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11 Destinations for Korean Food in Metro Detroit

Where to find kimchi, bulgogi, Korean barbecue and soju

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Korea is one of the most interesting culinary countries in the world, with a variety of fermented and spicy foods to please any palate. Until a few years ago, Korean restaurants were few and far between in metro Detroit. But as Korean food and culture continue to thrive here, kimchi, bulgogi, and japchae now appear more often than ever before alongside Korean barbecue and fried chicken on menus. From modern takes on traditional Korean dishes to Korean restaurants pumping K-Pop through the sound system or tuning into K-dramas on TV, here are a few spots to check out around town.

Read next: Korean Fried Chicken Is Having a Moment in Metro Detroit

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Wasabi Korean and Japanese

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Seoul meets Tokyo in this cozy neighborhood spot across from the Detroit Institute of Arts. Order from the sushi/sashimi selections or from a full Korean-Japanese menu that includes many favorite dishes from both nations.

Daebak Korean BBQ

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Located inside New Seoul Plaza, a complex with a trio of Korean restaurants, Daebak Korean BBQ is a great place for group gatherings. All platters (pork belly, pork jowl, beef ribeye, chicken, tofu) are served raw and meant to be cooked by patrons on the grills built into the dining tables. Finish things off with soju, an Asian beer, or maekgeolli.

Myomee Cafe

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Pop into Myomee for a bubble tea or mid-day or after-dinner bingsu, a popular Korean shaved ice dessert popular in South Korean cafes. Myomee’s version uses a thinly shaved frozen milk and sugar base (instead of ground ice), which results in a snowlike consistency.

Jinji Korean Cuisine & Soju Bar

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The second of three Korean restaurants in New Seoul Plaza, Jinji serves up traditional Korean dishes in a modern way. Start with the haemul pajeon, Jinji’s signature shrimp and squid pancake. Other standouts include the bibimbap, kimchi jjigae (spicy pork and kimchi stew), or japchae. Tip: Use the call button on the table to summon a server, as is often done at restaurants in Seoul.

Hola! Seoul

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Hola! Seoul fuses the flavors of Korea, Mexico, and the United States in a fast-food (but delicious) menu that includes kimchi BBQ tacos, bibimbap, Korean fried chicken, and kimchi fries made for sharing.

Korean fried chicken wings with sauce and spices on top Hola! Seoul

Soora Korean Restaurant

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Start with a beef hot stone bowl, popular among customers at this Korean-Chinese institution. The menu is long, with a solid selection of bibimbap, fried rice, and fish and chicken entrees. No choice is a bad one here, and the hospitality is top-notch, too.

There’s plenty to like at Sammi, a no-frills oldie but goodie housed in a Troy strip mall. This family-owned restaurant makes homey ginseng chicken, oxtail bone soup, and seafood ramyun.

Sammi’s dining room with yellow tables and black chairs, a clock and a chalkboard sign on the wall Sammi

Chung Ki Wa

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Around for more than a decade, Chung Ki Wa’s claim to fame is its Korean barbecue. The squid salad, kimchi jjigae, and jjajyangmyeon (black bean noodles) also are tasty. Portions are generous, so take friends, or depart with leftovers that will last a few days.

Korea Palace Restaurant

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Step into the Korea Palace (one of the region’s stalwarts) to be treated like a king or queen. Service here is fast and friendly. The menu here is long, and everything is homemade. Korea Palace classic standouts include bo ssam (steamed pork belly meat with kimchi and oysters on the side) and kalbi jim (prime beef ribs simmered in honey soy sauce). Prix-fixe meals are available.

lots of banchan (or side dishes) in small white bowls Korea Palace Restaurant

Kimchi Box

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Tofu bibimbap, popcorn chicken, and bulgogi tacos are the stars at this fast-casual restaurant, which opened in February. The chicken is double-fried and comes with a choice of Korean sassy, soy garlic, or half-and-half sauce.

Honey Wings

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This restaurant was inspired by the street food found in South Korea, but adds an American twist. Think spicy Cheetos waffle fries; corn dogs with Fruity Pebbles, or cheese; and spicy wings and chicken sandwiches.

Wasabi Korean and Japanese

Seoul meets Tokyo in this cozy neighborhood spot across from the Detroit Institute of Arts. Order from the sushi/sashimi selections or from a full Korean-Japanese menu that includes many favorite dishes from both nations.

Daebak Korean BBQ

Located inside New Seoul Plaza, a complex with a trio of Korean restaurants, Daebak Korean BBQ is a great place for group gatherings. All platters (pork belly, pork jowl, beef ribeye, chicken, tofu) are served raw and meant to be cooked by patrons on the grills built into the dining tables. Finish things off with soju, an Asian beer, or maekgeolli.

Myomee Cafe

Pop into Myomee for a bubble tea or mid-day or after-dinner bingsu, a popular Korean shaved ice dessert popular in South Korean cafes. Myomee’s version uses a thinly shaved frozen milk and sugar base (instead of ground ice), which results in a snowlike consistency.

Jinji Korean Cuisine & Soju Bar

The second of three Korean restaurants in New Seoul Plaza, Jinji serves up traditional Korean dishes in a modern way. Start with the haemul pajeon, Jinji’s signature shrimp and squid pancake. Other standouts include the bibimbap, kimchi jjigae (spicy pork and kimchi stew), or japchae. Tip: Use the call button on the table to summon a server, as is often done at restaurants in Seoul.

Hola! Seoul

Hola! Seoul fuses the flavors of Korea, Mexico, and the United States in a fast-food (but delicious) menu that includes kimchi BBQ tacos, bibimbap, Korean fried chicken, and kimchi fries made for sharing.

Korean fried chicken wings with sauce and spices on top Hola! Seoul

Soora Korean Restaurant

Start with a beef hot stone bowl, popular among customers at this Korean-Chinese institution. The menu is long, with a solid selection of bibimbap, fried rice, and fish and chicken entrees. No choice is a bad one here, and the hospitality is top-notch, too.

Sammi

There’s plenty to like at Sammi, a no-frills oldie but goodie housed in a Troy strip mall. This family-owned restaurant makes homey ginseng chicken, oxtail bone soup, and seafood ramyun.

Sammi’s dining room with yellow tables and black chairs, a clock and a chalkboard sign on the wall Sammi

Chung Ki Wa

Around for more than a decade, Chung Ki Wa’s claim to fame is its Korean barbecue. The squid salad, kimchi jjigae, and jjajyangmyeon (black bean noodles) also are tasty. Portions are generous, so take friends, or depart with leftovers that will last a few days.

Korea Palace Restaurant

Step into the Korea Palace (one of the region’s stalwarts) to be treated like a king or queen. Service here is fast and friendly. The menu here is long, and everything is homemade. Korea Palace classic standouts include bo ssam (steamed pork belly meat with kimchi and oysters on the side) and kalbi jim (prime beef ribs simmered in honey soy sauce). Prix-fixe meals are available.

lots of banchan (or side dishes) in small white bowls Korea Palace Restaurant

Kimchi Box

Tofu bibimbap, popcorn chicken, and bulgogi tacos are the stars at this fast-casual restaurant, which opened in February. The chicken is double-fried and comes with a choice of Korean sassy, soy garlic, or half-and-half sauce.

Honey Wings

This restaurant was inspired by the street food found in South Korea, but adds an American twist. Think spicy Cheetos waffle fries; corn dogs with Fruity Pebbles, or cheese; and spicy wings and chicken sandwiches.

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