Tangy, salty, sweet and spicy – Korean food is all of that and much more! Korean food is one of the healthiest on the planet, using minimal oil and hardly any dairy. It mostly comprises rice, noodles, vegetables and meat, and side dishes are also popular. If you’re looking for some delicious Korean cuisine in KZN, be sure check out our list, and make sure you go hungry!

Crazy Korean (Durban North)

This is the most popular Korean spot in KZN and chef and owner KJ Lee ensures all meals prepared in his kitchen are of the highest quality. Crazy Korean has set menus for sharing, as well as a la carte options. The portions are big, healthy and deliciously tasty. You can tell that a lot of pride, care and effort goes into the food – the proof is in the taste and texture. They are known for their sticky chicken and rice (gang-jong bab), which costs R90, and pancakes (available in seafood and veg), which cost R125. The BBQ beef and rice (bul-go-gi bap) is also always a winner at R110. They also offer ready-to-cook meals that you can cook at home, which cost R200. We guarantee you’ll be back for more after just the first bite. They offer takeaways and sit-down dining. Open Monday to Saturday from 11am–7pm.

 

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Seoul Food (Shongweni Farmers Market)

Seoul Food can be found at the Shongweni Farmers Market every Saturday (and the last Sunday of the month) at stall A18. They specialise in Korean street food and are known for their mouth-watering, crispy Korean fried chicken (twice-fried boneless chicken thighs covered with a sweet and spicy sauce, topped with peanuts and sesame seeds), which costs R60, and their tasty, authentic Korean corn dogs (chicken viennas on a stick, coated in a panko breadcrumb batter and deep-fried), which cost R35. All of their meals are made with fresh ingredients and will leave a Seoul-ful impression on you! Don’t forget to enjoy one of their authentic boba teas (R30) with your meal.

Asian Bites (Scottburgh)

Asians Bites may be a bit of a drive, but it’s well worth it! The most popular item on their menu is the Korean beef bulgogi (sweet and mildly spicy mince with soy, sesame seeds, spring onion, served with jasmine rice) for R80. Another must is the traditional gochujang noodles (noodles, peppers, carrots, cabbage and chicken in a delicious Korean gochujang sauce). A full portion costs R90 and half costs R45. The portions are generous and will leave you feeling very satisfied. The menu incorporates traditional and contemporary food so that all preferences are catered for. Open daily from 11am–7pm.

 

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Oohmami (Shongweni Farmers Market)

Oohmami is known for its mouth-watering, home-made steamed bao buns, which are made with their in-house sticky BBQ sauce. They’re available in tempura chicken, slow-roasted beef shortrib and jackfruit and exotic mushrooms (vegan option). You can choose two baos for R80, and mixing and matching flavours is encouraged. There is also a delightful selection of boba teas to enjoy with the bao. Oohmami can be found at the Shongweni Farmers Market every Saturday and on the last Sunday of the month. Check their social media pages to find out where else you can find them. They also have “Oohmami on Wheels” that can be booked for birthdays, weddings and corporate functions. Email them on info@oohmami.co.za

 

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Eat Out critics dine unannounced and pay for their meals in full. Read our full editorial policy here.