Bibimbap is South Korea’s ultimate comfort food. It is a generous bowl of goodness containing white rice, seasonal vegetables, slices of meat, fried egg and a fermented sweet and spicy sauce known as gochujang.
It is the must-try dish when you visit South Korea. Traditionally, bibimbap is served with beef. However, in Seoul, thanks to evolving tastes and influx of tourists, you can also find delectable variations of the dish that include various meats, seafood and even vegetarian versions.
To me, indulging in traditional bibimbap is experiencing Korean culture. That is why I set out to find the best bibimbap restaurants in all of Seoul so that every visitor to this wonderful nation can taste one of the culinary brilliance of Far East Asia.
Page Contents
Best Bibimbap Restaurants in Seoul
These are the restaurants where you can eat authentic, incredibly delicious bibimbap in Seoul. I have marked the restaurants that either serve vegetarian bibimbap or are vegan friendly.
Maple Tree House Itaewon
Located at the insanely popular tourist area of Itaewon, Maple Tree House has been a favourite for Bibimbap affecianados for several years.
Maple Tree House has other branches in Seoul but for now, we are specifically talking about the one at Itaewon.
Their beef bibimbap is particularly recommended by patrons. The place has a brilliant ambience with great vibes. You can experience the best of authentic Korean cuisine in a chilled out environment at Maple Tree House.
Timings: Maple Tree House is open from 10 am to 10 pm Tuesday to Saturday and from 12 pm to 10 pm on Sunday. They are closed on Mondays.
Location and address: 26, Itaewon-ro 27ga-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul 04350, South Korea
Mokmyeoksanbang
*Vegetarian friendly along with tradtional bibimbaps
You need to visit Mokmyeoksanbang not just for the bibimbaps but also to experience Korean culture. This restaurant was started to promote Korean cuisine and is inside a beautiful hanok.
As you can imagine, the décor is traditional Korean and even the utensils will give you a feel of life in this wonderful country.
You have various options for your bibimbaps. Besides the traditional beef version, Mokmyeoksanbang serves brilliant vegetarian bibmbap as well with soybean paste.
Mokmyeoksanbang is located in Namsan, at the base from where you start your journey up towards N Seoul Tower, near the cable car station. It is a bit of a climb with the hill and stairs but totally worth it for authentic bibimbap.
Timings: Mokmyeoksanbang is open on all days from 11 am to 8 pm
Location and address: 71 Toegye-ro 20-gil, Namsandong 2-ga, Jung-gu 1F, Hannam Building, Seoul 04629, South Korea
Osegyehyang
*Vegetarian friendly
Located in Insadong, Osegyehyang is perhaps the best pure vegetarian restaurant for bibimbap in Seoul.
A small place with a beautifully Korean décor, this is the place you go to if you want vegetarian Korean cuisine. Vegans will enjoy the menu at Osegyehyang as well.
When at Osegyehyang, do try their other options along with bibimbap. It is tough to find pure vegetarian restaurants in Seoul and when you are in one, make the most of it.
As a tourist, you may want to just check out their menu before hand and know how to order in Korean as not all the servers speak English. However, it is not that tough and this place is filled with tourists and locals, all enjoying brilliant vegetarian Korean cuisine in an idyllic ambience.
Timings: Osegyehyang is open all days. From Monday to Friday the timings are 11.30 am to 9 pm. On Saturdays and Sundays the timings are 11.30 am to 4 pm and 5 pm to 9 pm.
Location and address: 14-5, Insadong 12-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul 03146, South Korea
Ondal – Grand Wakerhill
Ondal is a fine dining modern Korean restaurant located at the second floor of the Grand Wakerhill hotel in Seoul.
They have a set menu that includes bibimbap with abalone. I personally feel this is a great place to go for any special occasion, if you are with family or want the fine dining experience in South Korea.
The menu is on the pricier side but it is definitely worth the indulgence. Ondal is perfect if you want a great ambience, friendly service and an upscale dining experience that includes the best of Korean cuisine.
Timings: Ondal is open from 12 pm to 3 pm for lunch and 6 pm to 9 pm for dinner. It is closed on Tuesdays. Reservations are recommended.
Location and address: 21, Gwangjang-dong, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul South Korea (inside Grand Wakerhill Hotel – 2nd floor)
Jeonju Jungang Restaurant
Jeonju Jungang restaurant at Myeongdong is a busy place located in a small alley that can be easily missed if you are not careful.
This restaurant serves loads of locals as well as tourists. It is interesting that their bibimbap is on the sweeter side but hits all the umami notes that we love about the Korean delicacy.
Their dolsot bibimbap is definitely a must-try. You get the choice of beef or pork and you won’t go wrong with either. Just know the beef bibimbap is much more expensive than the pork version.
Timings: Jeonju Jungang restaurant is open during lunch and dinner and it is best you go early to get a table easily.
Location and address: 19, Myeongdong 8na-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul 04536, South Korea
Final thoughts
Our list of the best bibimbap restaurants in all of Seoul used to be quite extensive. Sadly after that Covid19 pandemic, many restaurants have either shut down or changed their menu.
I highly recommend you do try bibimbap when in Seoul as it is one of those dishes that gives you an idea of the beautiful Korean culture. It is a hearty, wholesome meal that will make you keep coming back for more.
Trackbacks/Pingbacks