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Korean food has surged in popularity in London, from tabletop barbecue and bubbling stews to the fried chicken and soju of a proper Korean night out. This guide covers where to eat the best, from the central spots to the city's Korean heartland.
Barbecue and the West End
Central London holds a lively cluster of Korean restaurants, many around the northern edge of Soho and in Fitzrovia. Kimchee and Bibimbap Soho are dependable introductions, Koba in Fitzrovia is a long-standing favourite for tabletop barbecue, and Jinjuu brings a slicker, cocktail-led take on Korean-American cooking. These are the easiest places to try grilled meats, bibimbap and kimchi stews without leaving the centre.
New Malden, London's Koreatown
For the real depth, head to New Malden in the south-west, home to the largest Korean community in Europe and a high street lined with restaurants, bakeries and grocers. It is a short train ride from the centre and rewards the trip with the most authentic barbecue, stews and side dishes in the city. For a modern fine-dining angle, Sollip near Borough has drawn acclaim for its elegant Korean-French cooking.
What should I order at a Korean barbecue?
Korean barbecue is built around grilling marinated meats such as bulgogi and galbi at your table, wrapped in lettuce with rice, kimchi and an array of side dishes called banchan. Add a stew or a bibimbap to share, and you have the classic spread. Staff will help with the grilling if you are new to it.
Where is the best Korean food in London?
For convenience, the central cluster around Soho and Fitzrovia is excellent. For the most authentic and varied Korean cooking, New Malden in the south-west is unmatched and well worth the short journey out.
Where to go next
Explore more of Asian London with the best Japanese and best Thai restaurants, or the best restaurants in London.
