Discovering Penang’s Best Korean Restaurants: 12 Spots for Authentic Flavors
There’s this day where I started aiming for a quick bite into a Korean restaurant—something like a one-dunchi adventure (that’s one-lunch, by the way, I’m officially coining it). But the next thing I knew, I was more than one restaurant deep.
You see, Penang is so dotted with Korean restaurants that choosing which one to enter might be your hardest decision aside from whether you’ll go with lettuce or rice. Well, I’m a rice person, if you’d ask me.
So here’s the deal: I’m your self-appointed Korean cuisine guru in Penang, which really means I’ve just eaten a ton of bulgogi and loved every bit of it. Yep, that’s the level of commitment we’re talking about here, so keep on reading!
Kim’s Korean Restaurant
— Media credit: simplyeat.pg
Address: 2, Jalan Tavoy, George Town
Contact details: +60167086682
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 11:30 AM to 3 PM, 5:30 PM to 10 PM
Cost: $-$$
Kim’s Korean is a no-brainer for anyone craving authentic Korean cuisine in a cozy setting. You stroll in, and the menu just hits you with all the classics like kimchi jjigae, bulgogi, perfectly marinated galbi, bibimbap, and let’s not forget the fluffy steamed egg.
Aside from their drool-worthy main dishes, they’ve got an array of side dishes, or banchan, like spicy radish, seaweed salads, and those addictive fish cakes.
Plus, if you’re all about that cook-your-own-food vibe, they’ve got tabletop grills ready with a lot of family sets available.
Pro tip:
Remember to get there early if you can, because this spot’s no secret and the locals flock here. If you’re eyeing those specialty dishes, weekends are your best bet.
OoriDoori
— Media credit: ooridoori2_utropolis
Address: 5G-33, Promenade, Bayan Baru, Persiaran, Mahsuri
Contact details: +601124352268
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 10:30 AM to 3 PM, 4 PM to 10 PM
Cost: $-$$
OoriDoori in Bayan Baru brings in the homestyle cooking vibes with dishes that taste like someone’s Korean grandma is running the kitchen.
You’ve got your choice of stews, tteokbokki, fried chicken, and a seafood sundubu jjigae that’ll have you scraping the bowl.
Now, if you’re feeling some grilled goodness, they offer a solid selection for tabletop grilling, so prep your tongs (and your arms) for some seriously tasty meat. And if you lean toward the one-and-done type of meal, their hot-stone bibimbap is legit.
Pro tip:
If you’re a group, go for the variety. Feasting here is about sharing, so order an array of dishes and dive in. Plus, keep your eyes peeled for their lunch specials—they’re absolutely worth it.
Sogo Grill
— Media credit: foodieonabittenapple
Address: 3A-G-7, Straits Quay, Seri Tanjung Pinang, 10470 Tanjung Tokong
Contact details: +60168884093
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 11:40 AM to 11 PM
Cost: $-$$
Sogo Grill in Tanjung Tokong is your go-to for a mix of Korean BBQ and indulgent dishes. They turn up the heat with their grill-at-the-table service, where marinated meats like galbi, pork, striploin, and ribeye become your smoky, charred dreams come true.
Don’t sleep on their hot pot selections, either. You’ve got the kimchi jeongol and bulgogi mushroom jeongol, along with bibimbap and noodle bowls. Moreover, they’ve got Korean cocktails available like the yuja hwayo highball, bokbunja sangria and more.
Pro tip:
Sogo’s space is on the cozy side, so reservations are a smart move, especially on a busy night. Also, check their social media for weekday deals that are seriously worth the money, especially for large groups.
Cho Dong Jib
— Media credit: travelfoodie.my
Address: 163D-1-05,Gurney Paragon Mall, Gurney Dr, 10250 George Town
Contact details: +6043713017
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 11:30 AM to 9:30 PM
Cost: $-$$
Cho Dong Jib, nestled inside Gurney Paragon Mall, is where convenience meets flavor in town. This place is dishing out some stir-fried spicy pork and soft tofu stew, and if you’re down for a rice dish, their dolsot bibimbap comes in that hot stone bowl.
And their Korean fried chicken comes in a variety of flavors, from the classic soy garlic to the fiery hot spicy one, each guaranteed to leave you craving for more.
They’re taking the grilling game up a notch too, with options to grill at your table, making every bite as fresh as it gets.
Pro tip:
Cho Dong Jib is known for its attentive service, so don’t hesitate to ask the staff for recommendations. They’re super friendly and can guide you towards dishes that suit your taste.
Hanmalu
— Media credit: yennyfoodseries
Address: C-1-9 Vantage, Jalan Seri Tanjung Pinang 1, 10470 Tanjung Tokong
Contact details: +60147412671
Operating hours: Tuesday to Sunday – 11:30 AM to 10 PM
Cost: $-$$
Website: N/A
Hanmalu rolls out a robust menu featuring everything from kimchi jjigae to the uplifting sundubu jjigae packed with soft tofu, haemul pajeon, bibimbap, and bulgogi.
Aside from these, you can also aim for their dak galbi, steamed mandu dumplings, or samyetang. And yes, if you’re into grilling, Hanmalu offers a great variety of meats for barbecue enthusiasts.
This restaurant doesn’t just stop at main courses; their banchan are constantly rotated and are as authentic as they come. Moreover, their pajeon, a Korean-style pancake loaded with scallions, provides a perfect balance of crispy and chewy textures.
Pro tip:
Hanmalu tends to get packed during dinner hours, so snapping up a reservation ahead of time would be a shrewd move.
Plus, if you’re going with friends or family, consider ordering a variety of dishes to share; it’s the best way to savor more flavors.
Kogi Korean BBQ
— Media credit: kogikoreanbbqpenang
Address: 1-01-14, E-gate, Lebuh Tunku Kudin 2, 11700 Gelugor
Contact details: +6042869677
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 11:30 AM to 3 PM, 5:30 PM to 10 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – 11:30 AM to 10 PM
Cost: $-$$
Kogi Korean BBQ is serious about its barbecue, offering everything from marinated beef ribs to thick cuts of pork belly that you can cook to your liking right at your table. They also serve spicy chicken and a variety of seafood, like shrimp, and scallops.
For those who prefer something less hands-on, Kogi offers a slew of prepared dishes like the stone pot bibimbap and the ever-comforting jjigae stews. Their side dishes deserve a shout-out too.
And let’s not forget about their Korean-style fried chicken, which is crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, making it a crowd-pleaser.
Pro tip:
If you’re planning a visit, try going on weekdays when it’s less crowded. Also, keep an eye out for their lunch specials, which are not only delicious but also give you bang for your buck.
Haru Korean Restaurant
— Media credit: leeqin
Address: 124e, Jalan Burma, George Town
Contact details: +60166141882
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 11 AM to 11 PM
Cost: $-$$
Haru Korean Restaurant on Jalan Burma is the kind of spot that feels both homely and inviting. They’ve got all the crowd favorites ready to roll: juicy bulgogi, jokbal, an array of jjigae, japchae, and fried chicken.
Furthermore, they also have a variety of meats lined up when you want to get your hands on grilling. And for those looking for something a bit different, their cold noodles are a refreshing choice, especially on hot days.
Haru Korean Restaurant also has a solid vegetarian menu, so your plant-based buddies won’t feel left out of the party.
Pro tip:
Haru can be quite busy, especially during dinner times, as it’s a favorite local hangout. Planning ahead with a reservation is wise, and you should definitely try their set meals, which are great for groups, to ensure you get to try a little bit of everything.
Park’s Recipe Korean Restaurant
— Media credit: parksrecipe_jp
Address: 381a, Jln Perak, Jelutong, 11600 George Town
Contact details: +601116833301
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 11 AM to 3 PM, 5 PM to 9:15 PM
Cost: $-$$
Park’s Recipe Korean Restaurant boasts a diverse menu with stars like the bulgogi with a sweet and savory sauce, spicy kimchi soup, kimchi pancake, and their signature Korean fried chicken that’s been double-fried for that extra crisp.
For those who love a good grill session, their tabletop BBQ is ready to serve up some delectable slices of meat right at your table. Their banchan are nothing short of spectacular, always fresh, and add that perfect sidekick to your main dishes.
Also, their seafood pancake is highly recommended for its generous filling and perfect crisp.
Pro tip:
The place is compact, so it’s best to book ahead if you’re planning on visiting during peak hours. Also, those coming in groups might want to try different barbecue meats for a wholly satisfying experience.
Jinju Korean Dining
— Media credit: jinju.103
Address: 103, Victoria St, Georgetown
Contact details: +60165215666
Operating hours: Monday, Wednesday to Sunday – 11 AM to 2 PM, 5:30 PM to 11 PM
Cost: $-$$
Jinju Korean Dining serves up a storm of traditional Korean flavors with their bibimbap, kimchi jjigae, kimchi jeyuk bokkeum, and bulgogi. But if you’re up for some interactive dining, you can get your grill right at the table with their BBQ set-up.
You’ll be grilling up marinated meats like you own the place. They also have those classic Korean fried chicken dishes that are just the bomb, and, oh, their seafood options are not to be missed either.
Now, even though it’s easy to get distracted by all that meaty glory, Jinju makes sure that you’ll have something great to pair with it all. That’s why they’ve got a range of cocktails you can check out.
Pro tip:
If you’re planning to hit Jinju with a group, booking a table is a smart move because this joint can get pretty packed, particularly in the evenings. And hey, don’t sleep on the lunch specials; they’re quite the steal and just as delicious!
Baekje Korean BBQ
— Media credit: baekje_korean_bbq
Address: 31, Lebuh Bishop, George Town
Contact details: +60183298333
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 11 AM to 2:30 PM, 5 PM to 10 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – 11 AM to 10 PM
Cost: $-$$
Baekje Korean BBQ is serving up a medley of Korean BBQ classics that you cook yourself. We’re talking about slices of pork belly, beef ribs, and all the fixings.
If sharing plates and grilling together sounds like a fun night out to you, then you’ve got to drop by here. And it’s not just about the BBQ; you’ve got dishes like jjigae, pajeon, budae jiggae,bossam, as well as noodle dishes that hit just the right spot.
Plus, they’ve seriously got their side dish game down pat. The banchan here are crowd-pleasers and do their job of keeping things interesting between those bites of grilled meaty perfection.
Pro tip:
If you’re into a more intimate dining experience, Baekje’s outdoor seating could be just what you’re looking for. Still, remember to make a reservation to avoid waiting because this spot is popular for all the right reasons.
Chun Cheon Dak Galbi
— Media credit: foodadvisor.my
Address: Unit No. A1-6 & A1-7, Vantage, Jalan Seri Tanjung Pinang 1
Contact details: +6048908749
Operating hours: Monday, Wednesday to Sunday – 11 AM to 3 PM, 5:30 PM to 10 PM
Cost: $-$$
Website: N/A
Chun Cheon Dak Galbi doesn’t play around when it comes to dak galbi—spicy stir-fried chicken that you cook at the table, mixing in all sorts of goodies like sweet potatoes, cabbage, and rice cakes.
They’ve got more than the stir-fry scene, though; fried rice, ramen, and even cheese fondue make an appearance, too.
Now, while the dak galbi is the main event, you’ve got to check out their other offerings. They’ve got a range of stews, noodles, and a variety of banchan that switch up now and then, so you’re in for a new taste each time you visit.
Pro tip:
This place gets its fair share of local love, so it’s always a good idea to book ahead. And if you’re rolling deep, go with their group sets—you’ll get to try a bit of everything, and it’s totally worth it.
Mr Dakgalbi
— Media credit: meee_sharing_
Website: https://www.facebook.com/mrdakgalbigppenang/
Address: 3RD FLOOR, Gurney Plaza, 170-03-61A, 170, Gurney Dr.
Contact details: +60135103525
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 10:30 AM to 10 PM
Cost: $-$$
Mr. Dakgalbi at Gurney Plaza is my go-to for that unbeatable street food vibe straight from Korea. Their dakgalbi is the star of the show here; we’re talking chicken, cheese, sweet potatoes, and a bunch of other goodies all mixed up in a sensational stir-fry.
They’ve got these epic sharing platters too, which are perfect when you’re out with the squad. Their Korean pancake lineup is not to be missed either, featuring crispy goodies like pajeon packed with seafood or green onions.
If you’re partial to a bit of heat, the tteokbokki got your back with those spicy rice cakes.
Pro tip:
Consider making a reservation, especially during weekends or holidays. This place can get busy very quickly, thanks in part to its popularity and prime location in Gurney Plaza.