We satisfied our kimchi cravings in Houston’s Korean restaurants, and we’ll be back soon!
Is it just me or do you also find yourself craving Korean dishes while watching K-dramas? I used to cook instant noodles and pair them with kimchi to get in the moment, but now I want something more authentic!
Good thing Houston has the best Korean restaurants that will transport us back to Seoul. So if you’re ready to grill some meats, join me as I satisfy my K-cuisine dreams today!
1. Handam BBQ
Media credit: @handambbq
Website: https://handam-bbq.club/
Address: 6609 W Sam Houston Pkwy S #96, Houston, TX 77072
Contact Details: +1 346-261-1500
Operating Hours: Monday – Friday: 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM; 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM; Saturday: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM; Sunday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM
If you want to try cooking your favorite meat products using smokeless charcoal grills, Handam BBQ should be on your list. You’ll love the different texture and taste of your meat when cooked using a charcoal grill!
You can enjoy their diverse appetizers such as kimchi, fish cakes, and mashed potatoes—all served fresh. Even better, they serve a hefty amount of appetizers, making you feel full even before you grill your meat.
You also have the option to avail yourself of their buffet services, allowing you to enjoy up to four different kinds of meat cuts, pickled vegetables, tofu, and chicken products.
On top of that, you’ll appreciate how the servers remain attentive throughout your stay, ensuring your side dishes and water are always refilled.
| Pro tip: While Handam BBQ is a kid-friendly restaurant, their restroom lacks a changing diaper station. Consider bringing a trolley so you can use it as your makeshift diaper nook for your kids. |
2. Hongdae 33 Korean BBQ
Media credit: @hongdae33kbbq
Website: https://hongdae33kbbq.com/
Address: 9889 Bellaire Blvd Suite D-229, Houston, TX 77036
Contact Details: +1 346-980-8106
Operating Hours: Sunday – Thursday: 11:30 AM – 12:00 AM; Friday – Saturday: 11:30 AM – 2:00 AM
If you’re searching for a lively Korean restaurant that remains open until later, then Hongdae 33 Korean BBQ is the one for you!
Hongdae 33 Korean BBQ reflects Seoul’s district, Hongdae, a lively place that turns on its glowing signages once the sun sets.
Here, you can order up to eight meat products to grill. On top of that, Hongdae 33 Korean BBQ also offers fresh seafood in the lineup.
Aside from the marinated meats, Hongdae 33 Korean BBQ also has homemade Korean side dishes, noodles, and stews, which complete your Korean BBQ experience.
This Korean restaurant also has a full bar complete with soju, rice wine, and other Korean spirits making it a great spot for a nightcap.
Meanwhile, you’ll love the attentive staff at Hongdae 33 Korean BBQ. They’ll make sure to refill your side dishes even before you ask for it.
| Pro tip: Hongdae 33 Korean BBQ’s elevator onsite isn’t working, so the restaurant isn’t accessible for those in wheelchairs or trolleys. The stairs are a bit steep, so be extra careful when going up or down. |
3. Dookki
Media credit: @dookkihouston
Website: https://www.instagram.com/dookkihouston
Address: 9750 Bellaire Blvd # 100, Houston, TX 77036
Contact Details: +1 832-831-8263
Operating Hours: Sunday – Thursday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM; Friday – Saturday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
If you’re craving some Korean street foods such as tteokkbokki then you shouldn’t miss Dookki!
What’s great about Dookki is that they offer a do-it-yourself hotpot experience, letting you cook your own ingredients from where you’re seated. You can get your favorite dumplings, fish cakes, and vegetables to create your very own hotpot dish.
You’ll love that you can even make your own sauces by mixing the ingredients, allowing you to be in full control of the flavor. The leftover broth won’t be a waste, as you can use it to cook your own Korean fried rice.
| Pro tips: Don’t forget to avail Dookki’s complimentary scoop of ice cream when dining in.Consider ordering their best-selling boba Thai tea to complement your Korean fast food favorites. |
4. Dak & Bop
Media credit: @dakandbop
Website: http://www.dakandbop.com/
Address: 1801 Binz St Suite 120, Houston
Contact Details: +1 832-516-9316
Operating Hours: Sunday – Thursday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM; Friday – Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
If you and your friends are looking for some authentic Korean chicken and beer combo then Dak & Bop is the one for you.
Upon entering the restaurant, you’ll immediately notice the lively atmosphere. Their attentive staff will even help you as you navigate through their menu, offering you the best deals so you can maximize your dining experience.
Here, you can enjoy munching on their double-fried Korean chicken wings. You‘ll love that you can choose various flavors such as soy garlic and Sriracha honey lime.
Even better, the servings at Dak & Bop are relatively huge, making them a great Korean restaurant for big groups that would love to share their food.
| Pro tip: To avail Dak & Bop free parking service, make sure to have your parking ticket validated before leaving the restaurant. |
5. Honey Pig Korean BBQ
Media credit: @honeypigbbq
Website: http://www.honeypigbbq.com/
Address: 9140 Bellaire Blvd B, Houston, TX 77036
Contact Details: +1 713-842-7993
Operating Hours: Sunday – Thursday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM; Friday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM; Saturday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Honey Pig Korean BBQ is another Korean BBQ restaurant that offers a great grilling experience to Houstonians. What’s great about Honey Pig Korean BBQ is that they have lunch and dinner deals, allowing you to order a full set without breaking the bank.
You’ll love that Honey Pig Korean BBQ gives its own take on your favorite side dishes. Don’t miss out on their kimchi pancakes and kimchi fluffy steamed eggs.
When it comes to cooking, you’ll love that the staff at Honey Pig Korean BBQ helps in the grilling process, ensuring the food is cooked properly while allowing you to enjoy your meal at your own pace.
| Pro tip: Don’t miss out on Honey Pig Korean BBQ’s kimchi rice. To make it more authentic, request the staff to grill it in front of you. |
6. Paik’s Noodle
Media credit: @paiks.noodlesg
Address: 9355 Long Point Rd Suite J-1, Houston, TX 77055
Contact Details: +1 832-242-3123
Operating Hours: Wednesday – Sunday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM; 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
If you’re curious about the Korean and Chinese fusion, then Paik’s Noodle should be on your must-try list. This Korean Chinese restaurant offers top Asian flavors, making your meals savory from every bite.
One of the dishes you can’t miss at Paik’s Noodle is their Jajangmyeon, a famous Korean pork and vegetable noodle dish with black bean sauce.
If you’re a fan of spicy food, then Paik’s Noodle hits the spot. You can try their fiery broth through its spicy jjampong.
What’s great about Paik’s Noodle is that you don’t have to wait for servers to order your meals. You can just order through their self-serve machines, letting you add to your spread anytime you want!
While Paik’s Noodle can host solo diners, their servings are known to be bigger than usual so be ready for a filling meal during your visit!
| Pro tip: For vegetarians out there, you can try Paik’s Noodle’s veggie fried rice and their stir-fried vegetarian noodles. |
7. BORI
Media credit: @borirestaurant
Website: http://borirestaurant.com/
Address: 1453 Witte Rd, Houston, TX 77080
Contact Details: +1 832-740-4350
Operating Hours: Monday – Friday: 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM, 5:00 PM – 9:30 PM; Saturday – Sunday: 12:00 PM – 9:30 PM
For a more sophisticated and classy Korean dining experience, you can enjoy the upscale service and atmosphere at BORI.
Here, you’ll enjoy choosing from their premium meats such as wagyu dry-aged beef and fillet mignon. You can also order other premium dishes such as octopus carpaccio, fried chili eggplant, and seabass risotto.
On top of that, BORI has a great ventilation system, ensuring you won’t smell like you’ve spent hours inside a Korean BBQ restaurant.
There’s no need to go to Nami Island, as BORI brings you your favorite Hotteok, a Korean street food pancake stuffed with cinnamon and sugar. Here, they will even top it with ice cream!
If you want a more intimate setting, BORI can provide you with private rooms, complete with a smokeless grill and a dedicated staff that can grill meats for you and your friends.
Additionally, you can choose from their wide selection of fine wine and soju to complete the celebration.
Meanwhile, if you want to see how the restaurant pays tribute to those who suffered during wars, you can head over to their terrace area called the Peace Garden, reflecting unity within Korea.
| Pro tip: Consider visiting BORI on weekdays from 11 in the morning until 1:30 in the afternoon or 5 in the afternoon until 6 in the evening to avail their Happy Hour offerings. |
8. Manna Noodle House
Media credit: @mannanourishes
Website: https://koreagardenhouston.com/
Address: 9501 Long Point Rd, Houston, TX 77055
Contact Details: +1 713-468-2800
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Manna Noodle House is a great Korean restaurant for those who love watching mukbang challenges featuring jjajangmyeon and jjampong.
What’s great about Manna Noodle House is that you don’t need to choose one—you can order both in half-and-half to enjoy your two favorites!
Don’t forget to pair your noodles with their homemade kimchi and fried dumplings, branded as the perfect match by their loyal patrons.
You’ll love that the staff checks up on you often, making sure that everything you need is being served on time.
| Pro tip: If you want a more refreshing noodle dish, consider ordering their spicy cold chewy noodles. You can also pair this with a cold barley tea to help balance those overwhelming flavors. |
9. Korean Garden Restaurant
Website: https://koreagardenhouston.com/
Address: 9501 Long Point Rd, Houston, TX 77055
Contact Details: +1 713-468-2800
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
For over 30 years, Houstonians have been getting their fix of traditional Korean meals here at Korea Garden Restaurant. This Korean restaurant lives up to its name by providing a dining experience in the middle of a cozy courtyard.
Here, you can choose to grill your own meats or be seated at a non-grilling table.
You’ll love that Korean Garden Restaurant offers an authentic Korean menu such as soft tofu stew with seafood, seafood pancakes, kimchi jjigae, and bibimbap.
Moreover, even if the place is large enough to accommodate plenty of guests, the wait time is relatively short, allowing you to enjoy your meals continuously.
| Pro tips: Consider ordering your bibimbap in a stone bowl, allowing you to be served with a crispier bottom. Consider bringing a light sweater or scarf when visiting Korean Garden Restaurant as their AC can be quite strong, especially during the night. |
10. Seoul Garden
Media credit: @seoulgardenhoustontx
Website: http://www.seoulgardenhoustontx.com/
Address: 9446 Long Point Rd, Houston, TX 77055
Contact Details: +1 713-935-9696
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: 10:30 AM – 10:00 PM
Since 1994, Seoul Garden has been providing authentic Korean dining experiences to Houstonians. Aside from their tabletop BBQ grilling experience, they also offer their traditional menu complete with appetizers and entrees.
What’s great about Seoul Garden is that all their ingredients including their chili paste and bean paste are made from scratch, ensuring you get to taste the fresh and authentic Korean flavors.
When it comes to the vibe, we love how Seoul Garden decorates its place, transporting you to Seoul instantly. They also complete the vibe with some Korean pop music, making you dance to your favorite KPop tunes!
| Pro tip: To avoid confusion when ordering from Seoul Garden’s extensive menu, just use the code indicated right beside the menu to ensure your order is correct. |
