12 best Korean restaurants in Hong Kong

Photo credits: @joahspearman (Instagram)

If we're talking about Korean restaurants, we can't leave out our childhood favourite—Jin Luo Bao Korean Restaurant. This is one of the most traditional Korean restaurants on this list, and the reason why they are still relevant is because of how stunning the food still is. People usually opt for the bbq experience here, but you can get all sorts of cook dishes like stone pot rice and noodles, Korean fried chicken and speciality dishes like marinated crabs, but we definitely recommend the bbq to start with.

Unlike other places which tend to give you a choice of three side dishes, you get at least ten different sides here, including fermented cabbage kimchi, fresh cabbage kimchi, cucumber kimchi, sweet potato dipped in syrup, bean sprouts and so much more. We love everything on their bbq menu, but ones that stand out are the Marinated Beef Ribs ($188), Beef Tongue ($140) and the Eel ($198). Make sure to be nice to the Korean aunties and if you make good conversation, they might even throw in something nice for you!

Jin Luo Bao Korean Restaurant, 6/F, Island Beverley, 1 Great George Street, Causeway Bay | (+852) 2895 6398

Photo credit: elasro (Openrice)

This restaurant has become something of a home away from home for Hong Kong’s Korean contingent; you’ll often hear the language being spoken as you tuck in, which to us is as good a recommendation as they come. Sorabol is famed for its generous portion sizes, so arrive hungry and be sure to try the amazing Pat Bing Soo (shaved ice topped with sweetened red beans and syrup) at the end of the meal. If you’re part of the aforementioned Korean community and are missing goodies from home, you can also purchase Korean groceries to take away.

Sorabol, locations across Hong Kong

Delivery available on Deliveroo and Foodpanda

Maru & J48 is a modern Korean restaurant serving pub food to go along with your drinks. Most people will be familiar with soju as the go-to Korean drink, but different brands of soju have different tastes too. We've got a sweet tooth so we prefer fruit-flavoured soju ($70), either peach or apple, and mix it with some sprite or beer. Be careful with this classic combination though because the sweetness will cover up the taste of alcohol but you can also get drunk twice as fast! You can always go with some classic draught beer if soju is not your thing, or try the Korean Rice Wine ($108) which is served in bowls, as any authentic Korean place ought to!

Maru & J48, G/F, 48 Staunton Street, Central | (+852) 2559 5288

Delivery available on Deliveroo

Originating in Seoul in 2001, this popular eatery is usually packed to the rafters, thanks to their wide range of finger-lickin’ chicken and tasty sides like Odeng Fishcake Soup ($68), Grilled Corn Cheese ($58), Ddukbokki & Cheese ($78), and Egg Rolls ($68).

We always order the Half & Half Chicken ($208) in red and white padak (original spicy and ranch sauces, respectively). They’ve also got Korean alcoholic drinks such as makgeolli and soju to wash the food down. Try their bargain weekday lunch combo which serves fried chicken, salad, pickled radish, and rice balls for a piddly $98.

Uncle Padak, 59 High Street, Sai Ying Pun | (+852) 2117 9792

Delivery available on Deliveroo and Foodpanda

Photo credit: wtifwtifhk (Openrice)

When asked about good Korean barbecue joints in town, Mr Korea always deserves a mention. It’s a cut above the rest by virtue of its relative authenticity, from the round tables to the individual smoke vents—it just nails the feel of a typical Seoul eatery. Mr Korea is so much more than authentic aesthetics, however, as the quality of meat is immense, with the hanger steak and short rib as stand-out orders.

Mr Korea BBQ, 1/F, Surson Commercial Building, 140–142 Austin Road, Tsim Sha Tsui | (+852) 2907 6678

Delivery available on Deliveroo, Foodpanda and Ubereats

If you’re on the hunt for a belt-busting barbecue that won’t cripple your wallet, then this is definitely your spot! New Korean offers an all-you-can-eat buffet where you can enjoy a night of grill-it-yourself beef, pork belly, assorted seafood, and all your usual KBBQ favourites, as well as some Japanese food thrown in for good measure.

Believe it or not, this all comes at a very reasonable $188 per person! Another strong plus is that their air conditioning is set on strong to stop the smell from lingering on your clothes too much—Korean food enthusiasts, if you know, you know. It can get pretty hectic in the evening, so book ahead to avoid disappointment.

New Korean BBQ Restaurant, locations across Hong Kong

This isn’t a completely Korean joint, but we’re willing to look past that little fact for the quick and no-frills food fix that Seoul Bros provide. Get stuck into Kimchi Fries ($35) and Sweet & Spicy Chicken ($53) while you wait for the Tuna Bibimbap ($53). The bibimbap rice also comes with beef, tofu, or shrimp instead.

The cherry on top? Seoul Bros’ social responsibility initiative Happier Hour ensures that for every dish purchased between 2 pm and 5 pm, the same dish will be given to underprivileged children in the local community through Foodlink. Now, how’s that for food with heart?

Seoul Bros, locations across Hong Kong

Delivery available on Deliveroo, Foodpanda and Ubereats