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Over the past 20 years, the Korean wave, also known as Hallyu, has swept the globe, revolutionising entertainment, fashion, cuisine, and culture. K-pop, movies, skincare products and food have all contributed to the development of this cultural wave, which started with Korean dramas in the late 1990s. Geographical and language boundaries have been broken by Hallyu, from BTS concerts selling out stadiums in New York to Korean skincare routines becoming international beauty standards. One of the best representatives of this cross-cultural interaction has been food. International menus now include dishes like bibimbap, tteokbokki, and kimchi, which have raised interest in Korea's diverse culinary customs.
Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons
The Korean Wave has developed a fervent fan base in India, particularly among younger people. In places like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Kolkata, K-dramas, K-pop, and Korean cuisine have become cultural mainstays. The impact goes beyond entertainment; supermarkets now carry gochujang and instant ramyeon, and language schools that offer Korean classes have seen an increase in enrolment. For fans who wish to get a taste of Seoul closer to home, Korean eateries have evolved into places of comfort and cultural exploration. Kolkata and food, food and Kolkata, they go hand in hand. There is no in-between. You want a particular cuisine? You got it. That's just how the city is. It offers an entire world on a single plate. Today, if you are craving some kimchi or bibimbap, you do not have to fly to South Korea; you can just drop in at a few of the best Korean restaurants in Kolkata to feel like you're in South Korea. So, get your chopsticks ready because this list will have you hungry in no time:
Soy Yum
The atmosphere, the music, and most importantly, the food, make this restaurant the cutest and cosiest of all! Your go-to order should be the bubble tea and ramen. You must try the breakfast menu. Ramen and yakitori are also absolutely fire! Sushi is also delicious, but stay away from the nigiri because it's too large. Sashimi is excellent. If you’re still hungry, try the carpaccio. Gyoza is also a wonderful choice. Finally, they deliver the kind of Korean BBQ experience that will keep you coming back.
Address: Plot 32, Block AC , Sector 1, Bidhannagar, Salt Lake City Kolkata: 700064, Kolkata, West Bengal 700064
Timings: 9 AM - 11 PM
Cost: INR 1,200 for two
Image Credit: Soy Yum
King’s Bakery
It isn't merely a cafe. They offer a bakery as well as a small shopping area where you can get instant ramen and other Korean treats. They have some K-pop idol merchandise in addition to cuisine. The atmosphere in the cafe is homely, owing to the fact that this place was converted from a house into a dining hub. If you don't mind the sweetness, we would strongly suggest the Dakgangjeong and Tteokbokki fried chicken.
Address: P-590, Purna Das Rd, Golpark, Hindustan Park, Gariahat, Kolkata, West Bengal 700029
Timings: 8 AM - 10 PM
Cost: INR 800 for two
Cafe Tov
The cafe has a simple and homely feel, with stylish furniture, wooden accents and boho elements that produce a peaceful and beautiful setting. It's a tiny but lovely room that's ideal for lounging with friends or perhaps just spending some alone time. The menu offers well-known Korean delicacies that are highly recommended, including bibimbap, kimbap, kimchi fried rice, and jjajangmyeon. Along with serving Korean-style tea and coffee, the cafe's bakery has treats like madeleines, egg tarts, and Korean bread variations. The tiramisu and cakes are both visually beautiful and tasty.
Address: C-234, Survey Park Rd, Ajoy Nagar, Santoshpur, Kolkata, West Bengal 700075
Timings: 11 AM - 10 PM
Cost: 1,000 for two
Sonamoo Restaurant
This restaurant has authentic Korean cuisine, courtesy its chef from Korea. You’ll need to get in touch with them in advance to reserve a table. They are the warmest and friendliest people you’ll ever meet, and the restaurant setting reflects that too. It is by far one of the tastiest Korean food spots in Kolkata. The best thing about this place is you’ll be shown how to eat with the sauces by the owner, Jeongsun Nuh and her son. If you enjoy K-dramas and K-pop, here is the greatest spot to explore K culture through food.
Address: 3rd floor, Galaxy Market, Greenfield Heights, Galaxy Mall, New Town, West Bengal 700107
Timings: 12 PM - 10 PM
Cost: INR 1,000 for two
Image Credit: Sonamoo Restaurant
Yum Yum Korean Bucket
This restaurant serves delicious Korean snacks at a very affordable price. This spot is unquestionably one of Kolkata's must-visit food trucks since they provide a variety of mouthwatering treats at reasonable costs. For the past few months, they have gained notoriety for serving corn dogs. They have excellent fried chicken. Even though it is often crowded, they attempt to serve you your food as quickly as possible, and there are no parking issues. It goes without saying that you can bring your loved ones, friends, and family here.
Address: 121, 2, Southern Ave, Golpark, Hindustan Park, Keyatala, Kolkata, West Bengal 700029
Timings: 11:30 AM - 11 PM
Cost: INR 400 for two
Mise En Place
The cuisine? Together with the setting, it will make you sing, "Honey, I was tied up, sorry 槀, I eat a lot but skipped my lunch” by Katseye and Yeonjun of TXT. The owner is really modest and used some basic home furnishings to beautify a plain space in an appealing manner. Tandoor Park is just next to this location. It might be a little difficult to spot because of its little entrance, but once you're inside, everything is super cosy. They are famous for bibimbap, a tasty Korean treat, and the really refreshing kombucha. Don't forget to sample the sauce-accompanied Korean bao.
Address: Ground Floor Cafe, 28, Gariahat Rd S, Dhakuria, Selimpur, Kolkata, West Bengal 700031
Timings: 2 PM - 9 PM. Closed on Mondays.
Cost: INR 400 for two
Image Credit: Mise En Place
Bubble N Tea Asian Cafe
Fantastic design and appearance, Bubble N Tea Asian Cafe hits the nail on the head when it comes to asian dining. It truly lives up to its name. The majority of the food is provided in a completely traditional manner. It is a great place for anyone who wants to experience different Asian cuisines. Although the food is of a little higher calibre, the pricing is reasonable. Some dishes may fall short of expectations, but the majority are fantastic. The waiters make insightful recommendations which you should definitely check out.
Address: GC 15, GC Block, Sector 3, Bidhannagar, Kolkata, West Bengal 700106
Timings: 10 AM - 9:30 PM
Cost: INR 1,000 for two
Scoody
They provide a range of Thai, Japanese, and Korean cuisine. You must order the salmon shushi, pork tonkutshu, and Korean fried chicken. The Korean fried chicken has the perfect amount of spice and is very juicy and crispy. We like the range of flavours in every bite, and the portion is substantial. A standout dish was the pork tonkutshu; the pork is flavourful and tender, and the breading is crunchy and light. The dish is so filling and cosy that you would definitely have it again. The staff is well-versed about the food, and the service is excellent. Overall, Scoody's cuisine, service, and atmosphere will leave you completely impressed. Strongly suggested for a tasty and unique Kolkata dining experience.
Address: P, 104, Lake Terrace Rd, lake Terrace, Ballygunge, Kolkata, West Bengal 700029
Timings: 1 PM - 10:30 PM
Cost: INR 600 for two
Boma Asian Bakery
First of all, they have such adorable aesthetics, and we are taken away by the atmosphere created by the décor and the soothing music. The best spot for fans of K-culture. Speaking of cuisine, they provide a wide variety of traditional Korean dishes. Their Korean wings and carbonara ramen are great, and the cheesy pull of Korean corn dogs is just foodgasmic. You can also try their coffee boba with chocolate and coffee boba with hazelnut. This restaurant has two separate menus for dine-in and takeaway, which is one feature you will enjoy.
Address: Commerce House, 4, 1, Middleton Street , Kankaria Estates Sikkim, Kolkata, West Bengal 700071
Timings: 11 AM - 9:30 PM
Cost: INR 600 for two
Aunty’s Corner
The focus here is on real North Indian, Korean, and Chinese cuisine! Check out this eatery if you're searching for a nice setting where you can savour some handcrafted dishes. Every meal served here, from a hearty bowl of ramen to soft, juicy momos with house-made chutneys, adds a unique touch of compassion. They also have a separate bakery section where you can enjoy the true flavours of the bakery with minimal cream and all. And the highlight is the enormous four pieces of chicken legs sautéed in cheese-loaded creamy sauce. They are marinated, prepared, and fried to perfection, making them incredibly appetising.
Address: Ground Floor 207, Picnic Garden Rd, Kata Pukur, Kasba, opposite ICICI BANK, Picnic Garden Branch, Kolkata, West Bengal 700039
Timings: 1 PM - 11 PM
Cost: INR 500 for two
Ajumma’s Kimbap
On a pretty chilly evening, Ajumma's is a charming and cosy spot that will make you feel quite welcome. True to its name, the kimbap is delicious. Despite its modest size, the atmosphere is reminiscent of a scene from your favourite K-drama; it's warm and welcoming, with subtle references to Korean pop culture that would make any fan swoon. Delicious kimbap, mouthwatering ramyeon, welcoming service, and an atmosphere that's simply too awesome.
Address: 7A, Cornfield Rd, near Children's Park, Ekdalia, Ballygunge, Kolkata, West Bengal 700019
Timings: 12 PM - 10 PM
Cost: 600 for two
Image Credit: Ajumma's Kimbap
Korean Grills By Momo I Am
It must be on your bucket list to try the Korean BBQ at Momo I Am! Everything from the gyoza at the start to the barbecue things like seaweed, dipping sauces, kimchi, and gimbap are wonderful, and the meat and enoki mushrooms are perfectly grilled by the personnel who assist you. And the finest aspect? They also offer the perfect drink—soju!!
Address: RDB Boulevard, GP Block, Sector V, Bidhannagar, Kolkata, West Bengal 700091
Timings: 12 PM - 12 AM
Cost: INR 2,000 for two
