Is there good Korean food in Ipoh?
You’ll be glad to know that we don’t have to travel all the way to South Korea to get a taste of authentic Korean cuisine.
Check out this list for the best options!
1. Da Ohn Da Korean BBQ
Da Ohn Da Korean BBQ is a cosy, family-friendly restaurant located behind Lotus’s Ipoh Garden.
The restaurant is run by a pleasant Malaysian although the food is prepared by a Korean chef. So, you can be assured of authentic-tasting Korean food here!
First-time patrons will return for the ample side dishes and wonderful main courses that come in reasonable portions.
Some of the must-try dishes at Da Ohn Da Korean BBQ are the seafood and kimchi pancake. We like their bibimbap and kimchi stew too.
But we did make the mistake of ordering too much as the side dishes are refillable here.
- Address: 10, Jln Medan Ipoh 1D, Medan Ipoh Bistari, 31400 Ipoh, Perak
- Opening Hours: 12–3pm, 6–8pm (Closed on Tuesdays)
- Contact: +605-517 4161
2. Sae Ma Eul BBQ Ipoh
We really like the partial outdoor seating that this new Korean BBQ restaurant offers. But despite this, you will still smell of smoke after leaving because this place is usually full during weekends.
Note: During peak times, the staff may enforce their 100-minute dine in duration. We did go on Christmas and this was not the case though
The menu is split to ala carte or buffet style. We went for the buffet option since there were 6 of us. So, we paid about RM30 per person for our meal.
There are certain sides you can refill like pickled cucumbers. And they always have jugs of cold water on standby that you can bring to your table.
Self-serve ice cream is available too (at RM1) if you still have room in your tummy.
Overall, we think the food is decent but not outstanding. There are certain dishes we repeatedly ordered though – like the pork shoulder and pork belly!
Other dishes like the Korean rice balls (jumeokbap) which you can prepare and put on the grill yourself are just ok.
PS: We grilled the meat ourselves, but the staff can also help you if you don’t know how
- Address: 189-D, Jalan Sultan Iskandar, Taman Jubilee, 30000 Ipoh, Perak
- Opening Hours: 12pm to 11pm
- Contact: +605-253 1310
3. Daorae Korean BBQ
Considering how Daorae is one of the longest running Korean BBQ restaurant chain stores in Malaysia, it’s not a surprise that there is one in Ipoh.
And at this point, this sole branch in Ipoh has been running for many years. The taste of the food here has not changed.
But mostly, large groups can look forward to a diverse range of food since there is a huge menu comprising of set menus, ala carte barbeque ingredients and other genuine Korean dishes.
Staff will grill the meat for you if you don’t want to do so yourself.
Note: You will come out smelling like food after a visit to this restaurant
- Address: Lot L1-R-9, De Garden, 3, Persiaran Medan Ipoh, Taman Ipoh, 31400 Ipoh, Perak
- Opening Hours: 11:30am–3pm, 5:30–11pm
- Contact: +605-548 2616
- Facebook; Instagram
4. Korean BBQ Restaurant “Seoul Maru”
Korean BBQ Restaurant “Seoul Maru” is in the same area as Da Ohn Da Korean BBQ. And it’s great if you’re looking for a delicious and fulfilling lunch or dinner.
Their value for money BBQ set menu that is suitable for 2-3 pax is a must-have – complete with pork BBQ, dakgalbi (chicken) and choice of soup.
Additionally, you get side dishes, dessert and steamed egg for free.
Besides the set menu, you can opt for the samgye-tang (ginseng chicken soup) that can feed 1-2pax.
The menu at this Korean restaurant is relatively limited as they do not serve beef. But it still makes a good place for dining with family and friends.
What we like is that this restaurant is seldom crowded. Unfortunately, their ventilation system is not very effective.
- Address: 18, Jalan Medan Ipoh 1e, Medan Ipoh Bestari, 31400 Ipoh, Perak
- Opening Hours: 12–3:40pm, 6–10pm (Closed on Wednesdays)
- Contact: +6016-659 6501
5. L’s Fusion Café
A small but welcoming café with a surprising twist, patrons have nothing but praises for this cafe that serves Korean food along with local, Japanese, and Western dishes.
The extensive menu even includes plenty of choices in their drink selection.
Prices are reasonable but you can still easily spend more than RM40 per person here.
Dishes are presented in such an aesthetic manner that you will not be able to resist taking some pictures for your Instagram! But most importantly, the food tastes good!
Some of the Korean dishes that you must try at L’s Fusion Cafe include Korean-style toast, Kimchi fries and special fried chicken wings. You will likely be back for more.
Take note that the café is usually busy preparing takeaway orders, so you might want to head there during non-peak hours.
- Address: 117, Lengkok Desa Rishah 1, Desa Rishah Indah, 30100 Ipoh, Perak
- Opening Hours: 11:30am–8:30pm (Closed on Wednesdays)
- Contact: +6016-662 9831
- Facebook; Instagram
6. Nunkkock Korean Dessert Cafe
With a name that translates to snow flower, Nunkkock Korean Dessert Café offers soft, flaky shaved ice desserts called bingsu.
There are various flavors, fruit, and toppings to choose from and a huge bowl of Korean shaved ice will immediately cool you down on a hot day.
Other delicious desserts on the menu include signature toast and ice-cream waffles and yummy Korean cheesy bread.
You can also enjoy trendy beverages such as fruity yogurt drinks and flower teas in their Instagram-worthy seating area.
No doubt, Nunkkock Korean Dessert Café is a great place for couples to go on a date or for friends to meet up. Pricing is on the high side so we might want to split the tab with friends.
- Address: Weekdays from 2pm to 11:30pm; Weekends from 1pm–11:30pm; Closed on Tuesdays;
- Opening Hours: 1–11:30pm (Closed on Tuesdays)
- Contact: +6010-536 3191
- Facebook; Instagram
Conclusion
If you are looking for affordable and authentic Korean cuisine, head over to the Medan Bestari area where you can find two of the best Korean restaurants in Ipoh.
For larger groups of people and a more extensive menu, Daorae would make the perfect venue.
On the other hand, L’s Fusion Café offers fusion Korean food while Nunkkock Korean Dessert Café is the place to go to savour delicious Korean desserts.
Further reading:
- 11 Delicious Chinese Restaurants In Ipoh
- 15 Tasty Western Restaurants In Ipoh
- 15 Delicious Vegetarian Restaurant In Ipoh
- 7 Delicious Steamboat Restaurants In Ipoh
- 7 Best Japanese Restaurants In Ipoh