Since the last time I visited Seoul in 2015, there are now a lot more Muslim-friendly food available in the capital city of South Korea.
Interestingly, the newer shops are located in more popular and easily accessible area like Hongdae, Myeongdong, and Itaewon.
What to eat in Seoul
Here is a feast for the eyes with a rundown of food we ate during our trip in 2022:
(Note: Halal does not necessarily mean the whole establishment is halal-certified like in Singapore. At your own discretion.)
We took Korean Air, which was surprisingly affordable and promoted their safety video as trendy as an MV filled with K-pop idols from SM entertainment.
We requested for a Muslim meal in advanced and got dry laksa. The seasoning was quite balanced, and the sambal was not spicy. I was glad it was not the usual curry-based flight meals.
Busan Jib Restaurant, Myeongdong
The restaurant is located along the main street at a side alley. If you don’t look closely, you might not realise that there is an authentic halal Korean shop here.
Cooked by an omma and served by a very friendly waiter, the spacious and welcoming space made the meals taste even better.
The meals only use halal-certified meat and ingredients. There is also a 2nd outlet selling halal Korean BBQ right beside.
We ordered some stew, jeon (Korean-style pancake), bulgogi, and fried rice. This was one of the few places we went back to during out trip. The seafood dishes were great here.
Address: 11-4 Myeongdong 8-gil, Myeongdong 2(i)-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul (서울특별시 중구 명동2가 명동8길 11-4)
EID – Halal Korean Food
We had to wait a for a while for seats because it is a small space and it was up a hill, but it was worth it.
This cosy little shop had one of the best bulgogi. Located nearby the Seoul Central Mosque, the restaurant is run by a Korean-Muslim family, and despite the many orders, they always serve customers with a smile.
They have opened up at a new area, which boasts more seating space for all.
Address: 용산구 우사단로10길 15 그린 빌딩 1층, Seoul, South Korea (New address)
Yell-O chicken
We had takeaway because we had dinner at EID, and still wanted a taste of the iconic Korean combo of Chicken & *Soda* 😉
We bought sweet & spicy wings & drumlets. As the first Halal Korean fried chicken in South Korea, the restaurant sells crispy fried, sweet & spicy, honey-butter, and spicy chicken.
Address: 04407 14, Usadan-ro 10-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, Korea (이태원동)
The Halal Guys Korea
This was my first Halal Guys ever. The serving size was actually quite big, so it’s good to share and try out the different variety of beef and chicken.
You can think of it as a fast food restaurant, which uses a self-ordering kiosk. We of course selected the famous white sauce for our gyros and kebabs. They used basmati rice (thankfully!). The bread was really filling too.
Everything was served hot and quick so it was a meal that makes you full. They have three locations, but we went to the one at Hongdae. It was located in a building with other shops including branded shoe and clothes shop, a huge stationary shop and some restaurants across a few floors. Hence, we got distracted for a while before and after our meals.
Address: 서울 마포구 양화로 161 03995, EXIT MALL 3F, 홍대입구역 2번출그
HojiBobo Restaurant Itaewon Seoul
This restaurant may be located in a seemingly random location, but let me tell you, the interior is fancy!
The place sells halal steaks and Uzbek food. Better to make reservations in advanced.
The platter that we ordered was huge filled with various meats (I think there was beef, lamb and ribs). We could not finish it even when we were a group of six ladies.
The food was actually not too bad, meat was tender, but the only complaint I had was the waiting time.
Address: Yeongsan-gu Itaewon-dong 56-30, Seoul, South Korea
Kebab Inn
We can never go wrong with kebabs while traveling! Happened to walk past as we headed to some K-pop related cafes in the area. There was a really fun photo studio a few shops down which had special frames!
It is also relatively near Common Ground and Seoul Forest, and only a street down Konkuk University Station.
Address: 05018 221, Achasan-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul, Korea (화양동)
Kantipur Cheongdam Branch [Permanently closed]
I ate my usual combo of naan and butter chicken. The most interesting thing is that the dishes are served with kimchi and radish! It somehow felt refreshing eating it to cleanse your palette from the curry.
The street was full of things I could never really afford, including beauty clinics, high-end luxury shops and art galleries. The main reason I visited this area was mostly to check out a contemporary museum which has some exhibits that I was interested in.
Address: 06014 5, Seolleung-ro 152-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Korea (청담동)
Kervan Turkish Restaurant 케르반
Kervan is a halal Turkish restaurant located in the COEX mall. Both chicken and beef dishes were not bad, but I remember the curry was not exactly to my liking. The pide was tasty. Overall, the restaurant was one of the biggest in this list, and they used basmati rice here, so it felt right at home.
Is a bit pricey, but still ok for halal mediterranean food in Seoul.
Note: Do not overorder the bread because some of the dishes already come with bread, although it is super tasty when it is served steamy and hot.
Address: COEX Starfield Mall 172-117 Samseong 1(il)-dong Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Halal at your discretion:
Tteutbakke Lamb Skewers 뜻밖에양꼬치
This was a super unexpected find, and it was not really publicised online except in Korean on Naver.
This restaurant is known for their skewers. There are only specific options which is halal. Only the lamb meat is halal certified but not the chicken and beef. We got fried rice and kimchi stew as well (though this is not certified halal).
The peanuts tasted so good with the meat, I miss it already.
Address: 115 Eoulmadang-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul
Random, but spotted this in Hongdae, where the K-bbq restaurant was featured in the drama Kim Bok joo! (But it is not halal sadly)
Yoogane Chicken Ribs Hongdae 2
Yoogane is a popular Korean marinated chicken franchise, with outlets even in Singapore. This restaurant is located along an upward food and accessories street (so we got distracted often).
Side dishes are self-service, and I never realised how wide the range of Korean side dishes were until then. The waiter will cook the dishes on the pan for us.
Tip: Add the mozzarella cheese! So so good, and it helps neutralise the spiciness.
We specifically went to this one instead of the one at the main street because my trip mate had confirmed with them (with the help of her Korean friends) that their chicken supply is halal-certified at this store, and no pork or alcohol is used in any of the dishes here.
We also got a seafood-based one (which was squid). The staff was not so friendly, but they were efficient, so they fed our hanger well.
We also added instant noodles and rice at the end to round up the meal-Korean style. Overall, we enjoyed the taste that we went back multiple times!
Address: 32 Hongik-ro 3-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Noryangjin Fish Market
If you are a seafood person, this is the place to be! Start from the first floor to select your seafood that catches your eye AND don’t forget to bargain! The aunties and uncles are usually willing to lower their prices if you purchase more.
Since we were armed with some Korean friends, and an Asian aunty, we were well-prepared for the negotiation. They also gave us some service (aka free food).
They will then send you and the ingredients up to the second floor to their designated restaurant. You’ll be able to choose how it will be cooked ie steamed, grilled,or raw. They can also advise you accordingly. Do note that there will be additional charge for the cooking. The restaurants are not halal-certified, so request for your food to be cooked without any alcohol or broth added.
Since it is a tourist spot, there will be sellers who can speak English. The place is very well spaced-out and ventilated.
Address: 674 Nodeul-ro, Noryangjin-dong, Dongjak-gu, Seoul
Gwangjang Market
Food options are plenty at any traditional Korean market. Typically, best to avoid the shops that sells sundae (the sausage looking item, which is essentially pork). There was one shop that was crowded because it was featured on a Netflix show.
We walked further down with much less crowds, and found an auntie that was friendly to tourists, and she shared that her food did not include any alcohol and pork. We got the Kalguksu noodles, and she let us take second servings for the side dishes too.
Get a cup of sikhye, rice cakes, twisted Korean doughnut (gwabaegi), and the famous hotteok to snack on too! These should be generally ok to try, but up to your own discretion.
Address: 88 Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno 4(sa)-ga, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Namdaemun market is also popular for their food. We could also easily find Jeju Hallabong juice at the markets.
Cafes
Cafe hopping in Seoul is a vibe. They are also very up to date with trends and match their products according to the season. During my trip, it was shine muscat and watermelon season.
MOUSE RABBIT COFFEE 마우스래빗
Drinks here were rich in taste, and it surprisingly filled our stomachs. Loved this cafe. More about it here.
Address: Seoul 5-14 Hwayang-dong, Gwangjin-gu
HARU & ONEDAY 하루앤원데이
The pastries were surprisingly great and moist, despite its simple presentation. Latte was on the sweet side if I recall correctly.
Address: 04782 92, Achasan-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul (Gwangmyeong Tower)
Cafe the Nine Square 카페 더 나인
This shop was located very near Gangnam station exit 9/10, so it was a great place to rest after shopping, before getting into the train.
We headed to this shop by chance because they had delicious-looking croffles! The drinks tasted like the usual, but the food was warm and soft and buttery. Seoul just knows how to create tantalising croffles.
Address: South Korea, Seoul, Seocho-gu, Seocho-dong, Seocho-daero 77-gil, 5 1~2층
Artisan Croissants by Artisan Bakers
This place had like one of the best croissants ever. It was flaky on the outside and the dough was soft and chewy.
They sold artisan pastries, like croissants, cruffins, danish, ciabatta and more. We got a chocolate-filled croissant, and there is an oven toaster for those who want to heat it up and eat it right away.
Sadly, only found out afterwards that they are famous for their Laugen Croissant (pretzel croissant) has been featured on TV shows. Should have gotten it too!
Address: 140-16 Gye-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Cafe BetterDay 카페 베럴데이
This was located at the main street of Hongdae, so location was super convenient. The cafe was aesthetically pleasing too.
We preferred the coffee drinks here the most.
Address: 147 Eoulmadang-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Mangwon Tiramisu 망원동티라미수
The retro-designed cafe stood out from the other cafes at that street and is a popular dessert cafe because of their tiramisu.
We only bought the drinks though. Their latte was on the sweet milky side, but their fruit-related drinks were not bad.
Address: 87 Poeun-ro, 마포구 Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
We actually wanted to try out Cafe Knotted which was in that area, but it was closed then. 😢
Holly’s Coffee
This franchise is everywhere and is always full of customers. Try their seasonal specials!
Another franchise to hang out at is A Twosome Place. It is everywhere too.
Dal.komm Coffee Balsan Branch 달콤커피 발산역점
This three-level cade made it very obvious that it was used as a filming site for Goblin (or Guardian: The Lonely and Great God), and you get to relax and enjoy the cafe as per usual too.
Address: 894 Nagamachi-dong, Songpa-gu, Seoul
Pink Rabbit Garden [Permanently Closed]
We heard this was a popular cafe. But the food was heavy-dish type, and also sold lots of ham-based dishes.
Even the drinks felt basic and had limited options, so we ended up not getting anything from here. But we got some photos!
Address: 62 Gyedong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
카페imt 계동점
There were quite a few options for non-coffee drinks, which was good after all the cafe-hopping.
Address: 143-1 Gye-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
The viral Cafe Onion Anguk is just down the same street.
A cafe in Myeongdong
I can’t remember the name of this cafe, but it was down the alley of the Myeongdong shopping street. It was a nice resting spot in the midst of all the shopping.
카페333
We happened to visit the cafe. It looks unassuming outside, but the decor is very vintage and vibrant. Apparently, this cafe is a popular for fan cafe events, located in the hip area of Hongdae. There will be a different themed menu for each idol’s birthday.
Address: 12 Wausan-ro 29ra-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Seoul Snacking Good
Here were some of the random snacks we ate:
Mr Kim Toast
Interestingly, even though this is a food truck that is only present in the morning before any of the shops open, Google maps saved it as an official spot for him.
The food truck is great because we usually start out mornings early, it is right next to Hongik University Station Exit 9, and “safe” food option. You can get delicious toast from a friendly uncle!
Address: 152 Yanghwa-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Event Food Trucks
When we were at a music festival, there was a row of food trucks serving various types of food. We had to get churros and fruit ade!
Baskin Robbins Milk
To have cotton candy milk?! In love. The cookie crumble milk was the crowd favourite.
Think we bought it from Nice 2 CU, or one of the other convenience stores.
Baskin Robbins
Of course, not forgetting the unique ice cream flavours in Seoul. It was Pokemon fever then, so there were Pokemon-related flavours in super cute Pokemon cup designs!
There is a store at the airport too.
Nice Mangwon
Fancy some gelato with a Korean twist? It is a small space, but the in-house flavours were interesting and staff was very friendly.
Their gelato is healthy with the use of all-natural ingredients.
Address: South Korea, 상가 107호 15 KR 서울특별시 마포구 희우정로 10길 나이스망원
Heuk Hwa Dang
We cannot miss out on bubble tea! Picked this shop because you can see them cooking the pearls in real time. The milk tea was average, but the pearls were chewy.
They have quite a few stores around in Seoul.
Lotte Mart
Bought this yoghurt drink out of impulse because Highlight’s Yang Yoseop was their ambassador. (I preferred the taste of Yakult and Vitagen though.)
Bought a few other snacks home including their honey butter peanuts, which was viral few years back.
Alas, it was finally time to go home. Got my last cup of Seoul hot chocolate at the airport while waiting to board the plane.
We also bought some twisted sugar donuts back home.
Glad to have been able to have sugar, spice, and everything nice during my trip in Seoul!
Here’s to hoping to fly my soul back to Seoul once again!
Uminsummer 