Eating Korean in Beijing

Eating Korean in Beijing

From barbecue to bibimbap, Beijingers love a kick of Korean spice. Here’s where to chow down on the Chinese capital’s best K-eats.

KFC might originate in Kentucky but the Korean version takes it up a notch or few. For your own late-night, finger-lickin’ Korean chicken fix, swoop into rowdy Beijing stalwart Vons Chicken and choose from no less than six variations on the Korean fried-chicken template, as well as classics like stir-fried pork and kimchi.

For a more upscale affair, hushed Korean chain Sorabol is your go-to for expertly prepped bulgogi, beef ribs, noodles, banfan and seafood, ready to be slung on the barbecue that sits in the middle of your table. Hidden away in the basement of the Lufthansa Centre, the soft-lit wood-heavy space makes for a peaceful retreat from the Beijing bustle. Private rooms available too.

From Ssam to One Pot, and now Maru too, lauded chef Andrew Ahn knows how to fire up a knockout Korean concept. Located in Shuangjing’s Hopson One, Maru takes aim at contemporary Korean cuisine, serving up homely hits like spiced pork belly and jjigae as well as twists on the old favourites, like veggie bulgogi rice bowls and cheesy kimchi pancakes.

Chargrill thriller Ai Jiang Shan sits pretty atop the LG Twin Towers with impressive city vistas and even more impressive price points, including a bargainous set lunch menu that attracts swarms of office-workers. What’s more, both tea and banchan (side dishes) are gratis – nice! – but don’t forgo ordering the sublime beef and kimchi stew.

Not strictly a Korean-only concept, but K-Mex fusion zest-fest Palms LA Kitchen and Bar deserves a star mention for its effortlessly harmonious pairing of these seemingly polar cuisines. Hidden down a nondescript hutong near Jiu Gulou Dajie, Palms pulls in the foodie punters with its straight-outta-Cali and Seoul street food couplings, including kimchi quesadillas, Sriracha sour cream-slathered barbeque pork tacos, and a bibimbap reinvented with Mexican rice, fresh coriander, stringy cheese and a sprinkling seaweed. It’s K-razy good.

Maru / 6/F / Hopson One / Guangqu Lu / 21 Dawang Xi Lu / Chaoyang

Vons Chicken / Kirin Pl / 11 Futong Xi Dajie / Chaoyang / +86 10 5738 9653 / lunch & dinner daily

Ai Jiang Shan / 5/F / LG Twin Towers / 12 Jianguomenwai Dajie / Chaoyang / +86 10 5109 6036 / lunch & dinner daily

Sorabol / B1/F / Yansha Youyi Emporium / 50 Liangmaqiao Lu / Chaoyang / +86 10 6465 1845 / lunch & dinner daily

Palms LA Kitchen and Bar / 14 Zhangwang Hutong / Dongcheng / +86 10 6405 4352 / lunch & dinner Tue-Sun