Craving the best Korean food in KL? Look no further.
Finding authentic Korean food in a busy city like KL can be difficult, where mainstream options frequently overshadow the real deal.
But for true fans of Korean cuisine, I’ve found the 20 best Korean restaurants in KL that will take you right to the busy streets of Korea.
Having spent years working in Korea, I’m confident these places are the go-to choices for the most authentic Korean cuisine in KL.
1. Pocha
Pocha is a hidden gem in Ampang, tucked away in a modest shop lot. If you’re in the mood for some authentic Korean food, this is the best Korean restaurant in KL.
The first time I came here, it was quite difficult to notice the restaurant. Its signboard is only a piece of paper stuck to its door.
The interior is genuinely like that of old-school Korea. The menus are handwritten, the corridor is narrow, the walls are covered in scraps of paper, and private dining rooms are divided by wooden partitions.
The typical Korean fare is available here, including tteokbokki, cold noodles, ramen, hearty soups, and Korean pancakes.
However, I had a difficult time communicating. The owners are an elderly couple who do not speak English well.
One more thing, cash only. No card or QR is available.
Address: No. 15, Jalan Sulaiman 3, Taman Putra Sulaiman, 68000 Ampang, Selangor
Halal status: Non-halal
2. Lee Ga Korean Noodles
Lee Ga is also the best Korean restaurant in KL. This specialty Korean restaurant specialises in homemade gukbap (rice with hot soup) and naengmyun (cold noodles), two authentic Busan noodles that you might not find anywhere else in Malaysia.
Gukbap is a rice dish with a tasty, hearty soup. The chewy naengmyun noodles are served cold with bibim sauce, pickled vegetables, and eggs.
I’ve tasted both, and they were delicious. Considering Malaysia’s weather, I recommend ordering naengmyun on hot days and gukbap on rainy or chilly nights.
Address: 34G, Jalan 27/70a, Desa Sri Hartamas, 50480 Kuala Lumpur
Halal status: Non-halal
3. Chi Mac Bistro
Chi Mac Bistro is the best Korean restaurant in KL for those who are in the mood for some traditional Korean fried chicken and beer. Since it opens at midnight, it is a favourite location for dinner or late nights.
In addition to mouthwatering fried chicken flavours like snow onion, soy sauce, and bacon spinach, you can also get some street food or main courses. Pork neck and beondegi soup are two of the most well-known dishes here.
Enjoy homemade Makgeolli or their famous pineapple soju to go with your meal in the Korean style!
Address: J-OG-15, SohoKL, Jalan Solaris, Solaris Mont Kiara, 50480 Kuala Lumpur
Halal status: Non-halal
4. Da On Fine Korean Cuisine
Da On is the best Korean restaurant in KL to visit if you’re looking for a classy dinner to treat yourself or for a special celebration or get-together.
It is a fine dining establishment specialising in Korean cuisine. It offers a variety of traditional Korean dishes, including succulent beef ribs, nourishing ginseng chicken soup, dakgalbi (stir-fried chicken), bulgogi (marinated beef), mixed rice with vegetables (bibimbap), and seafood hot pot.
Although the price point might be slightly higher than other Korean restaurants in Klang Valley, it is justified as they only serve the best Korean food. They use premium meat and ingredients in all of their dishes and promise a pleasant dining experience.
Address: Lot 6.40.00, Pavilion Bukit Bintang
Halal status: Halal
5. Dookki
For those who love tteokbokki, Dookki will be their best Korean restaurant in KL! What makes this restaurant the most different from others? It offers a 90-minute all-you-can-eat tteokbokki buffet with free-flow soft drinks!
Take pleasure in six chewy rice cakes imported from South Korea, and complement your dish with tempura, chicken, fish cakes, vegetables, mushrooms, and even ramen.
You can add a double cheese ring around your pot and have the rice cakes cooked in a simmering pot of soup with the level of spice of your choice!
Address: L1-12B, IOI City Mall Putrajaya
Halal status: Despite not having a halal certification, Dookki Malaysia uses halal meat and ingredients and doesn’t serve or use alcohol during cooking.
6. Daorae Korean BBQ Restaurant
Popular for its consistently good food and spotlessly clean restaurants, Daorae serves among the best Korean food in KL, especially BBQ.
Since the restaurant’s owner is Korean, you can get real Korean food that might make you reminisce about Korean BBQ restaurants. Some even say they serve the best kimchi in town. Even the side dishes are delicious and refillable!
Although their BBQ is the main attraction, they also have excellent ramyun, soups, and japchae.
Address: Desa Sri Hartamas | Sri Petaling | Jalan SS2 | Solaris Mont Kiara | Kepong | Kota Damansara | Subang Jaya
Halal status: Non-halal
7. Gangnam Bunsik
If you’re looking for the best Korean food in KL, especially Korean street food, Gangnam Bunsik is the place to go. Traditional dishes like gimbap, bibimbap, kimchi jjigae, jjajangmyeon, and others are available here.
But the crowd’s favourite—and ideal for sharing—are their delicate rice cakes. They have original, cheese, rose, and jjajang flavours.
I suggest getting the set if your main objective is to feast on the rice cakes, as each meal comes with their famous cheese tteokbokki, mixed fried snacks, and steamed eggs.
Address: 1MK, 1, Jalan Kiara, Mont Kiara, 50480 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Halal status: Non-halal
8. Buldojang
Buldojang is regarded as one of the best Korean restaurants in KL because it serves some of the best jjajangmyeon. The jjajangmyeon here has a soft and springy texture, and the black bean sauce has a sweet and savoury flavour.
After a few bites, if the flavour seems overwhelming, try eating your noodles with their yellow pickled radish to balance it out.
Address: 16, Jalan 24/70a, Desa Sri Hartamas, 50480 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Halal status: Non-halal
9. Hong Kong Ban Jeon
Hong Kong Ban Jeon is the best Korean restaurant in KL that serves Korean-Chinese cuisine. This is another restaurant that serves the best Korean food in KL, especially the must-try jjajangmyeon.
Its authentic dishes are prepared by a Korean chef with over 55 years of experience and the noodles are made in-house. So you can bet on consistently eating excellent meals every time you visit.
Address: 06, No, J, 1st, 01, Jalan Solaris 2, Solaris Mont Kiara, 50480 Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur
Halal status: Non-halal
10. Chicken House
Chicken House serves the best Korean food in KL, especially juicy and crunchy Korean fried chicken. The three best-selling flavours are Gang-Jung, Soy Garlic, and Hot Soy.
If you’re feeling daring, try their Cheese Soy Fried Chicken. I suggest eating with your friends because I couldn’t finish it as it was muak.
In addition to their fried chicken, they also have Kimchi soup and spicy rice cake which are excellent palate-balancing dishes.
Address: 15G, Jalan Solaris 4, Solaris Mont Kiara, 50480 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Halal status: Non-halal
11. EID Authentic Korean Cuisine
EID is owned by a Korean Muslim couple. Even though the outlets are a little bit outside of KL, it is one of the best Korean restaurants in KL, and it is worth the drive.
The first outlet opened in Itaewon. It is the first Halal-certified Korean restaurant in the country, and it is an absolute must-stop when you visit Korea.
Some of my favourite dishes are their spicy bulgogi, kimchi rice balls, and bibimbap. They also offer a variety of snacks and sweets, such as soteok (skewered sausage and rice cake), corn sausage, and dumpling pancakes.
It’s best to go with friends or family so you can try a bit of everything!
Address: 8-19-01, Jalan Medan Pb 7A, Seksyen 9, 43650 Bandar Baru Bangi, Selangor
Halal status: Muslim-owned
12. Yeong Nam Ru
I’ve eaten jjajangmyeon in Korea once, and Yeong Nam Ru’s jjajangmyeon closely resembles the original Korean version. This is another of the best Korean restaurants in KL you should visit.
The restaurant may be small, but what sets it apart is its mouthwatering dishes. I suggest coming here with friends if you’re a light eater because the food portion is big.
Address: 13, Jalan Solaris 4, Solaris Mont Kiara, 50480 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Halal status: Non-halal
13. Choo Choo Chicken
Choo Choo Chicken serves the best Korean food in KL with a Malaysian flair.
Eight flavours are available for their famous Choo Choo Chicken: crispy, soy, honey soy, sweet, spicy, garlic, creamy garlic, and sweet & spicy. For a Malaysian touch, they have golden salted egg cheese on the menu.
In addition to fried chicken, you can also order other dishes such as rice burgers, wraps, army stew soups, and pasta. I recommend the Rose Chicken, which consists of 12 crispy chicken balls served with cheesy cream soup.
Address: G28, PV128, Jalan Genting Kelang, Taman Danau Kota, 53300 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Halal status: They are using halal-certified chicken. They don’t use alcoholic ingredients and don’t serve alcohol.
14. Sae Ma Eul BBQ
Sae Ma Eul Korean BBQ is the best Korean restaurant in KL if you’ve ever wanted to spend dinner and supper with some friends enjoying a delicious barbecue similar to a scene from your favourite K-drama.
This al fresco-style barbecue restaurant offers a variety of grilled beef, chicken, and pork dishes.
In addition to their barbecue meats, their spicy rice balls are also very popular. These make a great side dish to eat while you wait for the meat to cook. Roll them into balls and cook them over the flames until the outside becomes crisp.
Address: 1-G Jalan Solaris 4, Mont Kiara 50480 Kuala Lumpur
Halal status: Non-halal
15. Dae Sa Kwan Korean BBQ Restaurant
In the centre of Sri Hartamas is Dae Sa Kwan, another of the best Korean restaurants in KL.
With air conditioning, this hidden gem allows you to fully enjoy your Jjamppong—a spicy seafood noodle soup—in a more comfortable environment. It contains tons of seafood, including shrimp, clams, and muscles.
Along with the typical Korean fare, you can also get cold noodles, seafood pancakes, and hearty soups like ginseng chicken soup.
Address: 40, Jalan 25/70a, Desa Sri Hartamas, 50480 Kuala Lumpur
Halal status: Non-halal
(Update: This restaurant has been permanently closed.)
16. Sopoong
Sopoong is one of the largest Korean restaurant chains in Malaysia. Sopoong is usually available in most shopping malls.
If you prefer to eat by yourself, you’ll be happy to hear that most dishes are made to serve one person. The good news is that almost all of their dishes include kimbap, so you can easily fill up on the meal.
Address: Various shopping malls around KL
Halal status: Halal
17. Hanbing Korean Dessert Cafe
Hanbing serves the best Korean food in KL, specifically Bingsu. Stop by this restaurant to try what they consider the #StillTheBestBingsuInTown.
They offer a wide range of flavours, including the traditional Green Tea Bingsu and the inventive and delectable Blueberry Cheesecake Bingsu. All have distinct flavours that will definitely quench your sweet craving.
In addition, they also provide main courses like rice, ramyeon, and hamburgers.
Address: Nu Sentral Mall, KL | Courtyard SS15 | KL East Mall | IOI City Mall, Putrajaya
Halal status: Halal
18. QingHeGu Korean BBQ Restaurant
QingHeGu opened its first outlet in China in 2008. Since then, it has grown to be the most well-known Korean restaurant and has won five awards in a row for best Korean BBQ.
This isn’t your typical Korean BBQ joint—the meat is incredibly well-marinated. Their pork belly is excellent, with the ideal proportion of meat to fat.
All you need to do is wrap the meat in garlicky and kimchi-infused lettuce. Heaven!
You should also definitely try their cheese egg roll when you visit.
Address: 2F-17, 163 Retail Park, Jalan Kiara, Mont Kiara, 50480 Kuala Lumpur
Halal status: Non-halal (For Muslim-friendly outlets, head on to Tropicana Golf Club House, PJ or KLGCC)
19. Jinjjayoo
If you’re craving a filling bowl of bibimbap, Jinjjayoo is the best Korean restaurant in KL serving some of the most hearty meals.
A wide range of protein options, including Bulgogi Beef Kimchi, Spicy Bulgogi Chicken Kimchi, and Tuna Kimchi, are available to pair with your rice bowl at Jinjjayoo.
If you think it’s too healthy, you can also order drumettes and fried chicken wings.
Address: 142, Jalan Choo Cheng Khay, Kampung Attap, 50460 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Halal status: No pork, no lard
20. WangJok
WangJok is a hidden gem serving the best Korean food in KL, specifically Jokbal (pork knuckle). Although braised pork knuckle is a difficult dish to master, WangJok has certainly done it.
It was so delicious and flavorful. It is soft, and it literally melts on your tongue.
Tips: Get their Yumso Tang (Korean goat soup) or Ginseng Chicken Soup to keep warm on gloomy or rainy days.
Address: 19, Jalan 23/70a, Desa Sri Hartamas, 50480 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Halal status: Non-halal
