It’s undeniable that Berlin is in a Korean food craze. No street food market is complete without the Korean influenced fusion burgers or fries, nor will be able to go far in Kreuzberg, Neukoelln or Prenzlauer Berg without stumbling over some sizzling Bibimbap. The smell of Korean BBQ in the air is undeniably mouth-watering and there’s nothing more heart-warming than a spicy hot stew on a breezy day – though Koreans especially enjoy hot and spicy food in summer, sweating everything out.
We all know the staples like Kimchi, Bibimbap (maybe even the “dolsot” version served in a sizzling hot ceramic pot), pork belly BBQ, Bulgogi and the seafood pancake. The variety of Korean restaurants in this city shows us that there is more to good Korean food than slapping some Kimchi on your rice veggie bowl and we have compiled our best-of list for you in this Korean restaurant guide so you can be sure to hit the right spots. Read more about our recommendations after the jump.
Korean Food Stories
Korean Food Stories is a welcome bridge between two food trends in the city: Korean cuisine and health conscious eating. A small place on Prenzlauer Allee it only has 15-20 seats inside and another 10 outside. You’ll mostly find bibimbap (with or without meat) and a range of panchans (side dishes) on the menu along with weekly specials. The portions are generous and there are plans of adding BBQ. The special thing about this place is that all ingredients are natural and fresh.
Prenzlauer Allee 217, Prenzlauer Berg
Tel: 0157 36375002
Opening hours: Mon – Fri 12:00 – 20:00
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Gogogi
photo: Gogogi
One of the culinary new additions around Rosenthaler Platz Gogogi just opened in March earlier this year. It’s the new cool kid on the block amongst the Korean restaurants with its edgy, yet traditional dark and moody interior. The menu has a lot of the classics, dolsot bibimbap, vegetable and seafood Pajeon (Korean pancake), BBQ, Japchae (sweet potato noodles) and spicy hot pots. There is no fusion here, all pure traditional fare in a hip setting. It’s very popular so make sure to make reservations, especially for a weekend evening.
Weinbergsweg 24, Mitte
Tel: 030 55246141
Opening hours: Tue, Wed, Thu, Sun 12:00–15:30h and 18:00–23:00h. Fri, Sat 12:00–15:30h and 18:00–00:00h. Closed Mondays
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Ban Ban Kitchen
photo: Ban Ban Kitchen
A much acclaimed Korean-Vietnamese fusion street food joint, you’ll find this small bistro in Neukölln. Ban Ban Kitchen‘s menu can be customised with beef, chicken or tofu so this place is vegetarian and vegan friendly without limiting the menu too much. Try the kimchi fries or also the Korean Döner or of course burger! Exciting news is that the team behind Ban Ban Kitchen has just recently opened a new project – Pig & Tiger in the same neighbourhood of Neukölln.
Schillerpromenade 32, 12049 Berlin-Neukölln
Opening hours: Thu – Tue 17:00 – 22:00h
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Ixthys
photo: Ailine Liefeld
You may have heard of Ixthys – a small restaurant run by two Korean ladies who share their Christian believes with their customers through biblical verses on the walls and references in the menu. If this doesn’t bother you, you’ll find warm family-style service and home-cooked authentic Korean food. Rumor has it that you’ll find the best kimchi of Berlin here.
Pallasstraße 21, Schöneberg
Tel: 030 81474769
Opening hours: Mon – Sat 12:00 – 22:00h
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Kimchi Princess
photo: Kimchi Princess
Kimchi Princess is the well established and wildly popular classic amongst the Korean restaurants with a very extensive menu of all the Korean staples with Bibimbaps, Mandus, BBP but also dishes like Hweh Deopbap and spicy squid. They have just recently opened two new outlets – Angry Chicken and Mani Mogo.
Skalitzer Str. 36, Kreuzberg
Tel: 0163 4580203
Opening hours: daily 12-11pm
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What are your favorite Korean places in town? Let us know in the comments below!
