I’ve shared about quite a few food places in Seoul over the years, but I thought it would be great to compile a list that I fully back for easier reference!

There are some I make sure to visit on every trip – would specially travel there for no good reason other than to eat at that place. This shows exactly how much I love their food, considering that there are so many other places I could check out.

There’s a good mix of restaurants & cafes here, with quite a few familiar names and some that may be new to you.

The best part? They’re all budget-friendly, so you won’t have to break your bank account just to eat the best in Seoul!

Sinseon Seolleongtang

Seolnongtang is one of those dishes I only eat in Korea, and I LOVE eating this in winter because it’s so warm and hearty. This place serves a hearty seolnongtang that is not too much, just enough to keep you feeling toasty and satisfied.

Address: South Korea, Seoul, Jung-gu, Myeongdong-gil, 56 2층

Tosokchon Samgyetang

I make it a point to come here every time I’m in Seoul and would brave all queues, no matter how long they are. Every other samgyetang I’ve had pales in comparison to this and hence I’ve never bothered to eat from any other shop ever again once I’ve had a taste of their rich & warm soup, topped with generous chunks of ginseng.

Address: 5, Jahamun-ro 5-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Honkaz

I’m not a big fan of tonkatsu but this one was *chef’s kiss* and I would not hesitate to come back to Hongdae for no other reason than to eat this. The cheese is thick, generous, and the pull so satisfying that I wanted to have more even though I was already so full.

Address: 36-6 Wausan-ro 21-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Andong Jjimdak

There are many jjimdak places in Korea but only this one has caught my heart thus far. While I’m not a fan of the spicy one (some may beg to differ), the non-spicy version is so satisfying to eat. It contains all of my favourite ingredients, topped with a delicious sauce that simply calls for more rice to top it all off.

Address: 3 Myeongnyun 10-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Chedda & Oli

I’ve never actually explored brunch places until 2023 and this was a random find near the Seoul Forest. Prices were decent but the food was really good! I liked that they paired my toasted cheese with yogurt & oats. The smoked salmon toast was also very delightful. They have a couple more brunch options that I would love to try out next time.

Address: 32-14 Seoulsup 2-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Grandmother’s Recipe

I was miffed when I went back to Grandmother’s Recipe in 2023 and was told that the waiting time was 1hr even though I made a point to head there early! Queues for this restaurant have grown since I last went in 2022 because the food is hearty, wholesome, and rather healthy!

Address: 44-12 Seoulsup 2-gil, Seongsu-dong 1(il)-ga, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Sol-sot

I found out about this restaurant from Lemon8 and specially went to search for it in Apgujeong. The steak pot rice was so addictive that I devoured this in minutes. They also have other meat options if you’re not a fan of beef (salmon, eel, pork etc.)

Address: 35 Donggyo-ro 38-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Isaac Toast

Everyone knows this famous toast chain and years later it still remains my favourite toast place. The flavours are still good, ingredients still as generous as before, and makes for a perfect takeout breakfast that you can eat anywhere.

Today’s Enough Espresso Bar

I’m no fan of Korea’s watered-down Americanos so I love getting my coffee fix here in this espresso bar opposite Grandmother’s Recipe. Options are simple, atmosphere is cosy – great for a chill afternoon if you need a break from all the sightseeing and shopping.

Address: 44-13 Seoulsup 2(i)-gil, Seongsu-dong 1(il)-ga, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Metcha

While people normally associate matcha with Japan, Korea does have good matcha offerings too! Other than Osulloc, one cafe I frequent is Metcha in Myeongdong. Solid matcha that doesn’t taste bitter nor too sweet. Their matcha lattes are as good as they look and this place is ALWAYS very crowded.

Address: 17 Myeongdong 9-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea

bb.q Chicken

Having eaten fried chicken on every trip and exploring a range of brands, my personal favourite is still bb.q Chicken. In fact I find their chicken better than other brands like BHC and some of my travel companions agree too. Their chicken is tender on the inside, crispy on the outside, and comes with a variety of sauces & powders that really hit the spot. Their beers are also very palatable and really complete the chimaek experience.

Hong Kong Banjeom 0410+

My top favourite Chinese food is in Incheon but it’s too far so I sometimes get my fix of jajangmyeon in Seoul, but only at Hong Kong Banjeom 0410+ haha. Chef Baek Jong-won’s version is addictive and makes me crave for it every time I go back to Singapore.

Address: 7-4 Myeongdong 10-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Hwanggeum Mokjang

There are a few celebrity K-BBQ restaurants around Seoul but nothing has captured my heart the same way Hwanggeum Mokjang has. No star power, just plain old good beef with well-prepared condiments that will leave you ordering more (speaking from experience btw).

Address: 6 Myeongdong 8na-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Related Posts:

• BUY & TRY: Korea Street Food Guide
• Avoid these tourist traps in Myeongdong!
• Best budget-friendly Seoul restaurants & cafes worth revisiting
• A complete guide on how to buy & use T-money in South Korea

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