Hello fellow food lovers! My name is Amir and I’m a travel blogger with a passion for exploring new cuisines around the world. During my recent trip to India, I decided to visit the city of Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh. Gorakhpur is known for its history, temples, and vibrant culture. However, not many people know that you can also find excellent Korean restaurants here!
In this blog post, I will share my experiences dining at the top Korean cuisine restaurants in Gorakhpur. Whether you’re craving authentic Korean dishes like bibimbap and bulgogi or fusion dishes with an Indian twist, Gorakhpur has something for every palate. Let’s get started!
Key Takeaways – Best Korean Restaurants in Gorakhpur
| Restaurant | Cuisine Highlights | Recommended Dishes | Location | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hot Kettali | Authentic traditional Korean | Bibimbap, bulgogi, kimchi stew | Taramandal | $$ |
| R Restaurant | Casual Korean fusion | Korean fried chicken, tteokbokki | Bhiti | $ |
| The Terai | Innovative upscale Korean fusion | Kimchi pizza, bibimbap bowls | Civil Lines | $$$ |
| Curry On | Quirky hipster Asian fusion | Curry laksa, kimchi fries | Gorakhnath Temple | $$ |
| The Yellow Chilli | Elegant Indian, Chinese, Korean | Kimchi biryani, chilli chicken | Civil Lines | $$$ |
| Barbeque Nation | DIY Korean BBQ, buffet | Grilled meat, seafood, kimchi rice | Jamiya Nagar | $$ |
| Smokey Grill | Smoked meats with Korean glazes | Gochujang chicken wings, grilled salmon | Patel Nagar | $$ |
| Biryani by Kilo | Signature Indian biryanis | Mutton biryani, veg options | Jamiya Nagar | $ |
An Introduction to Korean Cuisine
Before diving into the restaurants, let’s do a quick primer on Korean food for those who may not be familiar with it. Here are some key facts about Korean cuisine:
- Korea has a centuries-old culinary tradition with influences from China, Japan, and Mongolia.
- Rice, vegetables, meat, seafood, and fermented foods are staples in Korean cooking.
- Signature Korean dishes include:
- Kimchi – Fermented and spicy cabbage
- Bibimbap – Rice topped with veggies, meat, and egg
- Bulgogi – Marinated grilled beef
- Japchae – Sweet potato noodles with veggies
- Galbi – Marinated short ribs
- Tteokbokki – Spicy rice cakes
- Koreans also love grilled meats and seafood, stews, noodles, and street foods like savory pancakes.
- Condiments like gochujang (red chili paste) and doenjang (soybean paste) add unique flavors.
- Popular drinks include soju (distilled rice liquor), makgeolli (milky rice wine), and various teas.
Now that you have a basic understanding of the flavors and ingredients, let’s explore the top restaurants serving Korean cuisine in Gorakhpur!
Hot Kettali – For Authentic Korean Flavors
Located in Taramandal, Hot Kettali’s simple and modest ambiance belies the explosion of flavor within. Their bibimbap with beef bulgogi is perhaps the closest you can get to authentic Korean taste in Gorakhpur. The steamed rice, sauteed vegetables, fried egg, and gochujang sauce combine to create a harmonious balance. Their kimchi jjigae is equally delightful, with the right amount of spice and sourness. Don’t miss out on their Korean barbecue options as well.
My rating: 4.5/5
Here’s a quick snapshot of some standout dishes I tried at Hot Kettali:
| Dish | Description |
|---|---|
| Bibimbap | Perfectly cooked rice with beef bulgogi, veggies, and egg |
| Kimchi Jjigae | Hearty stew with pork, tofu, and spicy fermented cabbage |
| Bulgogi Tacos | Marinated grilled beef wrapped in soft taco shells |
The flavors were incredibly authentic and reminded me of the Korean food back home in Seoul. You can tell the chefs have mastered the intricate balance of spices, aromatics, sweetness, and heat that characterizes Korean cuisine. This is definitely the place to visit if you’re craving true blue Korean food in Gorakhpur.
R Restaurant – Casual and Affordable Korean
In the heart of Bhiti lies R Restaurant, a casual Korean joint popular with students and youngsters. Their prices are quite affordable without compromising on taste. I tried their chicken katsu curry along with some gimbap rolls. The crispy chicken paired so well with the Japanese curry. For dessert, their ochong-ochong tea and mochi ice cream left me wanting more. The service is quick and friendly as well.
My rating: 4/5
R Restaurant has more casual, fusion-style Korean food at budget prices. Some dishes I really enjoyed here:
- Korean fried chicken with spicy yangnyeom sauce
- Chicken katsu curry rice bowl
- Tteokbokki with fish cakes and cabbage
- Seafood pancake with dipping sauce
- Mochi ice cream for dessert
While not as traditional as Hot Kettali, R Restaurant is perfect for college students and anyone looking for inventive yet affordable Korean food in a laidback setting. The playful flavors definitely appeal to young Indian palates without burning a hole in your pocket.
The Terai – Innovative Korean Fusion
For innovative Korean fusion dishes, head to The Terai in Civil Lines. The upscale ambiance and attentive service provide a fine dining experience. I was blown away by their kimchi pizza, which artfully blended Italian and Korean flavors. Their bibimbap rice bowls come with global protein twists like Cajun shrimp and Thai chicken satay. Be sure to try their Korean-style honey chili potatoes as an appetizer.
My rating: 4.5/5
The Terai takes a fine-dining approach to Korean fusion cuisine. Here are some of the most creative Korean-inspired dishes I sampled:
- Kimchi pizza with grilled chicken, red chilies, and cheese
- Bibimbap rice bowl with massaman curry and roti shreds
- Korean fried cauliflower with sweet chili sauce
- Bulgogi slider burgers with kimchi mayo
- Green tea cheesecake with red bean gelato
The chefs have a mastery over combining Korean flavors with diverse global ingredients. The resultant dishes are perfect for special occasions or an elevated dining experience. Definitely one of the most innovative Korean restaurants in Gorakhpur.
Curry On – Quirky Asian Diner
If you’re looking for a quirky diner vibe, check out Curry On near Gorakhnath Temple. Their menu takes regional Asian flavors like curries, noodles, and donburi bowls and adds unique twists. I loved their creamy chicken and corn curry ramen, which reminded me of a Thai panang curry. The katsu curry bowl with chicken schnitzel was equally droolworthy. They also serve Korean fried chicken and kimchi fries.
My rating: 4/5
Curry On has a funky hipster vibe with pop culture decor and punny dish names. Some memorable dishes I tried:
- Crazy Rich Curry Laksa – Curry laksa with prawns, tofu puffs, and quail eggs
- Abrakebabra Don – Pita sandwiches with shawarma chicken and garlic sauce
- Gochujang Wings and Thighs – Korean fried chicken in spicy red chili sauce
- Kimchi Tutti Frutti Fries – Fries topped with kimchi, cheese, and fruit chutneys
With fun and quirky twists on global flavors, Curry On is perfect for a casual meal with friends. The prices are also quite reasonable for the portion sizes. Definitely check it out if you like youthful, inventive cuisine.
The Yellow Chilli Restaurant – Elevated Indian & Chinese
In Civil Lines, The Yellow Chilli Restaurant takes Indian, Chinese, and Korean dishes to new heights in terms of presentation and flavor. Their top-notch service and elegant ambiance make it a great option for fine dining. Must-try dishes are their kimchi biryani, chilli chicken in garlic sauce, and paneer tikka masala. Be sure to save room for their gulab jamun cheesecake.
My rating: 5/5
The Yellow Chilli Restaurant beautifully merges Indian and Korean cuisines. My favorites from their upscale menu:
- Kimchi biryani – Fluffy basmati rice infused with fermented cabbage
- Gorakhpur chicken – Tandoori chicken breast with local spices
- Subz ki seekh galbi – Veggie skewers with Korean marinade
- Gulab kimchi rasmalai – Sweet roundels with kimchi syrup
With skilled spicing and elegant plating, The Yellow Chilli raises Indian cuisine to new levels. Their Korean dishes are also adapted thoughtfully for local tastes. Perfect for a celebratory meal in a refined ambiance.
Barbeque Nation – DIY Korean BBQ
For an interactive dining experience, Barbeque Nation allows you to grill your own meats and seafood at your table. Their massive buffet spread also includes Korean options like bulgogi beef, chicken satay, fish in gochujang sauce, and kimchi fried rice. I stuffed myself with prawns, mutton seekh kebabs, and chicken tikka from the live grill. A sweet ending of rasmalai and kulfi left me in food heaven.
My rating: 4.5/5
Barbeque Nation provides a fun DIY Korean barbecue experience with an endless buffet. Here’s what I grilled at my table:
- Bulgogi beef strips
- Tiger prawns in gochujang glaze
- Pork belly with Korean barbecue sauce
- Calamari rings
- Assorted veggies like zucchini, mushrooms, and peppers
The DIY grill experience lets you customize your Korean feast. And the buffet provides tasty Indian options too for a satisfying meal. Highly recommended for dinner with a big group!
Smokey Grill – Smoked Meats & Korean Sauces
Smokey Grill in Patel Nagar excels in smoked meats paired with global sauces. Their smoked chicken wings glazed with Korean barbecue sauce are simply incredible. You can also get tender lamb chops with a gochujang drizzle for a touch of Korean flavor. Don’t miss their collection of homemade barbecue sauces too.
My rating: 4/5
The highlight of Smokey Grill is the chargrill that imparts a wonderful smoky aroma. I loved these Korean-inspired menu items:
- Smoked chicken wings with gochujang glaze
- Spare ribs in Korean soy garlic marinade
- Grilled salmon with kimchi slaw
- Lamb chops with ssamjang dipping sauce
With the charcoal aromas and sweet-savory Korean sauces, Smokey Grill offers a nice taste of Korean barbecue. Definitely a carnivore’s paradise!
Biryani By Kilo – Signature Indian Rice Dishes
While not Korean, Biryani by Kilo in Jamiya Nager serves incredible authentic Indian biryanis in Gorakhpur. Their dum style cooking infuses each grain of basmati rice with intense spices, meat juices, and aroma. Try their lucknowi biryani, hyderabadi biryani, and mutton biryani with raita on the side. A perfect ending to a culinary tour of Gorakhpur!
My rating: 5/5
No food tour of Gorakhpur is complete without trying the aromatic biryanis. Here’s what I tried at Biryani by Kilo:
| Biryani Variants | My Thoughts |
|---|---|
| Lucknowi Biryani | Melt-in-mouth mutton, saffron rice with cloves and cardamom |
| Hyderabadi Biryani | Rich, intense spices with succulent chicken and mint |
| Aloo Mutter Biryani | Flavorful veggies biryani, perfect for vegetarians |
With quality ingredients and careful preparation, Biryani by Kilo does justice to India’s legendary rice dish. Don’t miss it when in Gorakhpur!
More Korean Dining Options in Gorakhpur
Beyond the restaurants above, Gorakhpur has several other excellent options for Korean food:
Korean Delivery Restaurants
- Oori’s Cloud Kitchen – Get Korean fried chicken, japchae noodles, and kimchi fried rice delivered via Swiggy/Zomato
- Kimchi Central – Order authentic Korean dishes like bibimbap and bulgogi bowls for delivery
- DMZ – Try their DIY Korean barbecue kits with marinated meats and banchan side dishes
Five Star Hotel Restaurants
- Radisson Blu Gorakhpur – Their restaurant Mezban serves Sunday Korean food festivals with special menus
- The junction – Try resident Korean chef Holly’s authentic bibimbap and mandoo dumplings
Specialty Korean Restaurants
- Arirang – Long-standing restaurant near Golghar known for its Korean barbecue and stews
- Seoul Food Story – Cafe serving Korean street food like tteokbokki, pancakes, and fried chicken
- Kimchi Town – Casual spot in Vijay Nagar for Korean fast food and quick lunch bites
So beyond the main restaurants covered earlier, gorakhpur offers diverse options for delivery, hotel dining, and quick Korean meals and snacks. Experiment and explore to find your favorite!
Vegetarian Options for Korean Food in Gorakhpur
For vegetarians interested in trying Korean food, Gorakhpur also has some good vegetarian Korean dishes on offer:
- Bibimbap – Get it with tofu instead of meat
- Kimchi fried rice – Skip the meat, load up on veggies
- Japchae noodles – Mushrooms instead of beef
- Mandoo – Try the veggie dumplings at Radisson Blu
- Korean pancakes – Filled with kimchi and veggies instead of seafood
- Tteokbokki – Rice cakes in spicy gochujang sauce
- Cucumber kimchi – Cooling and healthy side dish
- Veggie tempura – with gochujang dipping sauce
So with some modifications and smart ordering, vegetarians can find meatless and eggless options to enjoy the flavors of Korean cuisine in Gorakhpur. rice, noodles, vegetable sides, and tofu adaptations are all tasty picks.
Final Thoughts on Gorakhpur’s Korean Food Scene
After sampling my way through the top Korean restaurants in Gorakhpur, I was thoroughly impressed by the diversity and creativity of the Korean cuisine here. From street food snacks to gourmet fine dining, the chefs do justice to Korea’s flavors using local Indian ingredients.
Gorakhpur now sits firmly on India’s burgeoning Korean food map. Recent years have seen the city’s Koreatown boom with casual delivery joints, upscale experiential restaurants, and specialty Korean eateries. Locals have also warmly embraced Korean flavors tailored for Indian palates.
So whether you’re looking for an authentic bibimbap rice bowl or experimental Korean tacos, head to Gorakhpur for a rich taste of Korea. Let me know in the comments if you have any other recommendations for Korean restaurants in Gorakhpur. I hope this blog post has sparked your appetite to explore Gorakhpur’s Korean food landscape yourself!
FAQ about Korean Cuisine
What is Korean cuisine?
Korean cuisine has evolved over centuries with influences from China, Mongolia, and Japan. It features staple ingredients like rice, meat, seafood, vegetables, and fermented foods. Koreans also love spice, aromatics like sesame and garlic, stews, grilled dishes, noodles, and street foods.
What are some popular Korean dishes?
Some iconic Korean dishes include kimchi, bibimbap, bulgogi, galbi, japchae noodles, tteokbokki rice cakes, Korean barbecue, Korean fried chicken, seafood stews, and Korean pancakes.
What is the difference between Korean and Chinese cuisine?
While both use garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and chili, Korean food relies less on stir-frying. Koreans use more fermented foods, grilling, and stews. The flavors are more robust, spicy, and pungent compared to Chinese cuisine’s refined complexity.
Is Korean food healthy?
Yes, Korean food can be very healthy as it focuses on vegetables, lean proteins, fermented foods, and using natural ingredients. Dishes like bibimbap provide balanced nutrition. But the salt, oil, and chili levels can be high in some dishes.
What are some vegetarian Korean dishes?
Tofu bibimbap, japchae noodles with mushrooms instead of meat, vegetable pancakes, cucumber kimchi, veggie mandoo dumplings, tteokbokki, kimchi fried rice or bibimbap without meat are all good options.
What is the best way to enjoy Korean food?
Try different banchan side dishes, grill meats at the table, and follow Korean dining etiquette like not sticking chopsticks into rice. Drink soju or Korean beer, and finish off with sweet rice cakes. Try authentic restaurants before fusion ones.