Cruelty-free consumption is no small task in South Korea. In fact, the country has been named one of the worst in the world for vegans, while a recent report showed that Koreans consume more meat per capita than neighboring countries like China or Japan. That said, more and more restaurants are beginning to offer vegetarian and vegan-friendly options to non-meat eaters. Here are a few of our favorites in Incheon.
Adored by locals and tourists alike, Bihanee serves up some of the best Nepali-Indian food in all of Incheon. While the menu is not completely vegetarian, there are a number of veg-only options, including an extensive variety of curries (try the palak paneer!). Vegans will also find comfort in knowing the restaurant’s chef is more than willing to talk about the menu items, and will point out which ones fit their dietary needs.
Situated in a neighborhood where barbecue restaurants seemingly outnumber people, Paul offers vegetarian diners a delightful alternative. Here, a Milan-trained chef whips up mouthwatering pizzas, which are baked in a wood-fired oven. There are plenty of veg-only options that are best washed down with an ice-cold Peroni.
Yeoldu Baguni is known for their homemade cheonggukjang, a pungent stew of fermented soy-paste. With about five different meals that are fully vegetarian or at least very close (some of the soups use fish sauce in the broth), this place is truly a diamond in the rough for vegetarians. Furthermore, the owner and staff are incredibly friendly, which only adds to the ambiance.
Lee Ganae Kimbap is a family-owned restaurant that focuses primarily on casual Korean food. In particular, the restaurant specializes in kimbap, a dish of rice and vegetables wrapped into a seaweed roll. They also have a good selection of bunshik (Korean-style fast food) such as tteokbokki (spicy rice cake). Furthermore, the environment of the restaurant is cozy and the owner speaks English, so diners will feel at home.
Ryeon Vegetarian Buffet serves up Buddhist-style vegetarian dishes. Also known as temple food, the dishes are made without the five pungent ingredients, including garlic, onions, scallions, chives, or leeks. Instead, natural condiments and organic ingredients are used during the cooking process to enhance the flavor.
With a cozy environment and a varied selection of delicious and homemade vegetarian dishes, Jeom Bong San San Chae is a local favorite. Their traditional Korean vegetarian set meals are made with the freshest and most flavorful of ingredients, while their vegetable bibimbap is always a hit with hungry diners. Furthermore, the restaurant offers an authentic Korean dining experience, complete with floor dining on wooden furnishings.