8 Korean restaurants in Kuala Lumpur that go beyond BBQ

On a rainy day, a trip to Ju Ga & Cook in Plaza Damas will surely hit the spot. At this humble eatery, you can get your fill of soulful Korean comfort food such as sujebi (hand-pulled dough soup), sundubu jjigae, kal-guksu (knife-cut noodle soup), and samgye-tang (ginseng chicken soup).

The sujebi, in particular is a favourite, with its chewy noodles in anchovies, shellfish, and kelp broth that you can tell has been simmering for ages. Other non-carb options you need to try are its gun mandu (pan-fried dumplings), kimbab (Korean rice roll), and kimchi jeon (kimchi pancake).

Head to Kitchen Goheung in Solaris Mont Kiara if you can take the heat. This humble eatery specialises in hearty Korean stews that are filled to the brim with ingredients. Its star stew is its gamjatang, or potato stew with pork bones, that promises to fill your stomach and warm your heart. As with most of the stews on the menu, you can adjust the spice level to fit your tolerance’s fancy.

Other highlights on the menu include its kkomak-muchim (Korean seasoned cockles), which are seasoned to perfection, haemeul ppyeojjim (pork backbone and seafood stew), and dakpal (spicy chicken feet).

The Malaysian arm of BHC Chicken is a crowd-favourite when it comes to Korean fried chicken. One of South Korea’s most popular chains, each piece is battered in light crust that remains crispy whether coated with sauce or served with a sprinkle of seasoning powder. You’ll find chicken flavoured with its signature Bburinkle (cheese and vegetable) seasoning, tossed in spicy sauce with red chilli, glazed in sweet and sour 

If you have the appetite for copious amounts of Korean-Chinese cuisine, head to Buldojang. Located on the second floor of a Desa Sri Hartamas shop lot, Buldojang is a go-to for some of the city’s best jjajangmyeon (black bean noodles), jjamppong (spicy seafood or pork noodle soup)  and tangsuyuk (sweet and sour pork).

We recommend ordering to share so you can get a taste of as many dishes as possible. Be prepared for a filling and satisfying meal as the portions here are sizeable. You can also visit its more casual sister restaurant DJ Kitchen Buldojang for your dongaseu (fried pork cutlet) fix. 

Another place that specialises in Korean-Chinese cuisine is Hong Kong Ban Jeom, a casual dining spot with locations in Solaris Mont Kiara and 163 Retail Park. Its menu is simple and straight to the point with large pictures making sure you don’t get your noodles mixed up.

It is known for its extra large portions of jjajangmyeon, which is made with house-made noodles and an aromatic black bean sauce with pork. You shouldn't miss an order of its soulful jjamppong that is packed with seafood, spice, and everything nice. For the best of both worlds, order its japchae bap, a dish of stir-fried glass noodles and white rice. 

At first glance, Seoul Chicken may seem unassuming but you can expect to be greeted with some of the best Korean fried chicken the Klang Valley has to offer. Wings and drummettes here are perfectly tender, complete with crusts that stay crisp even when drenched in sticky sauce. You’ll be able to order a tasting platter of chicken featuring each of its fried chicken varieties, from chicken coated in spicy soy glaze to gochujang infused yangnyeom. You’ll also be able to find tteokbokki and homemade kimchi to fortify your meal. 

Come for the kimbab, stay for the tteokbokki. 88 Kimbab in Desa Sri Hartamas is your one-stop shop for all your kimbab needs. You can choose from its signature vegetarian 88 Kimbab, spam kimbab, chamchi (tuna) kimbab, and more.

Additionally, its tteokbokki is among the best in the area with just the right amount of spice to complement the chewy rice cakes. Other highlights on the menu include its dongaseu (fried pork cutlet) rice, sundubu jjigae, and doenjang jjigae (soybean paste stew).