Must-Try Korean Restaurants in Surrey
Over the recent years, Korean culture has taken the world by storm! It is safe to say that everything from K-pop to Korean fashion has slowly begun to influence modern pop culture, and the food is no exception.
As someone who strongly enjoys Korean food, I was pleasantly surprised to see an influx of Korean restaurants pop up in the Surrey area, and I can tell you that I was not disappointed by the selection! Whether you are a curious newcomer to the culture or a seasoned enjoyer like myself, this list of the top must-visit Korean restaurants in Surrey will leave you satisfied and coming back for more!
1. Hanki
- What to try: Poke bowls, Kimbap, and Kimchi jjigae.
- Location: 11 Jeffries Passage, Guildford.
Hanki is a restaurant tucked away in a side street in Guildford, and also happens to be a personal favorite of mine. They offer a variety of Korean dishes with a large focus on healthy options, catering to both vegetarians and vegans. Some menu highlights include the salmon and veg poke bowls, katsu curry, and bulgogi. For lighter options, they serve dishes like spring rolls, gyoza, and seaweed salad, alongside fantastic desserts like brown sugar honey pancakes that will satisfy your sweet tooth.
The restaurant itself is quite small with 4-5 tables, and the wait times do tend to be long due to popular demand, so I would recommend booking a table in advance. If you live far away, they do also offer flexible takeaway options through platforms like Deliveroo and Just Eat, making it convenient for a variety of dining preferences.
For more information on booking, check out the link here.
2. BULGOGI
- What to try: Table-grilled meats, Bibimbap, and Kimchi stew.
- Location: 54 Chertsey Road, Woking.
The word bulgogi itself is the name of one of the best-known Korean dishes, and is roughly translated as “Korean Barbecue”. With an origin that dates back to over one and a half thousand years ago, BULGOGI (the restaurant) promises authentic Korean dishes with added twists.
Since its opening in 2012, BULGOGI has quickly become a culinary favorite for both locals and tourists. The menu features many classic Korean dishes, including kimchi and bibimbap that pair nicely with the BBQ options they have available. This is an experience I would recommend trying at least once, as you are given free reign to cook the meat over a grill yourself!
As far as Korean BBQ's go, BULGOGI stands out for its blend of traditional dishes and modern influence.
Don't hesitate to book a place using the link here.
3. Jin Go Gae
- What to try: Charcoal-grilled BBQ, Spicy tofu soup, and Korean pancakes.
- Location: 272 Burlington Road, New Malden.
New Malden is a popular hotspot for Korean restaurants, so expect to see a few more appear on this list! Jin Go Gae is another restaurant that specialises in Korean BBQ, where diners can cook a selection of meats including beef, pork, and chicken directly at their table on a grill. Some popular dishes include Wang Galbi (marinated beef short ribs), Kal-guk-su (handmade noodle soup), and seafood pancakes, which reflect the quality and variety of Korean culture.
The restaurant itself is casual yet lively, making it perfect for families and large groups. Guests often praise the attentive service, such as the regular changing of grills during meals, which has been said to enhance the dining experience. While the prices can be considered steep, especially for the different cuts of meat, the quality and authenticity justify the cost for many diners.
Be sure to book your place here.
4. Seoul Shijang
- What to try: Marinated pork belly, Galbi (short ribs), and Banchan.
- Location: 4 Castle St, Kingston.
When talking about authentic Korean dining, I had to include examples that would properly show off Korea's varied culture. Street food is a popular style of dining in Korea, and locals give it praise for the simple and quick food preparation while still being delicious. Seoul Shijang in Kingston serves a wide range of delicious items for those looking for a unqiue and casual street food experience.
Highlights include the classic Korean “Bunsik” snack (a Mozzarella Corn Dog on a stick, which is prepared both salty or sweet), beef bulgogi wraps, and "dosirak" (traditional Korean lunch boxes). Seoul Shijang also serves Korean curry dishes, ramen, and a variety of sides such as gyoza and prawn katsu that pair perfectly with the main courses.
The atmosphere of Seoul Shijang is casual and welcoming, making it a great place for either a quick meal or a relaxed dining experience. Its location near Kingston station also makes it easily accessible for locals and visitors alike!
For more info on the menu and takeaway service, check out the link here.
5. Bulpan
- What to try: Tabletop BBQ, Bulgogi, and Seafood pancakes.
- Location: Guildford town center.
Bulpan is one of the few Korean restaurants in Guildford that has a specific focus on BBQ meals. The selection meats available are complemented by traditional Korean side dishes like kimchi, pickled vegetables, and spicy sauces.
Bulpan recently added an all-you-can-eat buffet service to their dining experience, with a variety of authen Korean food such as “tteokbokki” (savory Korean rice cakes), egg fried rice and noodles. With a cozy and vibrant atmosphere ideal for small groups or gatherings, and both BBQ and buffet services available, Bulpan is a must-visit Korean restaurant!
Due to its popularity, Bulpan operates on a reservation-only basis. It is essential to book a table in advance, especially during weekends, so be sure to reserve your place now with the link here!
6. Yami
- What to try: Korean fried chicken, Kimchi jjigae, and Hotpots.
- Location: 71-73 High Street, New Malden.
Yami is another popular Korean restaurant in New Malden, offering a lively and casual atmosphere with a menu focused on Korean BBQ and classic dishes. Some customer favorites include Korean fried chicken, pork belly BBQ, hot stone bibimbap and spicy beef ribs.
Yami is praised for its generous portions and quality food, and they have received generally positive reviews for great service and quality of food. Due to the size of the interior, the restaurant serves as a great spot for groups and special occasions.
Be sure to book your place now using this link here!
7. Sorabol
- What to try: Korean seafood dishes and Stews.
- Location: 166 Burlington Road, New Malden.
Sorabol in yet another restaurant in New Malden that offers an authentic Korean dining experience, with popular items including beef bulgogi and various bento options, like chicken teriyaki and spicy chicken.
Customers particularly recommend the BBQ menus, and portions have been known to be fairly generous, helping it stand out from other options in the New Malden area!
You can check out more of their menu and delivery services using the link here.
8. Chick And Beers
- What to try: Korean fried chicken, Tteokbokki, and Craft beers.
- Location: 36 South Street, Epsom.
Those who are fans of Korean food will know that fried chicken is a popular street food meal all across South Korea, because of how quick and easy it is to eat. Chicken and Beers delivers crispy and flavourful Korean-style fried chicken, offering a glimpse into the famous snack Koreans know and love. Their selection of chicken include Signature Fried and Chilli Garlic among others, promising a unique experience with each visit.
As their name suggets, the combination of food and drink is an important part of the dining experience. While the fried chicken is delicious on its own, adults can also enjoy drinks like soju (Korean alcohol) and beer that pair well with their chicken!
Book a table here.
9. Homey Korean Bistro
- What to try: Seafood pancakes, Hotpot dishes
- Location: Godalming
Homey Korean Bistro is a quaint restaurant on the Godalming high street that offers a cozy and authentic dining experience for fans of Korean cuisine. They are quite new to the scene, having just opened over a year ago, but they have quickly become a beloved dining place for locals and visitors alike!
With a varied menu of flavorful dishes like bibimbap, Korean fried chicken, and bulgogi, Homey promises to be a long-lasting popular spot for Korean food in Godalming.
You can find more info on their menu here!
10. Cah Chi
- Location: 394 Kingston Road, New Malden.
Cah Chi in Kingston stands out for its selection of traditional Korean dishes: offering table grills, pot stews, and an array of pickled vegetables, making it a great spot for fans of authentic Korean flavors. One of their unique choices is the marinated beef LA galbi (short rib), which is a must-try for barbecue enthusiasts and is renowned amongst locals for tasting delicious.
In addition to the food, Cah Chi is well-regarded for its colorful banchan (side dishes), which often feature items like sweet soy adzuki beans and red-pepper-spiced potatoes, providing a delightful complement to the main dishes. Their menu also includes traditional Korean comfort food, such as kimchi jjigae (kimchi stew), soondae (Korean black pudding), and kimchi pancakes.
Make sure to book table using the link here!
We hope that this list has convinced you to try out some amazing Korean restaurants in the Surrey area. For those of you who are already big Korean foodies, let us know in the comments what some of your favourite dishes are!
