The Best Korean Food In New York City

New York City is known for its diverse and vibrant food scene, but Korean cuisine has been gaining popularity among foodies in recent years. Whether you crave savory barbecue or spicy stews, there are plenty of Korean restaurants in the city that offer an authentic taste of Korea. In this article, we’ll explore the best Korean food in New York City and where to find it.

🍜 The Best Korean Noodle Dishes in NYC

From cold buckwheat noodles to fiery hot soups, Korean noodle dishes are a must-try for any food lover. Here are some of our top picks:

Jajangmyeon

Jajangmyeon is a popular Korean-Chinese dish that features thick, chewy noodles coated in a savory black bean sauce. Head to Cho Dang Gol in Koreatown for a delicious version of this classic dish.

Naengmyeon

If you’re looking for something refreshing on a hot day, try naengmyeon. This cold noodle dish is made with thin, chewy noodles, sliced beef, and vegetables in a tangy broth. Mokja in Queens is known for their delicious naengmyeon.

Jjamppong

For a spicy kick, try jjamppong, a fiery Korean-Chinese soup made with seafood, vegetables, and chewy noodles. Woorijip in Manhattan’s Koreatown serves up a delicious jjamppong that is sure to warm you up.

🍖 The Best Korean Barbecue in NYC

Korean barbecue, or gogi-gui in Korean, is a staple of Korean cuisine. Here are some of the best places to indulge in Korean barbecue in NYC:

Kang Ho Dong Baekjeong

This popular Korean barbecue chain has locations in Manhattan’s Koreatown and Flushing. Their signature dish is the galbi, or marinated short ribs, which are cooked to perfection on a charcoal grill.

Peter Luger Steak House

While not strictly a Korean restaurant, Peter Luger is known for their delicious Korean-style short ribs, which are marinated in a soy-garlic sauce and grilled to perfection. This Brooklyn institution is a must-visit for meat lovers.

Kalbi House

For a more low-key Korean barbecue experience, head to Kalbi House in Fort Lee, NJ. Their galbi is a crowd favorite, and they also offer a wide selection of other Korean dishes.

🍲 The Best Korean Stews in NYC

Korean stews, or jjigae in Korean, are hearty and comforting dishes that are perfect for a cold winter day. Here are some of our top picks:

Soft Tofu Stew

Soft tofu stew, or soondubu jjigae, is a spicy and flavorful dish made with silken tofu, seafood, and vegetables. Tofu Tofu in Queens is known for their delicious version of this classic dish.

Oxtail Soup

This rich and hearty soup is made with tender oxtail, vegetables, and spices. It’s the perfect comfort food on a cold day. Mandoo Bar in Manhattan’s Koreatown serves up a delicious oxtail soup.

Budae Jjigae

Budae jjigae, or army stew, was invented after the Korean War as a way to use up surplus American army rations. It’s a spicy and flavorful dish made with a variety of ingredients, including Spam, hot dogs, and noodles. Barn Joo in Manhattan serves up a delicious version of this unique dish.

🍱 The Best Korean Lunch Spots in NYC

Looking for a quick and delicious lunch? Here are some of our favorite Korean spots in NYC:

K-Town Food Court

This food court in Manhattan’s Koreatown is a great spot to grab a quick and affordable lunch. With a variety of vendors serving up everything from bibimbap to Korean-style fried chicken, there’s something for everyone.

Jongro BBQ

If you’re in the mood for Korean barbecue but don’t have time for a sit-down meal, head to Jongro BBQ in Manhattan’s Koreatown for their famous Korean street meat platter. This to-go box includes marinated short ribs, pork belly, and chicken.

Gammeeok

For a hearty bowl of soup, head to Gammeeok in Flushing. Their spicy beef noodle soup is a crowd favorite.

🍧 The Best Korean Desserts in NYC

No meal is complete without something sweet. Here are some of the best Korean desserts in NYC:

Bingsu

Bingsu, or Korean shaved ice, is a refreshing and delicious dessert that’s perfect for a hot summer day. Head to Grace Street Cafe in Manhattan’s Koreatown for their famous bingsu topped with fresh fruit and condensed milk.

Taiyaki

Taiyaki is a popular Japanese-Korean dessert that consists of a fish-shaped pastry filled with sweet red bean paste. Taiyaki NYC has locations in Manhattan and Brooklyn and offers a variety of fillings, including Nutella and custard.

Ping Pong

Ping pong, or Korean-style mochi, is a chewy and sweet dessert made with glutinous rice flour. Tous Les Jours has locations throughout the city and offers a variety of flavors, including green tea and strawberry.

🤔 Frequently Asked Questions

What is Korean food?

Korean food is the cuisine of Korea and is known for its bold flavors and use of spices and fermented ingredients.

What are some popular Korean dishes?

Some popular Korean dishes include bibimbap, Korean barbecue, kimchi, and bulgogi.

Where can I find Korean food in New York City?

There are many Korean restaurants in New York City, with a concentration in Manhattan’s Koreatown and Queens.

Is Korean food spicy?

Many Korean dishes are spicy, but not all of them. It’s possible to find milder dishes if you’re not a fan of spice.

What is kimchi?

Kimchi is a traditional Korean side dish made with fermented vegetables, usually cabbage, and spices.

What is bibimbap?

Bibimbap is a popular Korean dish that consists of rice topped with vegetables, meat, and a fried egg.

What is Korean barbecue?

Korean barbecue is a style of cooking where diners grill their own meat at the table. The meat is usually marinated in a sauce beforehand.

What is bulgogi?

Bulgogi is a Korean dish made with marinated beef. The beef is usually grilled or stir-fried and served with rice and vegetables.

What is soju?

Soju is a clear, distilled alcohol that is popular in Korea. It’s similar to vodka and is often consumed with Korean barbecue.

What is tteokbokki?

Tteokbokki is a popular Korean snack made with chewy rice cakes in a spicy sauce.

What is japchae?

Japchae is a Korean dish made with sweet potato noodles, vegetables, and meat.

What is galbi?

Galbi is a Korean dish made with marinated beef short ribs. The meat is usually grilled and served with rice and vegetables.

What is naengmyeon?

Naengmyeon is a Korean noodle dish that is served cold. The noodles are usually made from buckwheat or sweet potato starch and are topped with beef, vegetables, and a tangy sauce.

What is soondubu jjigae?

Soondubu jjigae is a spicy Korean stew made with silken tofu, seafood, and vegetables.

What is budae jjigae?

Budae jjigae, or army stew, is a spicy Korean stew made with a variety of ingredients, including Spam, hot dogs, and instant noodles.

✍️ Conclusion

From spicy stews to savory barbecue, Korean cuisine has something for everyone. If you’re a fan of bold flavors and unique ingredients, be sure to check out the best Korean food in New York City. With so many