If you’re craving Korean food in Houston, you’re in the right place! The city boasts an array of excellent Korean restaurants, from barbecue joints to spots serving hearty stews and street food classics. This guide highlights some of the best places to enjoy authentic Korean dishes around Houston.
1. Bori
1453 Witte Rd, Houston, TX 77080
501 Lovett Boulevard, Houston, TX
Bori is one of Houston's top Korean barbecue spots, now with two locations! Known for its high-quality steak, flavorful side dishes, and upscale dining atmosphere, Bori offers a premium barbecue experience. Thanks to its excellent ventilation system, you can enjoy your meal without leaving smelling like smoke. Try their selected cuts to sample various meats (such as…), which come with stews and traditional sides for a complete Korean BBQ feast.
2. Korea House
10078 Long Point Rd, Houston, TX 77055
For an authentic Korean barbecue experience, Korea House is a must-visit. Their ssambap jungshik (쌈밥정식) is highly recommended—a traditional Korean BBQ meal where grilled seasoned? meat is wrapped in fresh lettuce. This hearty set includes an assortment of vegetables, soybean paste, nut-infused rice served in a stone pot, and a warm stew, creating a delicious and well-rounded meal.
3. Il Me Jung
10017 Long Point Rd, Houston, TX 77055
Il Me Jung offers a wide variety of Korean dishes, but what sets it apart is its selection of authentic Korean seafood. If you’re feeling adventurous, try their san nakji (raw octopus) or flounder sashimi. It’s the go-to spot for seafood lovers looking to explore unique Korean flavors.
4. Jang Choong Dong
9114 Bellaire Blvd, Houston, TX 77036
Jang Choong Dong specializes in pork dishes, including jokbal (braised pig trotters) and bossam (steamed pork belly). Their soondae (pork blood sausage) and pork gukbap (pork stew with rice) are also standout options. For the best experience, try either the jokbal or bossam meals and share an order of soondae with your group.
5. Paik’s Noodle
9355 Long Point Rd Suite J-1, Houston, TX 77055
9140 Bellaire Blvd Suite A, Houston, TX 77036
A popular Korean franchise, Paik’s Noodle is run by celebrity chef Baek Jong-won and specializes in Korean-Chinese dishes. Menu highlights include jajangmyeon (black bean sauce noodles), jjamppong (spicy seafood noodle soup), and tangsuyuk (sweet-and-sour fried pork). Fun fact: many Koreans eat Korean-Chinese food when moving into a new home, so consider this spot the next time you’re settling into a new place!
6. Dookki
9750 Bellaire Blvd # 100, Houston, TX 77036
Dookki is an all-you-can-eat tteokbokki (spicy rice cake) restaurant that lets you customize your meal with your choice of sauces, toppings, and rice cakes. Experiment with different flavors and enjoy the variety of side dishes, including crispy fried vegetables, gimmari (fried seaweed rolls), and kimbap. It’s a fun, interactive way to enjoy one of Korea’s most popular comfort foods.
7. Hanshin Pocha
1223 Grand W Blvd, Katy, TX 77449
Located in Katy, Hanshin Pocha recreates the lively atmosphere of traditional Korean food stands, known as pocha. This Korean-style bar offers street food favorites like spicy chicken feet soup, best paired with rice balls. Their soup dishes are especially delicious and perfect for sharing with friends while enjoying a drink.
About the author:
Hannah Lim is from Seoul, South Korea and is a current Ph.D. student in Bioengineering. She got her B.S. in Bioengineering at Cornell University in 2022. Read more.
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