (way more than most Korean restaurants in London), with toppings ranging from beef fillet to seafood and tofu. Polaroids of happy customers cover the walls of this fun, affordable, no-frills Soho joint.

11 Greek St, W1D 4DJ, bipimbapsoho.co.uk

GOGI

One year old this January, Little Venice's Gogi is a good option for north West Londoners wanting to experience Korean barbecue. Grills are brought to your table, on which slices of tender marinated meat and fish are cooked in front of you by the staff — go for the LA gabi (short rib beef with bone). It's then up to you to wrap the meat up in lettuce leaves with a bit of spring onion and a dollop of chilli sauce. Take note, the restaurant itself is semi-smart and this is reflected in the prices.

451 Edgware Rd, W2 1TH, gogi-restaurant.com

Create a FREE account to continue reading

eros

Registration is a free and easy way to support our journalism.

Join our community where you can: comment on stories; sign up to newsletters; enter competitions and access content on our app.

Your email address

Must be at least 6 characters, include an upper and lower case character and a number

You must be at least 18 years old to create an account

* Required fields

Already have an account? SIGN IN

By clicking Create Account you confirm that your data has been entered correctly and you have read and agree to our Terms of use , Cookie policy and Privacy policy .

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged in

MORE ABOUT