June 2024

The Best Korean Restaurants in Metro Manila

The Korean craze in the Philippines has taken the country by storm. From the early 2000s, when K-dramas like Jewel in the Palace and Full House first aired, Filipinos have been captivated by all things Korean. This fascination quickly extended to Korean food, with the arrival of iconic dishes like samgyeopsal (grilled pork belly), bibimbap (mixed rice), and tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes). The introduction of these dishes, often featured in beloved K-dramas, has made them household names across the archipelago.

Bibimbap / IMAGE from Sibyullee

The food scene in the Philippines has seen a significant transformation with the increasing popularity of Korean cuisine. The Hallyu wave, which includes K-pop and Korean dramas, has played a pivotal role in this culinary shift. Korean restaurants initially catered to Korean expatriates, but soon piqued the interest of Filipinos, who fell in love with the bold flavors and communal dining style. Today, samgyeopsal joints, street food stalls, and specialty grocery stores are flourishing in the whole country.

Grilled Beef Bulgogi Gimbap / IMAGE from Soban K-Town Grill

Amid the flourishing Korean wave, Philippine Primer’s July issue is set to be a treat for K-foodies. We’re going to highlight some of the best Korean restaurants in Metro Manila and take you on a delicious journey through the Manila Korea Town and other popular Korean spots in the country.

Classic Korean Food Pairings

Korean cuisine is renowned for its bold flavors, varied textures, and harmonious pairings that enhance the dining experience. Some combinations have become iconic such as K-fried chicken and beer. So without further ado, let’s explore these delightful combinations that highlights the best of Korean food and drinks.

Samgyeopsal / IMAGE from Philippine Primer

Chicken + Beer: Fried chicken and beer, commonly known as “Chimeok” in Korea, is a beloved pairing that brings together the satisfying crunch of crispy chicken and the refreshing chill of cold beer. This combination is popular in casual dining and social gatherings, often enjoyed in bustling Korean bars and restaurants.

Chijimi + Makgeolli: chijimi (Korean pancake), paired with makgeolli (traditional Korean rice wine) is a combination especially popular on rainy days. This pairing is rooted in tradition, as the sound of rain hitting the roof is said to resemble the sound of chijimi cooking on a hot griddle. Makgeolli is slightly sweet, milky and fizzy complements the rich, savory taste of chijimi.

Samgyeopsal + Soju: samgyeopsal is best enjoyed with a glass of soju, a clear, distilled liquor. The robust, savory flavors of grilled meat are perfectly complemented by the clean, smooth finish of soju. This pairing is popular in Korean BBQ restaurants as the alcohol’s subtle sweetness and lightness balance the rich, smoky taste of the samgyeopsal.

The Best K-food in the Metro

Now that, we’ve covered the basics, get ready to savor some of the best Korean cuisine at Sariwon Korean Barbecue, which offers a legendary bulgogi recipe dating back to 1938 as well as high-quality USDA beef; Soban K-Town Grill, where modern twist on Korean BBQ can be had; Sibyullee, whipping up superb tteokbokki, Korean fried chicken, and Budae Jjigae (Army Stew); Soga Miga, the ultimate place for samgyeopsal, and many, many more!

Kimchi Jigae/ IMAGE from Sariwon

Our journey doesn’t stop at the restaurants. We’ll also venture into the Manila Korea Town, a place known for its IG-friendly cafes and specialty grocery stores, which offer a glimpse into Korean culture and food. The map below highlights various notable restaurants that bring a taste of the country to the Metro.

Start your food crawl at Buk Gyeong – Korean-Chinese Restaurant, a family-friendly spot known for its jajangmyeon (noodles in black bean sauce) and jjampong (spicy seafood noodle soup). For those craving some classic K-fried chicken, Hong Chicken – Hong Chun Cheon offers a variety of flavors from soy garlic to spicy. If you’re in the mood for something unique, try Chosun Chicken’s natural season chicken, a delightful twist on the traditional fried chicken.

Next, head over to Shabuyaki, where you can grill your own meats and cook them in bubbling hotpots right at your table. For a traditional Korean meal, Royal Korean Restaurant and Bonga offer dishes like Gal Bi Sal Dubu and Kimchi Jjim, using both local and imported ingredients from Korea to ensure authenticity.

IMAGE from Shabuyaki

Don’t miss JangChungDong WangJokBal, a restaurant specializing in pork feet, and Chung Dam Restaurant, where you can enjoy live seafood dishes prepared in various ways.

King Crab / IMAGE from Chung Dam Restaurant

Aside from amazing food, Manila Korea Town is home to a number of cafes, where you’ll find plenty of options to relax and enjoy the ambiance. They’re perfect for your IG feed, to boot!

Note: Other places in the country such as Poblacion, Makati and Pampanga also have unofficial Korean towns due to their sizable Korean communities as well as fairly large number of establishments such as restaurants and cafes.

Other Korean Spots

Aside from the Manila Korea Town, one may also find out more about Korean culture through various hubs such as the Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines and K-Park.

The Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines provides an immersive experience into Korean culture through various activities and events. Visitors can participate in K-pop dance classes, Hanbok try-ons, art exhibits, film screenings, and language classes. The center also offers cooking workshops where participants can learn to prepare traditional Korean dishes such as kimchi and bulgogi. Additionally, it hosts cultural festivals and events celebrating Korean heritage.

Korean Cultural Center Library / IMAGE from Korean Cultural Center in the Philippines Facebook page

Meanwhile, K-Park in Glorietta can be considered a Hallyu hub as it houses shops offering a variety of K-pop merchandise, fashion items, and accessories. There’s even a place where one can rent hanbok (traditional Korean clothes) so you can relive scenes of your favorite K-drama shows!

IMAGE from Make It Makati Facebook page

Son’t miss out on this exciting issue of Philippine Primer. Whether you’re a long-time fan of Korean cuisine or you just hopped on to the Hallyu hype train, this edition will guide you to the best spots in the metro, ensuring you say “mas-issneun” (delicious) with every bite. Grab your copy and join the Korean food craze sweeping across the Philippines!