Korean cuisine is gaining popularity all over the world, and China is no exception. The unique blend of flavors and ingredients used in Korean dishes are a treat for the senses and have become a favorite among foodies. If you’re looking for authentic and delicious Korean food in China, look no further. In this article, we’ll introduce you to five of the best Korean restaurants in China, each offering their own unique take on traditional Korean cuisine. From the industrial-style interior and dim lighting of BELLOCO in Shanghai, to the creative and delicious food offerings at Saveurs de Coree in Beijing, these restaurants are sure to satisfy your cravings for Korean food.
1. BELLOCO – Shanghai
BELLOCO is a Korean restaurant located in Shanghai that has quickly gained a reputation as an internet celebrity store. The restaurant is known for its unique and creative take on traditional Korean cuisine, and its industrial-style interior and dim lighting add to the overall dining experience.
Customers rave about the restaurant’s delicious food offerings, particularly the dry ice cream, which is made by hand on-site and is said to be a must-try. The tofu salad and mustard live octopus are also popular dishes that receive high praise for their taste and texture. The seafood cream hot pot, seafood spicy rice cakes and pumpkin steak are also considered to be delicious, with the latter being described as “artistic” with a unique blend of flavors.
The service of the restaurant is also highly praised for being friendly and efficient, and customers love the relaxed and comfortable atmosphere. Even though the restaurant is often busy, the wait for a table is reportedly manageable. Overall, BELLOCO is a highly recommended destination for anyone looking for a unique and delicious Korean dining experience in Shanghai.
2. BenJia – Shanghai
BenJia is a highly recommended Korean BBQ restaurant located in Shanghai. The restaurant may be a bit tricky to find as it is located in a residential building, but the effort is well worth it once you discover the restaurant. The restaurant is known for its colorful and tasty salads and pickles, followed by delicious BBQ food, which is cooked over hot coals at the customers’ table. The specialities of the restaurant include the beef and pork, and a full plate of vegetables.
Customers praise the restaurant for its friendly staff and delicious food. The staff may not speak or understand English very well, but the menu has pictures of the dishes, which makes ordering food easy. The restaurant also offers complimentary vegetables when customers order two different kinds of meat. The side dish, mu saengchae, is particularly popular among customers.
Ben Jia has a great location and can be reached by taking either metro line 4 or 6 to Pudian Road. The restaurant is at a 5-minute walking distance from the metro station. Despite the occasional crowds, the delicious food offered by BenJia makes the wait well worth it.
3. Gop Story – Shanghai
Gop Story in Shanghai is a must-visit for those looking for a taste of authentic Korean cuisine. The restaurant offers a wide selection of grilled beef sausages, including the popular assorted grilled beef sausage platter, which includes beef large intestine, beef small intestine, beef heart, beef stomach, rice cakes, and three or four side dishes. The staff, all of whom seem to be Korean, will happily prepare and grill the sausages for you to enjoy.
In addition to the grilled sausages, Gop Story also offers a variety of other delicious Korean dishes, such as the cheese and corn rice cakes, which have a soft and fluffy texture, and the square ice cream, which has a strong milk taste and is the perfect way to cool down after a meal. The restaurant also boasts a lively and celebratory ambiance, with music from popular Korean idols like Blackpink playing in the background.
While the food and atmosphere at Gop Story are definitely worth the wait, it is important to note that the restaurant can get quite crowded, and you may have to queue up for a bit before being seated. However, the wait is well worth it for the delicious and authentic Korean cuisine on offer. Altogether, Gop Story is a great spot for a fun and delicious Korean dining experience in Shanghai.
4. Aijiangshan – Beijing
AiJiangShan is a Korean restaurant located in Beijing that offers delicious and authentic Korean dishes. The restaurant has a great reputation for maintaining high-quality food over the years. The premium kalbi short ribs (unmarinated) is one of the main entrees that customers recommend. The restaurant also offers a variety of supplementary choices such as fresh oysters grilled, Korean fried seaweed, and spicy octopus stir fried. The spicy kimchi tofu soup is a great way to round up the meal.
Customers appreciate the restaurant’s closeness to the Chaoyang Park and that it’s near to 4th ring. The food is well prepared and the restaurant has been one of the very few Korean places where customers could enjoy good food without feeling smoke all the time. The restaurant has a good selection of meat cuts and beers.
All in all, AiJiangShan is a great Korean restaurant that offers delicious food, great atmosphere, and an elegant setting. The service level could be improved, but the restaurant’s reputation for good food and pleasant atmosphere makes up for it. The restaurant also has a private room upstairs that is quiet and perfect for special occasions. The Korean special barbecue variety is rich, and customers can let the waiter roast it outside while they enjoy their meal.
5. Saveurs de Coree – Beijing
Saveurs de Coree in Beijing is a hidden gem for those looking for authentic and delicious Korean cuisine. The restaurant is conveniently located not far from the subway station in Dongzhimen and offers a diverse menu with consistently excellent food. The owners are a friendly couple, with a Korean chef who is meticulous about selecting the best ingredients, and their staff is some of the friendliest you will find in Beijing. They also offer vegan options and can adapt dishes to your dietary needs upon request. The decor is fresh and contemporary and the semi-open kitchen adds to the overall atmosphere of the restaurant. It’s a perfect option for a quick meal, business lunch, or a special occasion like a birthday.
One of the standout dishes at Saveurs de Coree is the beef tartare, which is top-quality beef chopped on order and at an impressively reasonable price. The sticky peanuts with sesame and beef dumplings are also highly recommended as appetizers. The ambiance of the restaurant transforms into an intimate and romantic setting in the evening with dim lighting, making it an ideal spot for a romantic dinner date.
In summary, Saveurs de Coree offers a unique and enjoyable dining experience in Beijing. The food, service, and atmosphere are all top-notch and the restaurant is well worth seeking out for a Korean foodie fix. The friendly and knowledgeable staff, along with the reasonable prices for the high-quality food, make for a delightful dining experience. It’s a destination for those searching for genuine and tasty Korean food in Beijing.
In conclusion, Korean cuisine has become increasingly popular in the culinary scene, and China is no exception. With a growing number of Korean restaurants popping up all over the country, it’s no surprise that Korean food is quickly becoming a favorite among locals and tourists alike. The five restaurants we’ve introduced in this guide, BELLOCO, BenJia, AiJiangShan, Gop Story and Saveurs de Coree, are all fantastic options for anyone looking to experience authentic and delicious Korean food in China. Whether you’re a fan of traditional dishes or looking for something a little more unique and creative, these restaurants offer a wide range of options that are sure to please. So, whether you’re in Shanghai or Beijing, be sure to check out these amazing Korean restaurants and experience the best of Korean cuisine for yourself.
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