I Went To South Korea To Find The Best Food – Here's Where You Can Find Amazing Halal And Vegan-Friendly Options
South Korea has been on my bucket list for ages, not just for its incredible culture and K-pop vibes, but for its legendary cuisine. But here's the thing: as someone who's always on the lookout for diverse dietary options – specifically Halal and vegan-friendly spots – I knew this trip would be a delicious challenge.And guess what? South Korea delivered! It was a culinary wonderland, and I'm here to share my absolute favourite finds, proving that you can seriously feast in Seoul and beyond, no matter your dietary needs.
Come with me as I dive headfirst into South Korea's incredible food scene, from its buzzing street markets to its best-kept secrets. I'm here to show you that there's a delicious bite for every palate, especially Halal and plant-based eats!
비건키친 (Vegan Kitchen)
Nestled near Myeongdong, Seoul, at Exit 3 (21 Toegye-ro 20-gil, Jung District, Seoul ), Vegan Kitchen is an absolute must-visit for anyone seeking delicious plant-based Korean food. This spot completely redefines what vegan eating in Korea can be, offering a delightful array of traditional Korean dishes, all made vegan-style. Think everything from classic Bibimbap and Stir-fried Bulgogi with Rice to more modern options like poke bowls, tortillas, and even plant-based fried chicken!First off, the location is super convenient, just a stone's throw from Myeongdong, making it easy to find. The menu variety is genuinely impressive, with so many choices you'll want to come back again and again to try them all. You place your order conveniently on a tablet at your table, which makes the whole process super smooth. But the absolute BEST surprise?
Your food isn't delivered by a human!
Instead, a super cute, cat-eared robot glides right up to your table with your order! It's a total futuristic delight and definitely adds to the fun of the experience.
The Price Tag (and why it's a steal!): My entire meal, including the stew, dumplings, and a soft drink, came to a total of ₩18,000. That's approximately £9.72! For a full, delicious, and incredibly satisfying meal in central Seoul, this is fantastic value. You get generous portions of freshly made food, plus those essential free side dishes, making it a truly affordable feast.Vegan Friendly? This entire restaurant is dedicated to vegan cuisine, meaning everything on the menu is plant-based and suitable for vegans. While not explicitly Halal-certified, the absence of meat and animal by-products means many dishes would align with a Halal diet, making it a fantastic option for both!Location/Tips: Search for "비건키친" or "Vegan Kitchen" near Myeongdong, Seoul. It's super close to Exit 3 of Myeongdong Station, and the Naver navigation map link is also handy. Don't forget to snap a pic with the robot when it delivers your food!
Little Gangster / 리틀갱스터양식
Despite its captivating name, "Little Gangster" is far from intimidating; it's an absolute culinary gem! Located near Hyochang Park Station in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, this premium eatery offers a refined dining experience with an emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients. While the space might be on the cosier side, it exudes a classy and wonderfully comfortable vibe, making it perfect for a relaxed meal.
The owner was super friendly and welcoming, making the whole experience even better, and trust me – the food here is genuinely outstanding! What truly sets Little Gangster apart is that they're constantly evolving their approach to ingredients. Their menu rotates seasonally, meaning every visit brings new and exciting plant-based creations to the table. This commitment to fresh, in-season produce ensures a dynamic and innovative dining experience, featuring items like kimchi stew with tofu katsu and lentil-kamut rice bowls.To start, I tried April's Seongju Korean Melon Gazpacho (₩11,000) as an appetiser. This was an unexpected delight – incredibly refreshing, subtly sweet from the melon, and a perfect palate cleanser.For my main, I opted for their famous Signature Nature-Inspired Pasta (₩21,000). This dish is a true masterpiece; it felt like a hug in a bowl, reimagined with a 'Temple Cuisine' influence. The rich sauce, simmered with sweet daikon, carrots, and bell peppers, had incredible depth, which was then perfectly brightened with fresh mashed tomatoes for a lighter taste. It came served with beautifully roasted vegetables and a selection of seasonal Korean greens. The best part? You can choose your base, so I went with the delicious Handmade Gnocchi, which were perfectly tender. Every dish felt thoughtfully prepared and beautifully presented.
The Price Tag (and why it's worth every penny!): My meal at Little Gangster came to a total of ₩32,000, which is approximately £17.30. While it's certainly more of a premium price point than your average Korean meal, for the quality of ingredients, the inventive plant-based cooking, and the beautiful dining experience, it feels incredibly justified. This is definitely a spot for a special meal.Vegan Friendly? Little Gangster is a fantastic vegan-friendly restaurant with a clear focus on plant-based dishes. As with many dedicated vegan spots, the lack of meat and common animal products makes it suitable for those seeking Halal options, though it's always good to confirm specific ingredients if you have strict requirements.Location/Tips: You'll find Little Gangster near Hyochang Park Station in Yongsan-gu, Seoul. It's a fantastic spot for a more upscale, yet cosy, dining experience. Naver navigation Map link.
집밥김선생 (Jipbab Kimseonsaeng) – Your Authentic Halal Korean Feast!
If you're searching for authentic Korean cuisine with the absolute peace of mind that comes from knowing it's Halal, then 집밥김선선생 (Jipbab Kimseonsaeng) is your new favourite spot! This restaurant is a game-changer, offering a huge variety of traditional Korean dishes, all prepared with Halal meat. The moment you step in, you're greeted with incredibly friendly hospitality, making you feel right at home.
Their menu are absolutely packed with options, ensuring there's something for everyone, even if a few popular items were temporarily sold out when I visited (which just shows how in-demand they are!). It's genuinely thrilling to see such a diverse range of Korean classics made accessible to a Halal diet.
We went all out with our order to try as much as possible, and every dish was a winner! First up was the Bulgogi 한상 (Hansang) (₩14,000 / approx. £7.56). This set came with beautifully seasoned, thinly sliced Halal meat, served with fluffy rice, delicate Plain Boiled Quail Eggs, a refreshing salad with purple cabbage and greens, tasty Eomuk Bokkeum (fish cake stir-fry, often made with veggie broth here to keep it Halal-friendly!), and a comforting egg soup. It was a complete and utterly satisfying meal in one!We also devoured the classic Cheese Tteokbokki (₩12,000 / approx. £6.48), which had that perfect spicy, sweet, cheesy kick. The Fried Chicken (₩13,000 / approx. £7.02) was wonderfully crispy on the outside and juicy within – a Halal chicken triumph! And finally, the Japchae Hansang (₩14,000 / approx. £7.56) (glass noodle stir-fry) was perfectly seasoned and packed with vibrant veggies.The Price Tag (and why it's a great deal!): For all these incredible dishes – the Bulgogi Hansang, Cheese Tteokbokki, Fried Chicken, and Japchae Hansang – our total came to ₩53,000. That's approximately £28.62! For a feast of this size and quality, especially for authentic Halal Korean food, this is absolutely brilliant value. The portions are generous, and the sheer variety you get for the price is fantastic, especially when dining with a group.Halal/Vegan Friendly? This restaurant is explicitly Halal-certified, making it a top choice for Muslim travellers and locals. While their main focus is on Halal meat, they offer a range of traditional Korean dishes, and it's always worth asking if certain items can be prepared vegan-friendly for those looking for plant-based options, though their primary strength is Halal meat.Location/Tips: You'll find 집밥김선생 (Jipbab Kimseonsaeng) easily near Noksapyeong Station, Exit 3. Their last order is at 9 PM, so plan accordingly. Naver navigation map link
Have you visited South Korea? Let us know your favourite spots to eat in the comments below!
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