Busan Agu, traditional seafood gem in heart of Sinsa-dong

Neighborhood staple since 1980 Nestled in the trendy, bustling neighborhood of Sinsa-dong in Seoul, Busan Agu has been a staple of seafood lovers for more than 45 years. Known for its signature dish, agwi jjim,or braised monkfish with bean sprouts and slathered in spicy seasoning, the restaurant has garnered a loyal following despite the neighborhood's transformation into a hub of modern and often experimental dining. Busan Agu stands out for its ordinary interior, which contrasts sharply with t

Jan. 22, 2025

Taste of home in Seochon

In quiet area west of Gyeongbokgung, Ainogarden Kitchen offers taste of Korean homecooking At the heart of bustling Seoul lies Seochon -- a tranquil neighborhood west of Gyeongbokgung, the main Joseon-era palace in Jongno-gu. A good 10-minute walk from Gyeongbokgung Station on Subway Line No. 3 will lead you to Seochon Alley, lined with coffee shops and small eateries. While strolling down, a white, two-story house will instantly grab your attention. When it does, don't hesitate to step inside.

Jan. 18, 2025

Warm up with hearty Korean beef stews in Seoul

As temperatures in Seoul have dropped below freezing this week, the need for a hearty, warming dish has never been greater. One comforting option that locals swear by during the cold months is suyuk jeongol, a boiled beef hot pot that is both satisfying and perfect for braving the chill. If you're planning to indulge in this traditional Korean dish this weekend, here are two must-visit restaurants that offer their own delicious takes on suyuk jeongol. Neungdong Minari For anyone craving a classi

Jan. 12, 2025

From 'Culinary Class Wars' chef's burger to persimmon ice cream: New fast-food highlights

Lotteria to launch new burger with ‘Culinary Class Wars’ winner on Thursday As the new year begins, fast-food chains in Korea are introducing fresh flavors and menu items to delight customers' palates. Fast-food chain Lotteria is teaming up with Kwon Sung-joon -- better known as "Napoli Matfia," the winner of Netflix's "Culinary Class Wars," to unveil a new burger on Thursday. Known for his Neapolitan-inspired creations, Kwon is expected to bring an Italian twist to the collaboration project. Wh

Jan. 10, 2025

'Culinary Class Wars' chefs cater to masses

Pop-up event at Starfield Suwon to be held through March 31 Fans of Netflix megahit "Culinary Class Wars" and gourmands who had trouble reserving a table at restaurants run by the chefs on the cooking reality show can now sample their dishes outside of their dining establishments. Riding high on the show's fame, Starfield Suwon in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province, just an hour from Seoul, is running a special food and beverage pop-up event dubbed "Bites Place Season 4" on the first floor of the shopping

Jan. 8, 2025

Meet Japan's best dining through Catch Table

Reservations can be made for some 500 restaurants in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and Hokkaido through Korean app Looking to reserve a table at a popular restaurant in Japan? Now, reservations for some of the Japan's most sought-after dining experiences can be made through a Korean app. Wad, the developer of South Korean restaurant reservation platform Catch Table, said Tuesday it has partnered with GMO Omakase, a leading restaurant reservation service in Japan, to help Korean visitors explore the neighb

Jan. 7, 2025

Taste of North Korean-style dumpling soup at Seosulla-gil

Tranquil stone-walled path in heart of Seoul lined with gamut of restaurants, bars and cafes Head to Seosulla-gil, a serene and idyllic stone-walled route in Jongno-gu in the heart of Seoul, where old meets new and you will see restaurants, bars and cafes next to jewelers and their workshops. While wandering around the path surrounded by lush greenery, stop by at Kaesung for a bowl of piping hot North Korean dumpling soup. As the name suggests, the restaurant serves food in the style of Kaesong

Jan. 4, 2025

Mom’s Touch to feature new items from star chef Edward Lee

Celebrity chef to blend Korean, Western flavors on chain's menu Starting in the first quarter of next year, local fast-food chain Mom's Touch will launch burgers crafted by celebrity chef Edward Lee, known for his appearance on the Netflix competition “Culinary Class Wars.” According to Lee, his menu items for Mom's Touch includes signature recipes from his restaurant in the US. "I’m thrilled to bring the flavors of burgers and chicken, which I love, to the Korean audience through this partnersh

Dec. 30, 2024

Irori-grilled premium wagyu at Fujiyama in Eulji-ro

Seoul's Eulji-ro is renowned for its nostalgic, old-timey charm. Those visiting Fujiyama, however, head to the neighborhood for a unique dining experience that transports them right to Japan. With decor inspired by the mountain it's named after -- Fujiyama means Mount Fuji in Japanese -- this restaurant serves premium Japanese Wagyu beef prepared using the traditional “irori" grilling technique. Whether you're a fan of fine meats or simply seeking a cozy, atmospheric dining experience, Fujiyama

Dec. 29, 2024

From chestnut tiramisu to Dubai chocolate: Edible treats went viral this year

The year 2024 was a big year for food aficionados here, as new flavors and ingredients came into the spotlight to keep menus exciting. Among them was chestnut tiramisu, a dessert made from convenience store ingredients by black spoon chef Napoli Matfia, the eventual winner, on the eighth episode of Netflix's megahit cooking competition "Culinary Class War." Convenience store chain CU started stocking its shelves with the tiramisu dessert on Oct. 24. Even before its official release, the item bec

Dec. 25, 2024

100 Food Challenge: A guide to conquering Korean cuisine

Korean food is taking the world by storm, but where do you begin? This guide will help you explore the delicious depths of Korean cuisine, one dish at a time, from beginner-friendly staples to dishes that will challenge even the most seasoned cooks. Grab your chopsticks and get ready to embark on a delicious adventure!

Dec. 20, 2024

Edward Lee‘s cookbook sizzles its way to Korea

Korean American celebrity chef and restaurateur Edward Lee from the Netflix hit “Culinary Class Wars” will have his debut cookbook “Smoke & Pickles” translated and published in Korea next month, according to the book‘s Korean publisher, Wisdom House. In the cookbook, Lee shares his culinary journey

Dec. 13, 2024

Omakase, bagels, barbecue, 'Culinary Class Wars': Food trends in 2024

Restaurants run by chefs who appeared in Netflix's "Culinary Class War" came into the spotlight this year, while the most popular dining trends were sushi omakase, bagels and Korean barbecue, according to the 2024 gourmet trend report published by restaurant reservation platform Catch Table on Friday. The trend analysis is based on reservations made between January and October to determine customers' dining habits and preferences. Riding the wave of the Netflix cooking battle

Dec. 13, 2024

[Around the Hotels] Promotions and packages

Sheraton Grand Incheon Hotel presents six-course meal with premium hanwoo For the month of December only, Sheraton Grand Incheon Hotel in Songdo, Incheon, has introduced a six-course meal highlighting premium Korean beef, or hanwoo, and exquisite cooking. The “Holiday Symphony of Hanwoo” begins with a hanwoo tartar starter, followed by a snow crab and avocado salad, soup of the day and porcini mushroom ragu with ravioli. The main dish is hanwoo filet mignon roasted on charcoal until

Dec. 13, 2024

Korean restaurant in New York awarded three Michelin stars

Jungsik, the fine-dining Korean restaurant helmed by Chef Yim Jung-sik, was awarded three Michelin stars Tuesday, becoming the first Korean restaurant in New York to receive the recognition. The Michelin Guide 2024 New York ceremony was held Tuesday at The Glasshouse in Manhattan, New York. Jungsik is the New York branch of the Korean restaurant Jungsikdang in Seoul, which opened in 2011. It first earned its two Michelin stars in New York in 2014. According to Michelin, the restaurant’s

Dec. 10, 2024