Culinary Class Wars had us glued to our seats when it first came out on Netflix. The competition was one thing but the sumptuous food had our eyes stuck on the screen. The mouthwatering Korean dishes on the show only heightened our K-food cravings and had us wishing we were wandering the streets of Seoul, soaking in the flavours and aromas. Luckily, you don’t need to take a seven-hour flight for an authentic experience. There’s a treasure trove of Korean restaurants in KL that are ready to satisfy your hunger.
This list goes beyond just K-bbq; we’ve got other staples like naengmyeon, tteokbokki, kimbap, Korean fried chicken, and more. Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty meal or a quick snack, these culinary gems will transport your taste buds straight to Korea.
The Best Korean Restaurants in KL and PJ
88 Kimbab (non-halal)
Of all Korean dishes, it’s pretty tricky to find a restaurant focusing on kimbap. We’ve got you covered—this spot is the kimbap specialist, a neighbourly spot loved by locals and Koreans alike. There are over nine flavours of kimbap from beef to tuna, cheese, squid, and their alternative for rice, which are eggs. The filling-to-rice ratio is just right, making every bite sensational.
Don’t miss their seafood pancake too—it’s crispy and generously loaded with seafood. 88 Kimbab serves other Korean comfort food including, tteokbokki, Korean fried chicken, and mandu—truly an all-rounder.
Address: No. 25, Ground Floor, Jalan 23/70a, Desa Sri Hartamas, 50480 Kuala Lumpur
Operating Hours: 10:30 am to 10 pm, daily
Busanzip (pork-free)
It’s hard to miss this little blue corner spot, serving up hometown delicacies from its Busan-born owners. The standout dish is the signature daechang jjukkumi, a spicy stir-fry highly addictive and loaded with Korean webfoot octopus and Hanwoo large beef intestines on an iron plate. The best way to enjoy the octopus is to place it on a perilla leaf with white radish, dried seaweed, and flying fish roe. If beef intestines sound daunting, there’s a beef belly option to choose from that is just as delicious. The friendly staff prepares the dish right in front of you in a showcase of their skills while you eagerly wait to dig in.
Address: 23-G, Jalan 26/70a, Desa Sri Hartamas, 50480 Kuala Lumpur
Operating Hours: 11 am to 3 pm, 5 pm to 11 pm, daily except Tuesdays
BHC Chicken (halal)
The popular South Korean chain is here in KL to further fulfil the beloved Korean fried chicken craze. Each piece is coated in a light, crispy batter that stays crunchy, whether it’s sauced or seasoned. The brand is known for its Bburinkle flavour which is a cheese seasoning you may have seen in mukbang videos. Whether you like it plain, spicy, or sweet, there’s an option for you. Oh, and don’t forget the cheese balls on the side. You simply can’t miss those.
Address: Sunway 163, 1F-06, 8, Jalan Kiara, Mont Kiara, 50480 Kuala Lumpur
Operating Hours: 11 am to 9:45 pm Fridays to Saturdays | 11 am–9:30 pm Sundays to Thursdays
Lee Ga Korean (non-halal)
There’s nothing better than a bowl of cold noodles to beat the Malaysian heat. Lee Ga Korean does it best—a quaint spot with rustic wooden furniture that makes you feel right at home. You’ll find locals and Koreans alike slurping their signature naengmyeon (cold buckwheat noodles) which is icy, chewy, and incredibly refreshing. If you’re a fan of spice, get the mul bibim naengmyeon.
Complement your noodles with their homemade mandu and mung bean pancakes. They also offer warmer options if you’re not feeling something cold including sogogi gukbap (beef soup with rice) and dak gomtang (sliced chicken soup).
Address: 34G, Jalan 27/70a, Desa Sri Hartamas, 50480 Kuala Lumpur
Operating Hours: 10 am to 3 pm, 5 pm to 9:30 pm daily, except Tuesdays
Han Modern Korean Grill (halal)
If you’re looking for a fancier K-bbq place with premium meat selections, head over to Han Modern Korean Grill, nestled conveniently near Suria KLCC. The ambience blends modern elegance and traditional charm, with sleek dark marble tables and warm bamboo accents on the walls. The best offering is its air-flown Australian Wagyu striploin with a fat marbling score of 4-5. While that’s always worth the splurge, other not-so-luxuriously-marbled beef cuts are ace too: belly, brisket, tongue, and boneless short ribs. For non-beef eaters, there’s spring lamb chops and smoked duck on the menu. Pair your barbecue with their selections of wines, whiskies, and Japanese sakés for a perfect dinner night.
Address: First Floor, Menara Hap Seng, 1, Jalan P. Ramlee, Kuala Lumpur, 50250 Kuala Lumpur
Operating Hours: 11:30 am to 2:30 pm, 5 to 10 pm Mondays to Fridays | 5 to 10 pm Saturdays, Closed Sundays
Buldojang (non-halal)
Fans of Korean Chinese cuisine will love this spot in Hartamas. Buldojang is a go-to for some of the city’s best jjajangmyeon (black bean noodles), jjamppong (spicy seafood noodle soup), and tangsuyuk (sweet and sour pork). If you can’t decide between jjajangmyeon and jjamppong, you can get the half and half— a perfect way to get a taste of both dishes.
The fried pork and vegetable mandus are an honourable mention here too. The portions here are large so be prepared for a fulfilling meal that’s a bang for your buck.
Address: 16-1, Jalan 24/70a, Desa Sri Hartamas, 50480 Kuala Lumpur
Operating Hours: 11 am to 9:30 pm daily except Wednesdays
Gangnam 88 (non-halal)
Fulfil your K-drama dinner dreams at Gangnam 88 where the interior gives off pocha vibes (casual places Koreans go to for comfort food) with its playful trinkets on the wall and the latest K-pop songs playing in the background. This place serves an array of Korean comfort foods from tteokbokki, fried chicken, ramen, and barbecue to bibimbap. There are choices of set menus that serve up to eight pax, making it a great spot for large groups. Order a round of somaek (a mix of soju and beer) for the full pocha experience.
Address: No. 1-1, Jalan Solaris 3, Solaris Mon’t Kiara, Off, Jalan Kiara, 50480 Kuala Lumpur
Operating Hours: 11 am to 10 pm Tuesday to Thursday |11 am to 11 pm Friday and Saturdays, closed Wednesdays
Pal Gae Ook (pork-free)
A unique K-bbq joint that specialises in chicken only, Pal Gae Ook has quickly become a neighbourhood favourite in town. Their charcoal grilled chicken comes in flavourful marinates such as dakgalbi, special soy sauce, salt and pepper sauce, and–if you can handle the heat–the mapdori tang. Enjoy the meal with their nine refillable banchans. The yuja white kimchi and pickled papaya are a must to go along with the succulent chicken. Add on gooey cheese corn for an even more delectable experience.
Address: 42-G, Jalan 27/70a, Desa Sri Hartamas, 50480 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Operating Hours: 12 pm to 3 pm, 5 pm to 11 pm Sundays to Thursdays | 12 pm to 3 pm, 5 pm to 12 am Fridays and Saturdays, closed Wednesdays
Jun Ga & Cook (non-halal)
There’s something comforting about having a warm bowl of soup on a rainy day, and a trip to Jun Ga & Gook will hit the spot. This cosy eatery serves up soulful Korean food such as sujebi (hand-pulled dough soup), kal-guksu (knife-cut noodle soup), and samgye-tang (ginseng chicken soup).
People often come here for their sujebi since it’s not commonly found in KL, the chewy dough and flavourful seafood broth feel like a warm blanket in every bite. There are ajummas running the spot so you know you’re getting an authentic meal and warm service.
Address: E-0-5, Plaza Damas, 60, Jalan Sri Hartamas 1, Taman Sri Hartamas, 50480 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Operating Hours: 10:30 am to 3 pm, 4:30 pm to 8 pm daily except Sundays.
TK Korea @ Restoran Chuan Hupp (non-halal)
If money has been tight lately but you’re still craving Korean food, fret not—there’s a sweet halmeoni (Korean grandma) serving up homey meals for just RM10. Yes, you read that right. TK Korea is a humble stall favoured by locals not just for its friendly prices but also its homemade taste since everything is made by the owner, including the kimchi. The lunch and dinner boxes are especially popular here, offering a well-balanced meal that includes the dish of the day, sides, and, of course, rice. A must-try too is her sundubu jjigae; it is hearty, warm and spicy, and pairs perfectly with a bowl of rice.
Address: 25G, Jalan Wawasan 2/10, Bandar Baru Ampang, 68000 Ampang, Selangor
Operating Hours: 9 am till sold out daily except Sundays
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