If you’re yearning for the crispy delight of kimchi pancakes or a bowl of refreshing naengmyeon after watching your favourite mukbang vlogger devour these dishes on YouTube, you’re in for a culinary treat. Dive into our curated list of the best Korean restaurants in KL and Selangor that are guaranteed to satisfy your cravings.
The Korean wave, or Hallyu, isn’t just about mesmerising K-pop idols and gripping K-dramas; it extends to the delectable world of Korean cuisine. Remember when The Mark Meal, inspired by the popular idol from GOT7, took social media by storm? Or when Emily Mariko’s straightforward yet delicious Korean recipe became a TikTok sensation? If these viral trends make you salivate but leave you doubting your kitchen prowess, the perfect remedy is a visit to a nearby Korean restaurant where the experts will do the cooking for you.
Among the bustling areas of KL and Selangor, Mont Kiara stands out as the epicenter of Korean culture. This vibrant locale is dotted with all-you-can-eat barbecue joints, authentic Korean dining spots, and even a Korean mart within walking distance for those last-minute ingredient runs. For the more daring foodies, there are multiple restaurants in town serving live octopus, offering a unique and adventurous dining experience. And let’s not forget the dessert parlours serving icy, sweet bingsu, the perfect way to cap off a meal on a hot day.
Not particularly a fan of Korean food? It might be time to look beyond the fermented kimchi and give the cuisine another shot. Korean food is incredibly diverse, with something to please every palate. Meat lovers can indulge in sizzling barbecued meats, while those seeking comfort can opt for hearty tofu stews. Classic dishes like ramyeon and jjajangmyeon offer familiar yet distinct flavours, and vegetarians will find delight in the nutritious and colourful bibimbap.
We’ve meticulously compiled a list of the best authentic Korean restaurants in KL and Selangor, each offering a unique slice of Korean culinary tradition. Whether you’re seeking a hearty breakfast, a leisurely lunch, an indulgent dinner, or a late-night supper, these eateries promise a memorable dining experience. So, gather your friends or family and embark on a gastronomic adventure through the vibrant flavours of Korea, right here in KL and Selangor.
(Hero and feature images credit: Instagram/ @palsaik_malaysia)
Discover the best authentic Korean restaurants in KL and Selangor
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Palsaik Korean BBQ
For barbecue enthusiasts, Palsaik Korean BBQ is an essential spot to visit. The name of the restaurant, ‘Palsaik’, translates to ‘eight’ in English, symbolising their distinctive offering – the 8-Colour set. This set is a veritable feast for the senses, featuring eight distinct varieties of pork, each marinated in a unique blend of ingredients. The marinades include a range of flavours from the earthy tones of ginseng, the subtle notes of wine, pine leaves, garlic, herb, curry, the savoury miso paste, to the fiery spice of the ‘hot’ variant. Each variant presents a different facet of Korean barbecue, making the meal an exploration of the cuisine’s depth and complexity.
Palsaik Korean BBQ is not just renowned for its unique offerings but also for its accessibility. With several branches scattered throughout the city, it’s a convenient spot for those yearning for a diverse and flavourful barbecue experience.
Palsaik Korean BBQ @ Mid Valley Megamall
Address: Mid Valley Megamall, G(E)-013A, Ground Floor, Lingkaran Syed Putra, Mid Valley City, 59200 Kuala Lumpur
Operating hours: 10 AM – 10 PM
Contact: +6017 803 8533
Palsaik Korean BBQ @ Sunway Velocity Mall
Address: Unit 2-59, Second Floor, Sunway Velocity Mall, Lingkaran Sunway Velocity, Maluri, 55100 Kuala Lumpur
Operating hours: 10 AM – 10 PM
Contact: +603 9770 3303
Palsaik Korean BBQ @ Pavilion Bukit Jalil
Address: Lot 1.51.00 Level 1, Pavilion, Bandar Bukit Jalil, 2, Persiaran Jalil 8, Bukit Jalil, 57000 Kuala Lumpur
Operating hours: 10 AM – 10 PM
Contact: +603 8658 1833
Palsaik Korean BBQ @ Sunway Giza Mall
Address: No. B-08-G, Block B No. 2, Jalan PJU 5/14, PJU 5, Kota Damansara, 47810 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Operating hours: 11.30 AM – 10.30 PM (Mondays to Thursdays), 11.30 AM – 11.30 PM (Fridays to Sundays)
Contact: +603 7620 3303
What we liked:
- 8-Colour Pork Belly and Signature Bokkeumbap
K Fry Urban Korean
K Fry Urban Korean, a local establishment, has dedicated itself to delivering delicious and wholesome Korean meals. Their food, always fresh and never frozen, is prepared on demand. The chain has multiple outposts throughout the Klang Valley, with outlets in Sunway Pyramid, The Exchange TRX, Suria KLCC, and more.
Their menu includes a variety of Korean comfort food and street snacks. Their Yangnyeom Cheesy Fried Chicken Bumbuk, a tender boneless thigh meat in yangnyeom sauce topped with gooey mozzarella cheese, is a fan-favourite. Another popular choice is their Honey Mustard Cheesy Fried Chicken Bumbuk, which features boneless fried chicken coated with honey mustard topped with mozzarella cheese for an extra cheesy goodness.
K Fry Urban Korean also caters to those who can’t get enough of Korean fried chicken. And for those who believe a meal isn’t complete without dessert, the restaurant offers a selection of delightful sweet treats, including bingsu and croffle.
K Fry Urban Korean @ Suria KLCC
Address: Persiaran KLCC LCC02, Level Concourse Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50088 Kuala Lumpur
Operating hours: 11 AM – 10 PM
Contact: +603 2780 0148
K Fry Urban Korean @ KL East Mall
Address: Lot G3-13, KL East Mall, Jln Lingkaran Tengah 2, Taman Sri Melati, 53100 Kuala Lumpur
Operating hours: 11 AM – 10 PM
Contact: +603 4162 0901
K Fry Urban Korean @ 1 Utama Shopping Centre
Address: LG 221A 1 Utama Shopping Center, Bandar Utama, 47800 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Operating hours: 11 AM – 10 PM
Contact: +603 7624 0027
K Fry Urban Korean @ Sunway Pyramid
Address: Lot OB.K4, Oasis Boulevard, Ground Floor Sunway Pyramid, 3, Jalan PJS 11/15, Bandar Sunway, 46150 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Operating hours: 11 AM – 10 PM
Contact: +603 5612 0901
Visit their website to check out more K Fry Urban Korean locations here
What we liked:
- Yangnyeom Cheesy Fried Chicken Bumbuk, Mini Tteokbokki Set, Truffle Fries, Salted Caramel Biscoff Croffle, and Kong Kong Bingsu
Sae Ma Eul BBQ
Sae Ma Eul BBQ is a well-known and frequently visited locale for those who are fans of Korean barbecue. This popular eatery often sees a surge of customers during peak hours, which ultimately adds to the dining experience. What sets Sae Ma Eul BBQ apart from other barbecue joints is its distinctive dish – the spicy rice ball. This particular dish not only provides a fiery and savoury taste experience, but it also requires diners to get a little handsy, literally. Customers are given the opportunity to shape their own rice balls before consuming them—be it a heart, a star, or a peanut-sized rice ball.
Sae Ma Eul BBQ @ EkoCheras Mall
Address: LEVEL 1 FD, EkoCheras Mall, 01 , 5, Jalan Cheras, Taman Mutiara Barat, 56000 Kuala Lumpur
Operating hours: 11 AM – 10 PM
Contact: +6016 338 4751
Sae Ma Eul BBQ @ Kuchai Lama
Address: 47, Jalan Kuchai Maju 6 Kuchai Entrepreneur Park, Kuchai Lama, 58200 Kuala Lumpur
Operating hours: 11 AM – 11 PM
Contact: +6012 217 7851
Sae Ma Eul BBQ @ Solaris Mont Kiara
Address: 1, Jalan Solaris 4, Solaris Mont Kiara, 50480 Kuala Lumpur
Operating hours: 3 PM – 12 AM
Contact: +6014 368 6050
Sae Ma Eul BBQ @ Jaya One
Address: Jalan Profesor Diraja Ungku Aziz, Seksyen 13, 46200 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Operating hours: 11.30 AM – 10.30 PM
Contact: +603 7932 3196
Sae Ma Eul BBQ @ Kota Damansara
Address: 2 Jalan PJU 5/4 Dataran Sunway, Kota Damansara, 47810 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Operating hours: 12 PM – 11 PM
Contact: +603 6141 0983
What we liked:
- Korean BBQ Buffet, Kimchi Jjigae, and Spicy Rice Ball
Don Dwae Ji Sam Gyeob Sal
Can you imagine anything more delightful than a barbecue feast? Well, how about an unlimited barbecue feast! This is exactly what Don Dwae Ji Sam Gyeob Sal offers. This restaurant is well-known for its extensive buffet of meats, providing an endless selection for all the carnivores out there. But the indulgence doesn’t stop at just meats. At Don Dwae Ji Sam Gyeob Sal, you can also keep ordering their spicy noodles and an assortment of side dishes throughout the evening. The variety and abundance of food options make it a perfect dining spot for those who appreciate a good, hearty Korean barbecue meal.
Operating hours: 1 PM – 11.30 PM
What we liked:
- Korean BBQ Buffet
Additional Information
Restaurant Seoul Korea
Restaurant Seoul Korea, situated in KL, stands as an authentic representation of Korean gastronomy. The restaurant offers a wide array of options, featuring both traditional Korean dishes and à la carte barbecue, making it an ideal destination for those desiring to experience the true essence of Korean cuisine. It is highly recommended by locals and tourists alike for its authenticity and delicious food. However, owing to its immense popularity, the restaurant often witnesses a rush during peak hours. It would be advisable to plan your visit a little earlier than the usual meal times.
Operating hours: 5.30 PM – 10 PM (Tuesdays, closed on Mondays), 12 PM – 10 PM (Wednesdays to Sundays)
What we liked:
- Korean BBQ, Hot Stone Bowl Bibimbap, Ox Tail Soup, and Seafood Pancake
Additional Information
Gangnam88
Gangnam88 is your ultimate destination if you’re seeking a comprehensive and authentic Korean culinary experience. This restaurant boasts an extensive menu that includes a wide array of traditional and modern Korean dishes. Patrons can enjoy the spicy and tangy flavours of a classic kimchi stew, or indulge in a tantalising Korean barbecue, featuring a variety of marinated meats grilled to perfection.
Seafood lovers can feast on their savoury seafood pancakes, while those with a penchant for fried food can try the Korean-style fried chicken, which is notable for its crispy exterior and juicy interior. Among the many standout dishes, the beer chicken is a must-try. This customer favourite is marinated in beer and then cooked to deliver an unparalleled depth of flavour. However, due to its lengthy preparation time of one hour, the restaurant requires diners to make an advance reservation for this dish.
Gangnam88 @ Solaris
Address: No. 1-1, Jalan Solaris 3, Solaris Mon’t Kiara, Off, Jalan Kiara, 50480 Kuala Lumpur
Operating hours: 11 AM – 10 PM (Tuesdays to Thursdays, closed on Mondays), 11 AM – 11 PM (Fridays and Saturdays), 11.30 AM – 10 PM (Sundays)
Contact: +603 6206 5888
Gangnam88 @ Sunway Giza Mall
Address: B 9-1 Sunway Giza Mall, Jalan PJU 5/14, Kota Damansara, 47810 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Operating hours: 11 AM – 11 PM (except Saturdays, closed on Mondays), 11 AM – 12 AM (Saturdays)
Contact: +603 6151 6488
What we liked:
- Korean BBQ, Kimchi Jjigae, Seafood Pancake, Gyeran-mari, and Beer Chicken
Shinmapo Korean BBQ
Shinmapo Korean BBQ has gained international acclaim with its impressive global footprint of 500 branches, of which 430 are located in its home country, Korea. This makes it undeniably the premier barbecue restaurant in Korea. Shinmapo is known for its delectable and fresh meat dishes, which are a must-try for any meat lover. Patrons are highly recommended to indulge in a variety of their meat dishes, which are all prepared to perfection.
However, while the meat dishes are indeed a gastronomic delight, it would be a mistake to overlook their signature dish – the Volcanic Fried Rice. This mouth-watering dish is a unique blend of kimchi fried rice and scrambled eggs. The combination of the tangy kimchi fried rice, known for its spicy and sour notes, with the soft and fluffy scrambled eggs, creates a taste sensation that is truly one-of-a-kind.
Shinmapo Korean BBQ @ The Gardens Mall
Address: 3rd Floor, T-216D, The Gardens Mall, Lingkaran Syed Putra, Mid Valley City, 59200 Kuala Lumpur
Operating hours: 11 AM – 10 PM
Contact: +603 2201 3252
Shinmapo Korean BBQ @ SS15
Address: Jalan SS15/4G, Subang Jaya, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor
Operating hours: 11.30 AM – 10 PM
Contact: +603 5611 7830
What we liked:
- Korean BBQ, Kimchi Jjigae, Kimchi Pancake, and Volcanic Fried Rice
Choo Choo Chicken
Choo Choo Chicken, a Korean-based fried chicken chain, entered the Malaysian food scene in 2015 and has since become a go-to spot for this beloved dish. While the restaurant also offers other traditional Korean dishes such as Ramyeon and Army Stew, it’s their Korean fried chicken that steals the show.
When ordering your chicken, you can choose from an array of eight sauces, including Honey Soy, Creamy Garlic, Sweet and Spicy, and more. For those who wish to elevate their chicken experience, try the Golden Salted Egg Cheese option. This delicious dish includes eight pieces of chicken dunked in a sauce of your choice, served with melted mozzarella cheese and a dusting of salted egg powder. Another unique offering is their Rose Chicken, a truly indulgent dish that features crispy chicken dipped in a rich, cheesy, and creamy soup. If you’re a fan of spice, you can opt to make it spicy to add an extra kick to each bite.
Choo Choo Chicken @ Setapak
Address: G28, PV128, Jalan Genting Kelang, Taman Danau Kota, 53300 Kuala Lumpur
Operating hours: 10.30 AM – 10 PM
Contact: +603 4131 3160
Choo Choo Chicken @ Manjalara
Address: No 24, Jalan 4/62a, Bandar Menjalara, 52200 Kuala Lumpur
Operating hours: 10.30 AM – 10 PM
Contact: +603 6263 6857
Choo Choo Chicken @ Sri Petaling
Address: 22-G, Jalan Radin Bagus 6, Bandar Baru Sri Petaling, 57000 Kuala Lumpur
Operating hours: 10.30 AM – 10 PM
Contact: +603 9054 4539
Choo Choo Chicken @ Klang
Address: 19, Lorong Batu Nilam 3A, Bandar Bukit Tinggi 1, 41200 Klang, Selangor
Operating hours: 10 AM – 10.30 PM
Contact: +6017 742 8556
Visit their website to check out more Choo Choo Chicken locations here
What we liked:
- Rose Chicken, Golden Salted Egg Cheese Chicken, and Army Stew
Da On Fine Korean Cuisine
Da On Fine Korean Cuisine is a stylish and modern establishment nestled in the heart of the city, where it takes pride in providing a fine dining experience with a distinct Korean flair. The restaurant is committed to using only the best ingredients, each one carefully sourced directly from Korea, ensuring that every dish served is of the highest quality and authenticity.
Their menu is a delightful exploration of traditional Korean cuisine, with a variety of dishes that cater to a wide range of tastes. From spicy stews to grilled meats, each plate offers a unique taste of Korea’s rich culinary heritage. A standout among these offerings is the Samgye-tang, a comforting Korean ginseng chicken soup that is well-loved by many. Known for its health-giving benefits, Samgye-tang is not only a satisfying and hearty dish, but it is also believed to have restorative properties, making it a popular choice among diners seeking both a delicious and a nourishing meal.
Operating hours: 11.30 AM – 9 PM
What we liked:
- Kimchi Pancake, Bibimbap, Yukhoe, and Samgye-tang
Additional Information
Po Cha Korean BBQ
Nestled discreetly in a shoplot in Ampang, Po Cha Korean BBQ is a hidden treasure that offers an authentic Korean culinary experience. Run by a Korean couple, this humble eatery has a unique charm, with its interior adorned with pieces of paper, narrow corridors, handwritten menus, and private dining spaces divided by wooden partitions.
Offering a variety of classic Korean dishes, you can indulge in everything from mouthwatering Korean pancakes and teokbokki with ramyeon, to refreshing cold noodles and comforting soups. The distinct old-fashioned atmosphere of the restaurant makes dining here a one-of-a-kind experience. However, be aware that securing a seat can be challenging, and the owners may not be fluent in English.
Operating hours: 3 PM – 11 PM (weekdays), 10 AM – 11 PM (weekends)
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Written by
Melissa Foong
Senior Digital Writer, Entertainment and Dining
Born and raised in the beautiful city of Kuala Lumpur, Melissa loves writing all things entertainment, music and dining-related. She has written for BURO 24/7 and Augustman, and when she's not busy chasing deadlines, you can find her tucked in a blanket rereading her favourite series of fantasy novels, Harry Potter.
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