Best Food in Hongdae Seoul

Discover the Best Places to Eat in Hongdae

If you love exploring new cultures through cuisine, you’ll be delighted with what Hongdae has to offer. This trendy Seoul neighborhood is known for its vibrant nightlife, street art, and live music scene. But it’s also home to a wide range of dining options that cater to every taste and budget. Whether you’re in the mood for Korean BBQ, street food, or international cuisine, Hongdae has it all. In this guide, we’ll take you on a culinary journey through the best food in Hongdae Seoul.

1. 🍜 Korean BBQ

Hongdae is a great place to experience Korean BBQ, one of the country’s most popular dishes. The concept is simple: you cook your meat at the table, either on a gas grill or charcoal. Some of the best Korean BBQ restaurants in Hongdae include:

1.1. Kang Ho-dong Baekjeong

Kang Ho-dong Baekjeong is a chain of Korean BBQ restaurants that has become a household name in Korea. The restaurant is owned by former wrestler and TV personality Kang Ho-dong, and it’s known for its high-quality meat and lively atmosphere.

1.2. Mapo Jeong Daepo

If you’re looking for a more traditional Korean BBQ experience, head to Mapo Jeong Daepo. This restaurant serves beef and pork from Jeju Island, known for its quality meat. The menu is extensive, and the staff is helpful in guiding you through the different cuts of meat.

2. 🍲 Korean Stews and Soups

Another staple of Korean cuisine is stews and soups, which are perfect for colder days. Here are some of the best places to try them in Hongdae:

2.1. Seoseo Meokneun Galbi Jjim

Seoseo Meokneun Galbi Jjim is a cozy restaurant that specializes in kalbi jjim, a Korean-style braised beef short rib stew. The meat is cooked in a savory soy sauce-based broth with vegetables and served with rice and side dishes.

2.2. Gomtang Hongdae

Gomtang Hongdae is a popular spot for gomtang, a beef bone soup that’s known for its hearty flavor. The broth is simmered for hours to extract all the nutrients and served with rice and garnishes.

3. 🍔 Burgers and Sandwiches

If you’re in the mood for something Western, Hongdae has plenty of options for burgers and sandwiches. Here are two of our favorites:

3.1. The Beastro

The Beastro is a gastropub that serves up some of the best burgers in Hongdae. The meat is sourced from local farms, and the buns are made in-house. Their beer selection is also impressive, with a rotating menu of craft beers.

3.2. Casablanca Sandwicherie

For a taste of Morocco in Seoul, head to Casablanca Sandwicherie. This cozy cafe serves up delicious sandwiches and pastries, with flavors inspired by Moroccan cuisine. Their menu includes vegetarian options as well.

4. 🍝 Italian Cuisine

If you’re craving Italian food, Hongdae has some great options for pasta and pizza. Here are two of our top picks:

4.1. Pizzeria D’Buzza

Pizzeria D’Buzza is a popular spot for wood-fired Neapolitan pizza in Hongdae. The pizza toppings are simple but flavorful, and the crust is crispy and chewy. They also have a selection of craft beers and cocktails.

4.2. Pasta Brava Hongdae

Pasta Brava Hongdae is a cozy Italian restaurant that serves up homemade pasta and sauces. The portions are generous, and the prices are reasonable. They also have a selection of Italian wines to complement your meal.

5. 🍛 International Cuisine

Finally, Hongdae has a diverse range of international cuisine options for those who want to try something new. Here are two of our favorites:

5.1. Vatos Urban Tacos

Vatos Urban Tacos is a popular Mexican-Korean fusion restaurant that’s always packed with locals and tourists alike. Their menu features creative dishes like kimchi carnitas fries and bulgogi tacos, as well as classic margaritas.

5.2. Anjappar

Anjappar is an Indian restaurant that specializes in Chettinad cuisine, known for its spicy and flavorful dishes. The menu includes a variety of curries, biryanis, and tandoori items. The portions are generous, and the prices are reasonable.

🍽️ Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Korean BBQ?

Korean BBQ is a popular Korean dish where you grill meat at the table, either on a gas grill or charcoal. The meat is usually marinated beforehand and served with rice and side dishes.

2. What is kalbi jjim?

Kalbi jjim is a Korean-style braised beef short rib stew that’s cooked in a savory soy sauce-based broth with vegetables. It’s a popular comfort food in Korea.

3. What is gomtang?

Gomtang is a Korean beef bone soup that’s known for its hearty flavor. The broth is simmered for hours to extract all the nutrients and served with rice and garnishes.

4. What is Neapolitan pizza?

Neapolitan pizza is a style of pizza that originated in Naples, Italy. It’s made with simple, fresh ingredients like San Marzano tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil. The pizza is cooked in a wood-fired oven and has a crispy, chewy crust.

5. What is Chettinad cuisine?

Chettinad cuisine is a type of Indian cuisine that originated in the Chettinad region of Tamil Nadu, South India. It’s known for its spicy and flavorful dishes, which include a variety of curries, biryanis, and tandoori items.

🍴 Conclusion

Hongdae is a food lover’s paradise, with a vast selection of dining options that cater to every taste and budget. From Korean BBQ to international cuisine, there’s something for everyone in this trendy Seoul neighborhood. We hope this guide has given you a taste of the best food in Hongdae Seoul and inspires you to explore the culinary delights of this vibrant neighborhood.

📢 Disclaimer

The information in this article is based on personal experience and research at the time of writing. The restaurants mentioned may have changed their menus or prices since then. Please check with the restaurant before visiting to ensure accuracy.