Six Korean restaurants where the Far East is close at hand

S(e)oul Kitchen 

Anyone who has ever strolled along Immermannstraße knows that Japanese (food) culture is unquestionably part of everyday life in Düsseldorf. But despite all the love for sushi and the like, the variety of restaurants serving Far Eastern cuisine in the Rhine metropolis doesn't end there. The range of Korean restaurants is known far beyond the city limits. Many of them can be found just a few meters away from Little Tokyo, around Oststraße. But there is also an insider tip in the Oberbilker Kiez. Incidentally, Korean cuisine is considered to be one of the healthiest around - so go and enjoy it! 

YoGi  

The crowd is young, the ambience is right and the food in the small restaurant on Grupellostrasse is also very authentic. It's no wonder that YoGi has also earned the respect of the Korean community. And this despite the fact that there is a lot of competition here in the Oststraßenviertel. Despite the informal atmosphere - the decor consists of Korean billboards, among other things - reservations are mandatory. Once you've got a table, you'll be delighted with the friendly service and it's best to order several dishes from the extensive menu so that everyone can try them. After all, this is the culture in South Korea. Classics such as the spicy, hot jjampong noodle soup or pork bulgogi are complemented by great snacks such as bokumbab, rice with kimchi, chopped seaweed and sesame oil. The chicken feet are also highly praised. Accompanied by a beer or, in true style, a round of soju, a kind of national drink in South Korea, which you can also try as a cocktail at YoGi. A recommendation for anyone who loves the Korean lifestyle.       

Seoul 

Kimchi, a fermented Chinese cabbage, is considered a Korean national dish and a real superfood. It goes without saying that the kimchi at Seoul is homemade! Seoul, which holds the fort on Klosterstraße in the middle of Little Tokyo, is a genuine family business. The owners, Hee-Jeong and Haeng-Goo Yeo, swear by organic meat and regional vegetables from Düsseldorf vegetable farmers. The family recipes have been passed down through generations and are based not least on traditional ingredients imported from South Korea. You can taste and see it: the banchan, the delicious little side dishes, are also a visual delight and are unparalleled in Düsseldorf. Also popular: bibimbap, the hot stone pot dishes, as well as the Seoul Poke Bowl, which is also something for vegetarians. The ambience at Seoul is classic Asian, the atmosphere extremely hospitable. The owners themselves also serve and are happy to explain one dish or another on request. Good for people who are eating Korean food for the first time. One final tip: you should take the specified spiciness levels seriously. 

Gusan 

For those who have not yet been to South Korea: The somewhat sparse furnishings of the Gusan are a sign of authenticity. Even in Seoul, there is generally little emphasis on chichi in the interior. Fresh ingredients and loving preparation are much more important! And in this respect, you are in good hands at the small family-run restaurant on Düsseldorf's Stresemannstraße. The bibimbap, as the rice dishes with fresh vegetables and spicy red bean paste served in a hot clay pot are called, are praised as the best in town. They are served with a choice of egg, soy or meat. They are served with kimchi, the spicy Korean answer to German sauerkraut, which is considered even healthier due to the fermentation process. For fans of meat dishes: Try galbi-tang, a Korean soup made with braised beef, radish and onions. 

Pozangmatcha/Finanzämche 

It could hardly be more iconic: the Pozangmatcha on Oststraße is what you would call long-established, and not just in terms of years. The location also meets this criterion visually. In a bizarre way, because Korean bar culture is practiced here in the former premises of a rustic beer pub. So don't be surprised if someone raves about the authentic Korean street food at Finanzämtche - the name of the pub, which is still a relic emblazoned on the façade. The large bar in the middle of the room still dominates. The atmosphere is convivial: a colorful mix of people from the nightlife meets Korean business people. Korean chicken wings and beer are probably the most convincing arguments, but by no means the only ones. From kimchi pancakes and fried pork belly to tteokbokki, fried rice cakes with spicy sauce, everything tastes delicious. The portions are often enough for two, and that's what it's all about: meeting friends, sharing food, having fun - until late in the evening!  

Korea House/Han Kook Kwan  

According to legend, Korea Haus on Bismarckstraße is the oldest Korean restaurant in Düsseldorf and one of the top addresses for Korean BBQ. You can prepare your own meat on a grill set into the table, from sam gyob sal, sliced pork belly, to sliced ribeye. Various side dishes are served with the BBQ and can be refilled free of charge on request. Orders are placed by cell phone using a QR code on the table - from a menu that offers the whole wonderful variety of Korean cuisine alongside the BBQ menus. How about gimbap for starters, the rice rolls wrapped in dried seaweed, which with their often vegetarian, typically Korean filling should not be confused with Japanese sushi? Dishes from the wok or hot stone pot could follow. Perhaps a mochi ice cream for dessert? All of this makes people happy, which is why the Korea Haus is so popular and the atmosphere so lively. In the warmer months, the heated outdoor terrace provides additional seating.  

Mandu  

Mandu is located where you wouldn't expect to find a Korean restaurant: in Oberbilk on Eisenstraße. In other words, in a district where Moroccan food culture traditionally sets the tone. Perhaps this is why Mandu is still an insider tip even after many years on the square. The fact that it is a small snack bar with just a few tables in a rather inconspicuous location certainly contributes to this. In fact, the name says it all: At Mandu, you can get excellent deep-fried dumplings with vegetables and tofu or with beef and pork. But this is by no means the only dish that keeps Korean cuisine connoisseurs coming back to Eisenstraße. "Korean cuisine like at home" is promised on the menu - and the promise is kept. Gimbap is available vegetarian, with crab meat or with beef bulgogi. Of the Korean pancakes, the ones with potatoes or kimchi are particularly delicious. If you haven't been there yet: go! 

Cover picture: Jakub Kapusnak