The Zona Rosa is known for its parties and clubs, its gay community and its karaoke bars. It’s also known, however, for its sheer quantity of Asian food restaurants, and from fancy to cheap, sit-down to take-out, there is something for everyone. Noodles, sushi, Korean barbecue, whatever strikes your fancy, you can find it in the Zona Rosa.
Sometimes stylized Na De Fo, Nadefo is one of Mexico City’s best-known Korean cuisine hotspots, and you simply must visit if you’re hunting for some of the most delicious Korean dishes in town. One of their most popular options is the bim bim bap, a white rice and vegetable concoction accompanied by an egg that continues to cook in the dish as you eat. Alternatively, you can try their specialty, galbi. Nadefo is owned and run entirely by Koreans, so the authenticity of the food is practically guaranteed.
One of the city’s most recommended and popular Korean restaurants, Biwon also happens to be one of the best places to try the Korean dish yangnyomgaibi. Dive into the world of Korean barbecue, try out some meat-free dishes if you’re vegetarian, 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!
The Dragon is a quiet corner in the buzzing Zona Rosa, and upon entry you’ll be transported to a different time and place. With classic Chinese art and decoration, its old-school, formal dining room is a nice change from the bright lights and chain restaurants around it. Of course they have have all the classics—spring rolls, fried rice—but their Peking duck is what they’re most famous for, with some fans saying it’s the best in the city.
This restaurant has become famous for its Japanese-style comida corrida (quick, warm lunch), which costs about US $7 and includes miso soup, a cucumber salad, sushi, a main meat plate, and a plate of fruit for dessert. They have all your favorites but some suggest the shabu-shabu (soup that is prepared tableside) or the shogayaki (fried pork with ginger). The ambience is mellow and the portions filling.
A very popular and well-known Japanese fast food joint, Sukiya has over 2000 locations around the world. They now have one in the Zona Rosa and offer a quick, cheap and delicious meal—ideal for office workers and anyone curing a hangover from a night on the town. They specialize in gyudon, which is a rice bowl with bite-sized protein on top and a long list of condiments and extras, and it’s totally delicious.
Daikoku is another large, Japanese chain in Mexico, and they receive good reviews for their level of freshness and the sheer quantity of items on their menu. You can order any type of Japanese food you can imagine—and you can tell it’s the real deal because there’s more to their sushi rolls than Tampico sauce and cream cheese. With so many items on offer, it’s hard to narrow it down to just a few suggestions, so just head down there with friends and order everything on the menu.
Low prices and big portions are on the menu at one of Mexico City’s most popular Korean dining options, Min Sok Chon. It’s highly likely that if you stop by this Zona Rosa restaurant, you’ll be surrounded by Korean travelers and expats enjoying some home-cooked food, so authentic are the dishes served here. Even if some of your surroundings look like they could use some sprucing up, you can be sure the food makes it more than worth the visit.
Well known for its cozy space and friendly staff, Fuji is another great Japanese restaurant in the Zona Rosa. Sushi, soups, tempura and teppanyaki made right at your table, this place has a little bit of everything. Be aware that they are closed on Thursdays and Fridays, a little weird for such a hoppin’ area of the city, but the food is delicious every time.
A combination of exquisitely prepared food and reasonable prices make Ha Rim Gak an absolute winner of a Korean restaurant in Mexico City. No visit to this spot is complete without ordering plenty of different dishes, as the communal dining experience and plate rotation all add to the welcoming yet lively atmosphere. Plus, this way you get to try far more tasty dishes than you’d normally be able to!
