Best Korean Food In Flushing: A Culinary Adventure

Flushing, New York is a melting pot of cultures, and one of the most vibrant is the Korean community. Here, you’ll find Korean food that’s authentic, delicious, and diverse. From spicy stews to savory fried chicken, Korean cuisine has something for everyone. Whether you’re a fan of bibimbap or bulgogi, this is the place to be. In this article, we’ll take you on a culinary adventure to discover the best Korean food in Flushing. So put on your stretchy pants, grab some chopsticks, and let’s go!

The Best Korean Food in Flushing: Where to Start

Before we begin, we need to establish some ground rules. Flushing is a big place, and there are many Korean restaurants to choose from. To narrow down our search, we focused on three factors:

Taste: The food has to be delicious. This is non-negotiable.
Authenticity: We’re looking for Korean food that’s true to its roots. No fusion or watered-down flavors.
Reputation: We consulted Yelp, Google reviews, and personal recommendations to find the top-rated Korean restaurants in Flushing.

With these factors in mind, we set out on our quest for the best Korean food in Flushing. Here are our top picks:

1. 🍛 Han Joo

If you’re looking for traditional Korean barbecue, Han Joo is the place to be. Their meat is top-notch, and the servers are happy to grill it for you at your table. The banchan (side dishes) are also excellent, with a variety of pickled vegetables and marinated tofu. Don’t miss the kimchi jjigae (kimchi stew) and the haemul pajeon (seafood pancake).

FAQ:

Q: Is Han Joo pricey?
A: Yes, it’s on the expensive side, but worth it for a special occasion.

Q: Do they have vegetarian options?
A: Yes, they have tofu and vegetable dishes.

Q: What’s the dress code?
A: Casual is fine, but don’t wear your pajamas.

2. 🐔 Bonchon

Korean fried chicken is a must-try, and Bonchon does it right. The chicken is crispy, juicy, and coated in a sweet and spicy sauce. They also have other Korean favorites like bulgogi and bibimbap, as well as American-style sandwiches and salads. Don’t miss the spicy pork buns and the kimchi fried rice.

FAQ:

Q: Is Bonchon crowded?
A: Yes, it can get very busy, especially on weekends.

Q: Is the chicken spicy?
A: Yes, even the mild is pretty spicy.

Q: Do they have vegetarian options?
A: Yes, they have tofu and vegetable dishes.

3. 🍚 Hahm Ji Bach

Hahm Ji Bach is famous for their budae jjigae, a spicy stew made with sausage, spam, instant noodles, and other ingredients that were popular during the Korean War. It may not sound appetizing, but trust us, it’s delicious. They also have other stews, grilled meats, and seafood dishes. Don’t miss the honey butter squid and the seafood pancake.

FAQ:

Q: What is budae jjigae?
A: It’s a stew made with sausage, spam, instant noodles, and other ingredients that were popular during the Korean War.

Q: Is Hahm Ji Bach expensive?
A: No, it’s reasonably priced.

Q: Do they have vegetarian options?
A: Yes, they have tofu and vegetable dishes.

4. 🍜 Sik Gaek

If you’re feeling adventurous, try Sik Gaek’s live octopus. Yes, you read that right. The octopus is chopped up and served with spicy sauce, and the tentacles are still wriggling. It’s not for the faint of heart, but it’s a unique experience. They also have other seafood dishes, as well as Korean barbecue and stews. Don’t miss the spicy galbi jjim (braised beef short ribs) and the seafood pancake.

FAQ:

Q: Is the live octopus really alive?
A: Yes, it’s still moving when it’s served.

Q: Is Sik Gaek expensive?
A: Yes, it’s on the pricier side.

Q: Do they have vegetarian options?
A: Yes, they have tofu and vegetable dishes.

5. 🥘 Jeonju

Jeonju specializes in traditional Korean cuisine from the Jeolla Province. Their dishes are hearty and flavorful, with an emphasis on stews and soups. Don’t miss the galbitang (beef rib soup) and the bibimbap. They also have a good selection of banchan, including marinated mushrooms and spicy cucumber salad.

FAQ:

Q: Is Jeonju crowded?
A: It can get busy, but it’s not as crowded as some of the other Korean restaurants in Flushing.

Q: Is the bibimbap spicy?
A: No, it’s not very spicy.

Q: Do they have vegetarian options?
A: Yes, they have tofu and vegetable dishes.

Conclusion: Come for the Food, Stay for the Culture

We’ve only scratched the surface of the Korean food scene in Flushing. There are many more restaurants to explore, and each one has its own unique flavor. But one thing is certain: you won’t be disappointed. Korean food in Flushing is a culinary adventure, and we encourage you to try it for yourself. And while you’re here, take some time to explore the Korean community and learn about the culture. You’ll find a warm welcome and a rich history that’s worth discovering.

FAQ:

Q: Is Flushing safe?
A: Yes, Flushing is generally safe, but like any big city, you should be aware of your surroundings.

Q: How do I get to Flushing?
A: You can take the 7 train, which runs directly to Flushing from Manhattan and Queens.

Q: Where can I find more information about Korean food in Flushing?
A: Check out the Flushing BID website for a list of Korean restaurants and other attractions in the area.

Disclaimer

This article is not sponsored by any of the restaurants mentioned. The opinions expressed are solely those of the author based on personal experience and research. Prices, menu items, and hours of operation are subject to change without notice. Please verify all information with the restaurant before visiting.