When we think of Korean food, more often than not, samgyupsal or KBBQ comes to mind. But, there are tons of other indulgent eats crafted from centuries-old recipes and traditional techniques. From up-and-coming diners to seasoned eateries, we cover some of the best Korean restaurants in the Philippines to satisfy your cravings for all things savoury and spicy. So, what are you waiting for? Read on to find out where you can get a taste of true and authentic Korean fare!
Also read: 10 Korean Cafes in Metro Manila for Your Caffeine Fix
There’s nothing quite like being treated to an upscale K-BBQ feast! Goryeo, tucked away in luxury hotel Okada Manila, lets you relish in premium imported meats for grilling and a wide assortment of banchan (side dishes). Its well-curated menu takes inspiration from traditional Korean recipes that have withstood the test of time. For a taste of South Korea’s eclectic and unpredictable flavours, this is definitely one of the prime Korean restaurants you simply can’t miss.
For more information, visit Okada’s official website and Facebook page
Location: New Seaside Drive, Entertainment City 1701, Parañaque City
Also read: 10 Best Hotel Buffets in Manila for Your Family Celebrations
If you’re up for a Korean food crawl, then Malate, Manila is the place to be. Home to the Philippines’ very own Korea Town, it abounds in authentic Korean eateries and 24-hour grill restaurants. Typically, these feature homestyle cooking and an extensive menu with more native dishes worth trying.
Kickstart your food trip with Mi Ga Korean Restaurant! They serve only the freshest ganjang gejang (marinated crab) and best-loved traditional dishes like sundubu jjigae (kimchi stew), gyeranjjim (steamed egg). Not to mention, they’re often flocked to by Koreans, which is usually a telling sign that a Korean restaurant is authentic!
For more information, visit Mi Ga Korean Restaurant’s official Facebook page.
Location: Julio Nakpil Street, Malate, Manila City
Hungry for jjajangmyeon or black bean sauce noodles? This dish is arguably the most popular Korean noodle dish that offers a mixture of sweet and salty flavours with an almost earthy undertone. One of the best Korean restaurants in the Philippines to grab this comfort meal is at Jong Hwa Ban Jeom in Poblacion, Makati! They also offer tons of other yummy Korean eats like bibim naengmyeon (spicy cold noodles), pork bulgogi gimbap, and the classic K-style fried chicken.
For more information, visit Jong Hwa Ban Jeom’s official Facebook and Instagram pages.
Location: 5650 Brgy Poblacion Don Pedro Street, Makati City
On the hunt for a new spot in town to satiate your hunger for modern Korean cuisine? Make a beeline for Yedang in Pasig City! Since 2006, it has been serving traditional Korean dishes with a contemporary twist. Whether it’s family celebrations, company dinners, or weekend hangouts with friends, Yedang assures you of a safe and comfy dining experience. Additionally, Yedang has its very own Korean mart with locations across the metro for all your at-home cooking needs and cravings!
For more information, visit Yedang’s official website, Facebook, and Instagram pages.
Location: 4/F Estancia Mall (East Wing), Pasig City
Inspired by the rich flavours of Korea Town in New York City, West32 brings you a fusion of western and south-eastern gastronomic delights! When it comes to food prep, they take on a contemporary approach while still incorporating staple Korean ingredients. Some of their must-try dishes include crab caviar gamja jeon, rose tteokbokki, and beef bulgogi.
If you’re feeling a bit frisky, have a go at their handcrafted Soju-based cocktails! Their crowd-faves like Korean negroni and “That’s The One” (sparking fruity concoction) are worth trying. No doubt, West32 is the perfect spot for an appetising dinner or a nightcap with pals, or both!
For more information, visit West32’s official Facebook and Instagram pages.
Location: 8464 Makati Ave, Makati City
Also read: Samgyupsal Manila: 10 Best KBBQ Restaurants to Satisfy Your Cravings
Who’s up for a tteokbokki buffet? Eat all you can for just ₱499 at Dookki! Your meal here also comes with unlimited ramyun, beef strips for grilling, muscles, shrimp, odeng (fish cake), and side dishes and various dipping sauces. Note, though, that they have a 99-minute time limit for you to enjoy your meal and will charge ₱200 for any leftovers. So, while you’re maximising your feast, just be sure to get only what you can finish.
For more information, visit Dookki’s official website, Facebook, and Instagram pages.
Location: 3rd Floor, Annex, SM City North EDSA North Avenue, corner Epifanio de los Santos Ave, Bago Bantay, Quezon City
A true fan of South Korea’s cuisine would know that gochujang (red chilli paste) is the key element to the perfect spicy dish. If you love the hot and spicy kick of Korean fare, then you’ll easily fancy Gochu Gang’s menu. It specialises in comfort grub like bibimbap (mixed rice with vegetables), grilled meats, and K-style chicken wings — dishes made with, well, gochujang! Can you handle the heat?
For more information, visit Gochu Gang’s official Facebook and Instagram pages.
Location: Stall #6 The Grid, 2nd Floor, Powerplant Mall, Rockwell, Makati City
Tucked away in the bustling enclave of Cubao Expo is Jeongwon, your next go-to Korean eatery for chill and casual dining. Here, customers can enjoy an extensive selection of Korean chows and cold booze. Much like the other Korean restaurants on this list, they also serve up all sorts of traditional dishes: from tteokbokki to honey butter garlic chicken to sundubu jjigae and the like. And for those who want a little bit of everything, opt for their dosirak (lunchbox-style meals) which usually consists of rice and several banchan.
For more information, visit Jeongwon’s official Facebook and Instagram pages.
Location: 175 15th Ave, Cubao, Quezon City, 1109 Metro Manila
Sometimes, simple is best. That’s exactly the case for Sa Chun Sung. This no-frills Korean restaurant in Pasig City serves up one of the best jjampong and jajangmyeon in town. Pair these simple yet savoury dishes with their version of tangsuyuk (sweet sour pork) and you’re good to go. Fun fact: This lowkey Korean eatery was featured and highly recommended by celebrities Ryan Bang and Erwan Heussaff!
For more information, visit Sa Chun Sung’s official Facebook page.
Location: 2F, 8101 Pearl Plaza Lot.56 Pearl Drive, Ortigas, Pasig City
What Sittixian Korean Restaurant lacks in space, it definitely makes up for in its cooking. Dining here feels like walking into an actual Korean family’s home! On a regular day, expect this quaint eatery to be swarmed by patrons (mostly Korean, too!) looking for a hearty and filling meal like yukejang (spicy beef soup). A hidden gem in Poblacion operating for more than 20 years now, Sittixian continues to serve guests old-school Korean food that feed the soul.
For more information, visit Sittixian Korean Restaurant’s official Facebook page.
Location: 5378 General Luna, Makati, 1210 Metro Manila
Also read: 10 Things to Do in South Korea for First-Time Travellers
The hype around Korean restaurants here in the Philippines should come as no surprise. And clearly, these food spots are here to stay. Did your favourites make it to our list? Share them with us on our official Facebook page or tag us in your foodie pics on Instagram @tripzillaph!
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