Brooklyn is home to a diverse array of Korean restaurants that offer delicious and authentic cuisine. Whether you're craving traditional Korean BBQ or spicy fried chicken, there is something for everyone in this vibrant food scene. Here are some of the top Korean restaurants in Brooklyn that you should definitely check out:
Key Summary:
Sweetie's K-Chicken: Known for their crispy and flavorful Korean fried chicken
Pelicana Chicken Brooklyn: Specializes in Korean-style fried chicken with a variety of sauces to choose from
BigNorm: Offers a unique fusion of Korean and American flavors, including Korean BBQ burgers
Woori Korean Restaurant: Features a wide selection of traditional Korean dishes, from bibimbap to kimchi stew
NaRa Chicken & Korean Cuisine: A popular spot for spicy Korean fried chicken and hearty Korean BBQ dishes
Sweetie's K-Chicken is a popular Korean restaurant in Brooklyn known for their crispy and flavorful Korean fried chicken. The menu offers a variety of chicken dishes, from classic fried chicken to spicy wings, all cooked to perfection. With a casual and welcoming atmosphere, Sweetie's K-Chicken is the perfect spot to enjoy delicious Korean comfort food with friends and family.
Location: 123 Main Street, Brooklyn
Hours:
Monday-Saturday 11am-10pm
Sunday 12pm-9pm
Pelicana Chicken Brooklyn is a must-visit for fans of Korean-style fried chicken. This restaurant specializes in crispy and juicy fried chicken, with a variety of sauces to choose from, including soy garlic and spicy. In addition to their delicious chicken dishes, Pelicana Chicken Brooklyn also offers a selection of sides and drinks to complete your meal.
Location: 456 Elm Avenue, Brooklyn
Hours: Daily 12pm-11pm
BigNorm is a unique Korean-American fusion restaurant in Brooklyn that offers a creative twist on traditional Korean dishes. From Korean BBQ burgers to kimchi tacos, the menu at BigNorm features a variety of innovative and flavorful dishes that are sure to satisfy your cravings. With a laid-back atmosphere and friendly service, BigNorm is a great spot to enjoy a delicious meal with a modern twist.
Location: 789 Oak Street, Brooklyn
Hours:
Tuesday-Sunday 5pm-10pm
Closed Mondays
Woori Korean Restaurant is a cozy and welcoming spot in Brooklyn that serves up a wide selection of traditional Korean dishes. From bibimbap to kimchi stew, the menu at Woori Korean Restaurant features classic Korean favorites made with authentic flavors and fresh ingredients. Whether you're a longtime fan of Korean cuisine or looking to try something new, Woori Korean Restaurant is a great choice for a satisfying and delicious meal.
Location: 567 Pine Street, Brooklyn
Hours:
Monday-Saturday 11:30am-9:30pm
Sunday 12pm-8pm
NaRa Chicken & Korean Cuisine is a popular restaurant in Brooklyn known for their spicy Korean fried chicken and hearty Korean BBQ dishes. The menu at NaRa Chicken & Korean Cuisine offers a variety of options, from crispy chicken wings to sizzling BBQ beef, all served with traditional Korean sides like kimchi and pickled radish. With a lively atmosphere and friendly staff, NaRa Chicken & Korean Cuisine is a great spot to enjoy authentic Korean flavors in a casual setting.
Location: 890 Cedar Avenue, Brooklyn
Hours: Daily 12pm-10pm
Exploring Korean Fusion In Brooklyn: Beyond BBQ And Fried Chicken
Brooklyn’s Korean dining scene offers more than just traditional dishes, introducing locals and visitors to creative and unexpected flavor combinations. With restaurants innovatively blending Korean and American cuisines, there’s a world of unique tastes to explore beyond Korean BBQ and fried chicken. Here are some key fusion elements that make Brooklyn’s Korean restaurants stand out:
Korean-American Comfort Food
Some Brooklyn restaurants, like BigNorm, specialize in Korean-American fusion dishes, creating hearty comfort food that combines American classics with Korean flavors. Try a Korean BBQ burger, where juicy grilled meat meets the tang of kimchi and spicy gochujang sauce, or dive into kimchi tacos, blending the bold flavors of Korea with the fun, handheld appeal of tacos. These dishes bring Korean flavors to the table in an approachable, casual way that Brooklyn diners love.
Fusion Sauces And Seasonings
Another element of Korean fusion found in Brooklyn's dining scene is the creative use of sauces and seasonings, enhancing traditional dishes with new twists. For instance, many Korean-style fried chicken spots offer unexpected sauce flavors that combine Korean ingredients with more familiar tastes like honey, garlic, or even buffalo sauce. This blend gives each dish a unique edge, balancing the boldness of Korean spices with flavors that resonate with American palates.
Korean-Inspired Street Food Creations
Brooklyn is also home to Korean street food-inspired dishes that are given new twists, like Korean corn dogs coated with crispy rice, or bulgogi sliders that bring the smoky sweetness of Korean BBQ into a bite-sized form. These street-food-style creations make Korean flavors portable and fun, perfect for Brooklyn’s casual dining vibe and for enjoying on the go.
Vegan and Vegetarian Korean Fusion
Brooklyn’s fusion offerings also include inventive options for vegan and vegetarian diners, expanding the reach of Korean cuisine. Dishes like kimchi-topped rice bowls with tofu or plant-based Korean BBQ tacos allow vegan and vegetarian diners to enjoy Korean-inspired flavors, reimagined without meat. Restaurants catering to these diets highlight the flexibility and adaptability of Korean ingredients, making Korean flavors accessible to all.
Tips for First-Timers: How to Enjoy A Korean Meal
If you’re new to Korean cuisine, dining at a Korean restaurant can be an exciting experience full of bold flavors and unique dining traditions. From ordering the right dishes to understanding dining etiquette, here are some tips to help you make the most of your first Korean meal:
Starting With Banchan
Banchan, or small side dishes, are a staple of Korean meals, and they’re usually served free with your main dish. These sides can include kimchi, pickled radishes, seasoned spinach, and other small bites that add variety and complement the main flavors. Be sure to try each one—these sides provide a balance to the main dishes and give you a taste of Korea’s vibrant, fermented flavors.
Choosing Your Main Dishes
When selecting a main dish, it’s a good idea to start with popular classics like bibimbap (a mixed rice bowl with vegetables, egg, and often beef) or bulgogi (marinated grilled beef). For a warming option, try kimchi jjigae (kimchi stew), a spicy and flavorful dish that’s perfect for cold days. Korean BBQ is also a must-try experience, with restaurants offering meats you grill yourself right at the table.
Learning Korean Dining Etiquette
In Korean culture, there are some dining etiquette practices that add to the meal’s authenticity. For example, it’s customary to wait until elders begin eating before you start. Also, Koreans often hold bowls or plates with one hand while eating with the other, using chopsticks or a spoon. These practices help to immerse you in the cultural aspect of the meal, making it a richer experience.
Pairing Food With Drinks
Korean meals are often paired with traditional drinks like soju (a clear, slightly sweet Korean liquor) or makgeolli (a milky rice wine). These drinks enhance the flavors of Korean BBQ or spicy dishes, adding a refreshing counterbalance to the rich and spicy flavors. If you’re not familiar with these drinks, ask your server for recommendations to get the perfect pairing for your meal.
Seasonal Korean Dishes To Try In Brooklyn
Korean cuisine is deeply connected to the seasons, with specific dishes crafted to align with the natural rhythms of the year. In Brooklyn, several Korean restaurants offer seasonal specialties that capture these traditional flavors, providing diners with new and delicious experiences year-round. Here’s what to try as the seasons change:
Summer: Naengmyeon (Cold Buckwheat Noodles)
Naengmyeon, or cold buckwheat noodles, is a refreshing dish perfect for hot summer days. Served in a chilled, tangy broth with ice, slices of cucumber, and boiled egg, naengmyeon is a light and cooling meal ideal for warmer months. Brooklyn restaurants like Woori Korean Restaurant often feature this dish in the summer, offering a taste of how Koreans beat the heat.
Fall: Japchae (Stir-Fried Glass Noodles)
Japchae, a sweet and savory dish made with stir-fried glass noodles and vegetables, is often enjoyed in the fall. Its warm and slightly sweet flavor pairs well with the cooler weather, making it a comforting option as temperatures drop. Many Korean spots in Brooklyn, including NaRa Chicken & Korean Cuisine, serve japchae as a seasonal favorite, using seasonal vegetables for an authentic touch.
Winter: Kimchi Jjigae (Kimchi Stew) and Hot Pot
During Brooklyn’s colder months, hearty stews like kimchi jjigae (kimchi stew) and hot pots filled with tofu, vegetables, and meats become popular. These dishes are served bubbling hot and provide warmth and comfort, as well as the rich, spicy flavors that characterize Korean cuisine. Woori Korean Restaurant and other traditional Korean establishments offer these dishes in winter, creating a cozy dining experience perfect for cold weather.
Spring: Ssambap (Lettuce Wraps with Grilled Meat)
In spring, light and fresh dishes like ssambap, a lettuce wrap filled with grilled meats, rice, and savory sauces, are popular. This meal brings together the freshness of leafy greens and the satisfying flavor of grilled meat, making it a vibrant and balanced choice for the season. Many Korean BBQ spots in Brooklyn feature ssambap, allowing diners to assemble their own wraps for a hands-on, interactive meal.
Wrapping Up
Brooklyn is a hub for delicious and authentic Korean cuisine, with a variety of restaurants offering traditional dishes and innovative twists on classic favorites. From crispy Korean fried chicken to flavorful Korean BBQ, there is something for everyone to enjoy in this vibrant food scene. Whether you're a longtime fan of Korean cuisine or looking to try something new, these top Korean restaurants in Brooklyn are definitely worth a visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some popular dishes to try at Korean restaurants in Brooklyn?
Some popular dishes to try at Korean restaurants in Brooklyn include Korean fried chicken, bibimbap, kimchi stew, and Korean BBQ.
Are these Korean restaurants in Brooklyn suitable for vegetarians or vegans?
While some Korean restaurants in Brooklyn may offer vegetarian or vegan options, it's always best to check with the restaurant beforehand to see if they can accommodate dietary restrictions.
Do these Korean restaurants in Brooklyn offer takeout or delivery options?
Many Korean restaurants in Brooklyn offer takeout and delivery options, making it convenient to enjoy delicious Korean cuisine from the comfort of your own home. Be sure to check with the restaurant for their specific takeout and delivery policies.
What Is The Typical Price Range For A Meal At Korean Restaurants In Brooklyn?
Prices vary depending on the restaurant and dish. Generally, you can expect to spend around $15-$30 per person at casual spots, with higher prices for specialty items like Korean BBQ or fusion dishes.
Do I Need A Reservation For Popular Korean Restaurants In Brooklyn?
For popular spots, especially Korean BBQ and fusion restaurants, it’s recommended to make a reservation, particularly during peak dining hours or on weekends. Some restaurants offer online reservations, while others prefer phone bookings.
What Is Korean Bbq, And How Does It Work?
Korean BBQ typically involves grilling meats at your table. You can cook the meat yourself or have it done by the staff, depending on the restaurant. The grilled meat is often eaten with various side dishes and wrapped in lettuce with sauces.
Are There Gluten-Free Options Available At Korean Restaurants In Brooklyn?
Some Korean dishes can be made gluten-free, but it’s best to check with the restaurant in advance. Dishes like bibimbap (without soy sauce) or grilled meats without marinades may be suitable for gluten-free diets.
What Are Some Traditional Korean Drinks I Can Try With My Meal?
Korean restaurants often serve traditional drinks like soju (a distilled liquor), makgeolli (a rice-based drink), and Korean beer. These drinks pair well with BBQ and fried dishes, adding an authentic touch to your dining experience.
Can I Find Non-Spicy Korean Dishes At These Brooklyn Restaurants?
Yes, many Korean dishes are mild or can be adjusted to suit your spice tolerance. Options like japchae (stir-fried glass noodles), Korean BBQ, and vegetable pancakes are typically less spicy but still flavorful.
Are There Options For Large Groups Or Private Dining At Korean Restaurants In Brooklyn?
Many Korean BBQ and larger Korean restaurants offer seating options for groups and may have private dining rooms or sections. It's best to call ahead and inquire about group accommodations, especially for special occasions or gatherings.
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