Every time I visit Seoul I am on the hunt for the best, affordable and delicious local restaurants that I can find. The following local spots focus on varied cuisines, fresh ingredients, consistency and quality every time I visit, and an overall good value for money. These local places are good for budget travelers, couples, solo travelers or anyone who is looking for amazing food and an experience. This list includes some variety for even the most adventurous food lovers!
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1. Favorite Mexican fare: Taco Amigo
Looking for refried beans? Cheesy nachos? Authentic enchiladas or burritos? Look no further! We have found all of your authentic Mexican food needs behind the Itaewon Metro Station. A favorite loved by Korean locals and westerns alike, this authentic Mexican establishment has been serving up delicious Mexican cuisine for almost 10 years! They also serve real Jarritos Mexican sodas to drink, or Mexican beers to pair with your meal.
Taco Amigo
Address: 130-34 Itaewon-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
Price: average price per dish 4-10 USD
Opening Hours: 11am-10pm
Access: Itaewon Station
Contact: +82 027495253
Facebook: Taco Amigo
2. Favorite Thai fare: Amazing Thai
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Posted by Ashley Kim on Friday, 27 May 2016
This has been the closest place we could find to Thailand’s flavors and taste in all of South Korea. It could be because there is a real Thai chef in the kitchen here! On the menu at Amazing Thai you can expect the usual, Pad Thai, Pad See Ew, and Tom Yun Soup but also variations of typical Thai dishes that are not so famous and multiple meats for your dish. They also offer an array of vegetarian options just in case. They also speak English here!
Amazing Thai
Address: 238 Itaewon-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Price: from 8 USD
Opening Hours: 11:30am-10pm
Access: Itaewon Station
Contact: +82 27967377
3. Favorite burger: I am a Burger &
Posted by Junho Han on Tuesday, 18 August 2015
Situated up a small side street in Hongdae, this cozy and rustic burger place has been thriving since its opening just two years ago. Popular with college students, families and business professionals alike, there is really no better burger in Seoul. From the juiciness of their imported burger meat to the delicious milkshakes, to their homemade burger buns, to the atmosphere, this place has yet to be beat. You can completely customize your burger experience here from the cheese, to the toppings, to if you want a side of fries and what type. There are sets available which include regular fries, Cajun fries or cheese fries and a soda. There are only about 8 tables and a few counter seats inside so if you don’t want to wait to get seated, get here early at 11:30am when it opens, or come around 3pm after the lunch rush. During the weekend this place packs up fast for all meal times since it is closed on Mondays!
I am a Burger &
Address: 5-78 Changjeon-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul
Price: Burgers from 6 USD
Opening Hours: 11:30am - 9pm
Access: Hongik University Station
Contact: +82 23388507
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4. Favorite American breakfast fare: Travel Makers
Are you craving scrambled eggs with REAL sausage or bacon? Thick French toast with fresh berries and cream? Pancakes piled high with your favorite toppings? Then we have found your perfect breakfast spot. When in Hongdae, this is a must for locals and tourists alike. Situated on the main street near Hongik University station metro, this popular breakfast spot is packed on the weekends from opening until after lunch. To get yourself a spot without waiting, try it out during the week or in the late afternoon. Remember when you go to order and pay at the counter first, then take a seat. They have a variety of other options to eat if breakfast is not your favorite such as soups, grilled cheese, quesadillas and burritos.
Travel Makers
Address: 43 Yanghwa-ro 21-gil, Donggyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul
Price: from 3 USD
Opening Hours: 9am - 11pm.
Access: Hongik University Station
Contact: +82 23381545
5. Best coffee shop/dessert shop: Bean Brothers
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Wandering around in Gangnam and need a caffeine boost? Up the road outside exit 11 of Gangnam station sits this multistory coffee shop. Going up the staircase and inside you will find a modern display of coffee roasting at its best. This of course paired with homemade cakes, cookies and breads. A vanilla latte here will run you around 7,000 KRW (5 USD) but it is well worth the high price. I have never tasted beans like this before. You can enjoy the relaxed atmosphere filled with books about coffee, free water, free WiFi, and quiet study areas on the second floor. It is easy to spend a whole afternoon here, try the tiramisu or other cakes on offer for a delicious homemade treat!
Bean Brothers
Address: 368-3, Hapjeong-Dong, Mapo-Gu, Seoul, South Korea
Price: Lattes from 5 USD
Opening Hours: 9am - 11pm
Access: Gangnam Station
Contact: +02 60122001
Website Bean Brothers
6. Favorite cheap eat: Tuk Tuk noodle
For those that want a slight adventure with their meal, head to Tuk Tuk noodle. This place is known for their cheap, generous portions of delicious Thai food. Their new location is outside of Hongik University metro stop, exit 3 and make sure you use a GPS to find it. The landmark outside is a yellow tuk tuk (a Thai style scooter/car), and the restaurant is up on the second floor. In their newly opened location there is still a constant wait since the space is still quite small. They are taking reservations now but they do fill up quickly. If you don’t want to wait come early, before the lunch rush of students, or wait until after the dinner rush. They have your typical Thai favorites, Pad Thai, curries and a variety of other seafood and noodle dishes in the 10,000 KRW price range (8 USD) so it really is a great deal. Their most popular dishes are their crispy basil pork, pad Thai, noodle salad, and deep fried fish. Keep in mind if you do want the deep fried fish you do have to call in advance to let them know. The staff is very friendly and many of them also speak English, a plus!
Tuk Tuk noodle
Address: B1, 227-37, Yeonnam-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul
Price: from 8 USD
Opening Hours: 11am - 3pm, 5pm - 9pm
Access: Hongik University Station
Contact: +82 7044075130
Delicious all over!
Delicious food is all over Seoul, but we hope you try out one or more of our handpicked favorites. Independently of the cuisine type, each of these mouthwatering places will leave you wanting more!
If these places don’t get your mouth watering I am unsure what will !
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