Korean cuisine is taking the UK by storm, with a growing number of restaurants and home cooks embracing its bold, punchy flavors. From sizzling bibimbap to crispy hotteok (stuffed pancakes), here are ten dishes you need to try—and where to find them.
The key ingredients that define Korean food—soy sauce, sesame oil, tangy fermented kimchi, and gochujang (a sweet-spicy chili paste)—are becoming pantry staples. Waitrose reported a 71% surge in gochujang sales in 2025, and celebrity chefs like Jamie Oliver and Nigella Lawson are incorporating it into their recipes.
Korean fried chicken has been named one of Just Eat's top takeaways, while London's first Korean food festival, Jung, drew long queues. Whether you're a seasoned fan or a curious newcomer, dive into this vibrant culinary scene.