Introduction
Austin, Texas, a city known for its vibrant music scene, eclectic culture, and, increasingly, its diverse and delicious food offerings, is quickly becoming a haven for Korean food enthusiasts. The tantalizing aroma of kimchi sizzling on a grill, the comforting warmth of a bubbling stew, and the vibrant colors of a perfectly arranged bibimbap – these are just a few of the experiences that await you in Austin’s flourishing Korean culinary landscape. Craving kimchi jjigae on a rainy Austin day? Or maybe you’re in the mood for some crispy, juicy Korean fried chicken? Austin’s Korean food scene is exploding, and it’s time to discover where to find the best.
Korean cuisine, with its intricate balance of spicy, savory, and fermented flavors, has captured the hearts (and stomachs) of food lovers around the world. From the elaborate banchan (side dishes) that accompany almost every meal to the rich broths of its signature stews, Korean food is an experience that engages all the senses. Austin’s growing Asian population, combined with the city’s adventurous and open-minded foodie culture, has created the perfect environment for Korean restaurants to thrive.
This guide will lead you to the best Korean restaurants and dishes in Austin, highlighting a range of options from traditional to modern interpretations. Forget bland and boring – Austin boasts a Korean culinary landscape as diverse and exciting as the city itself. Get ready for a flavor-packed adventure!
Korean BBQ Powerhouses: Where Meat Takes Center Stage
Korean BBQ, or KBBQ as it’s often called, is more than just a meal; it’s an interactive and communal dining experience. Guests grill marinated meats at their table, surrounded by an array of banchan. Austin offers some exceptional Korean BBQ options, each with its own unique charm.
Gogi Korean BBQ
Stepping into Gogi Korean BBQ (address here) is like stepping into a modern Korean eatery. The sleek and contemporary design creates a vibrant and inviting atmosphere. However, the true star of Gogi is their meticulously sourced meat. Their galbi (marinated short ribs) is a standout, boasting a sweet and savory flavor profile with just the right amount of char. The bulgogi (marinated thinly sliced beef) is another must-try, tender and bursting with umami. The samgyeopsal (pork belly) is thick-cut and grilled to crispy perfection. The sheer variety and quality of banchan are also noteworthy. Expect everything from kimchi and pickled radish to seasoned spinach and bean sprouts. Gogi Korean BBQ falls into the higher price range but the quality and experience make it worthwhile. Be sure to try their unique soju cocktails.
Charm Korean Steak House
Unlike the modern vibe of Gogi, Charm Korean Steak House (address here) offers a more traditional and rustic ambiance. This restaurant specializes in dry-aged meats, which contribute to an incredibly intense and flavorful BBQ experience. Their dry-aged ribeye is a revelation, offering a depth of flavor rarely found elsewhere. They also offer a wide selection of premium Wagyu beef. Charm Korean Steak House is definitely a splurge, but it’s perfect for a special occasion or when you’re looking to truly indulge. They’re known for their excellent table-side service.
Cho Sun Korean BBQ
For a more budget-friendly option, consider Cho Sun Korean BBQ (address here). Don’t let the simple decor fool you; Cho Sun Korean BBQ delivers excellent value without sacrificing flavor. Their marinated meats are flavorful and tender, and their banchan is fresh and plentiful. They have a great lunch special. Cho Sun Korean BBQ is a popular spot for both Korean BBQ beginners and seasoned veterans.
Stews, Soups, and Noodles: Warmth in Every Bowl
Beyond the sizzling grills of Korean BBQ, lies a world of comforting stews, soul-warming soups, and satisfying noodles. These dishes are perfect for a chilly evening or when you’re craving something hearty and flavorful. Austin’s Korean restaurants excel at delivering these comforting classics.
Kimchi House
Kimchi House (address here), as the name suggests, is known for its incredible kimchi. Therefore, it’s no surprise that their kimchi jjigae is a standout. The rich and tangy broth, packed with fermented kimchi, pork, and tofu, is the perfect antidote to a cold day. Kimchi House also offers a delicious sundubu jjigae, a soft tofu stew with your choice of protein. The spice level can be adjusted to your preference. The atmosphere is casual and family-friendly, making it a great spot for a quick and comforting meal. They also offer a selection of Korean beers and soju.
Han Yang Korean Restaurant
For those craving noodle dishes, Han Yang Korean Restaurant (address here) is the place to go. Their jajangmyeon, thick wheat noodles topped with a rich black bean sauce, is a customer favorite. The noodles are perfectly cooked, and the sauce is savory and slightly sweet. Han Yang Korean Restaurant also offers japchae, glass noodles stir-fried with vegetables and meat, a classic dish that’s both flavorful and satisfying. Their portions are generous and the prices are reasonable.
Dae Gee Korean BBQ
Dae Gee Korean BBQ (address here) also has a great Budae Jjigae (Army Stew), a fusion stew that incorporates ingredients from both Korean and American cuisine. Think spam, hot dogs, kimchi, ramen noodles, and tofu all simmering in a spicy broth. It’s a unique and flavorful experience.
Bibimbap & Rice Dishes: A Symphony of Flavors and Textures
Bibimbap, meaning “mixed rice,” is a cornerstone of Korean cuisine. This visually stunning dish features a bed of rice topped with an array of colorful vegetables, meat (optional), a fried egg, and gochujang (Korean chili paste). The beauty of bibimbap lies in its versatility and the ability to customize it to your own tastes. Austin offers some fantastic bibimbap variations.
Arirang Restaurant
Arirang Restaurant (address here) is a long-standing Austin Korean restaurant serving consistently excellent bibimbap. They offer both regular bibimbap and dolsot bibimbap, which is served in a hot stone bowl, creating a crispy layer of rice at the bottom. The quality of the ingredients is evident in every bite, from the fresh vegetables to the tender meat. Arirang Restaurant also offers a vegetarian bibimbap option. They are open late and serve alcohol. Customer service is known to be excellent.
Korean Grill
For a more modern take on rice dishes, Korean Grill (address here) offers several Korean bowls. This restaurant specializes in customizable rice bowls with different Korean-style meats and sauces.
Street Food & Modern Twists: A Taste of Korean Innovation
Korean street food is a vibrant and exciting part of the Korean culinary experience. From spicy rice cakes to crispy fried chicken, these dishes are bursting with flavor and are perfect for a quick and satisfying snack or meal. Austin’s Korean food scene is also embracing modern twists on classic dishes.
Chi’Lantro BBQ
Chi’Lantro BBQ (various locations), while not strictly a Korean restaurant, has gained a massive following for its Korean-Mexican fusion cuisine. Their kimchi fries, topped with Korean BBQ, kimchi, and sriracha mayo, are legendary. Chi’Lantro BBQ is a great example of the innovative and creative spirit of Austin’s food scene. This is a local favorite.
BB.Q Chicken
For authentic Korean fried chicken, check out BB.Q Chicken (address here). This popular chain offers a variety of Korean fried chicken flavors, from the classic crispy fried chicken to the sweet and spicy yangnyeom chicken. The chicken is always crispy and juicy, and the flavors are addictive. You won’t be disappointed.
Hidden Gems & Local Favorites: Off the Beaten Path
Austin’s Korean food scene is full of hidden gems, small family-run restaurants that serve up authentic and delicious Korean cuisine.
Korea House
Korea House (address here) is a no-frills restaurant that’s been serving up traditional Korean dishes for years. Their menu features a wide range of classics, from bibimbap and bulgogi to stews and soups. The prices are reasonable, and the portions are generous. This is a great spot for a comforting and authentic Korean meal. This location is very popular with locals.
Silla Restaurant
Silla Restaurant (address here) is another great spot for traditional Korean cuisine. This restaurant is a bit more upscale than Korea House, but the prices are still reasonable. They offer a wide variety of dishes, including Korean BBQ, stews, soups, and noodles.
Conclusion
Austin’s Korean food scene is a treasure trove of flavors, textures, and experiences. From the sizzling grills of Korean BBQ to the comforting warmth of bubbling stews, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re a seasoned Korean food enthusiast or a curious newcomer, Austin offers a diverse and exciting culinary landscape that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds. From Gogi Korean BBQ’s modern atmosphere and quality cuts, to Arirang Restaurant’s classic Bibimbap, to Chi’Lantro’s creative kimchi fries, there’s something for every craving. So grab your chopsticks, gather your friends, and embark on a delicious adventure through the best Korean food Austin TX has to offer! The culinary scene is booming with delicious and authentic flavors that are waiting for you to explore them.
