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The Best Spots For Korean Food in Mexico City

A thriving Korean population has brought with it some wonderful, authentic restaurants
A thriving Korean population has brought with it some wonderful, authentic restaurants | © Terence Lim/Flickr

You might be surprised to learn that Mexico City has a thriving Korean community. But it makes perfect sense when you consider how much the Korean population has grown here since the 1990s. For the best Korean food in the capital, head to the Zona Rosa neighborhood, which some consider the first barrio Coreano in the country.

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Biwon

Restaurant, Korean

One of the most popular Korean restaurants in Mexico City is Biwon, which also happens to be one of the top places to try the Korean dish yangnyomgaibi. Dive into the world of Korean barbecue, try meat-free dishes, and get to know some of the quirky imported drinks they have on offer. This is the perfect spot to enjoy with friends, as you can buy several large dishes and share them as you wish. Don’t forget to take off your shoes before entering though.

O’Mandu

Cafe, Korean

For a laid-back spot that offers excellent and authentic steamed bread, O’Mandu is the perfect place. Tucked away in Zona Rosa, on one of the most tranquil streets in the neighborhood, it offers both savory and sweet dishes with pop music playing away in the background. For a unique and Instagram-friendly dish, try the multi-colored bear-shaped breads.

Nadefo

Restaurant, Korean

A Korean food spread with five rows of white bowls and lots of different delicacies
© Republic of Korea / Flickr

Sometimes stylized Na De Fo, Nadefo is one of the best-known spots in Mexico City for Korean cuisine and home to some of the most delicious Korean dishes in town. One of their most popular options is bim bim bap, a white rice and vegetable concoction with an egg that continues to cook as you’re eating. Alternatively, try their specialty, galbi. Nadefo is owned and run entirely by Koreans, so authenticity is practically guaranteed.

Goguinara

Restaurant, Korean

When the tables come with built-in stoves, you know you’ve come to the right place. This smart detail at Goguinara allows you to order the meat (both type and amount) that you want, and then cook it at the table. Aside from meat-heavy barbecue options, there are plenty of typical rice and veg dishes on offer, plus various Korean soups.

Harimgak

Restaurant, Korean

Diners sit at a long wooden table full of white bowls holding Korean food
© Yosomono / Flickr

A combination of exquisitely prepared food and reasonable prices make Harimgak an absolute winner. No visit is complete without ordering plenty of different dishes though, as the communal dining experience and plate rotation all adds to the welcoming yet lively atmosphere. Plus, that way you get to try many more tasty dishes than you normally could.

Min Sok Chon

Restaurant, Korean

A bowl of delicious-looking Korean food with noodles, herbs, black sesame seeds and a chili sauce
© sharonang / Pixabay

Low prices and big portions are on the menu at Min Sok Chon. And the dishes are so authentic at this Zona Rosa restaurant, that it’s highly likely you’ll be surrounded by Korean travelers and expats enjoying home comforts. It’s not a fancy place, but the food makes it well worth a visit.

Pastelanara

Bakery, Cafe, Korean, Japanese

If you’ve got a sweet tooth, Pastelanara is a must. They offer a varied, somewhat international menu (Japanese katsu curry, anyone?), but have a particular affinity for excellent Korean snacks, puddings and ice creams. Try one of their multi-colored, multi-layered cakes, topped with fruits and cream, and washed down with a refreshing green tea latte.

About the author

Yorkshire-born food, drink and travel writer based out of Mexico, you can find my work at Nat Geo, CNN, Extra Crispy and OZY, amongst other publications. Everything Mexico is my niche, but I also dabble in spewing my unsolicited opinions about teabags and pork pies. Find more of my work at northernlauren.com.

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