Bulgogi beef, marbled wagyu, and Korean hot wings abound.
We’ve all heard of Squid Game at this point, right? Korean film and television is having a moment in the mainstream spotlight, starting out with Parasite’s epic Oscar win. With this new revolution of Korean culture through K Dramas and K Pop, we thought you might be wanting even more, so why not dive headfirst into a world of delicious Korean dishes? Whether you’ve never tried Korean food before or Korean BBQ is already a mainstay in your diet, we wanted to give you a short guide to serve as your introduction to Korean restaurants here in Charlotte for traditional, fusion, and K BBQ. Without further ado, here’s 5 Korean restaurants you can try!
1. Let’s Meat KBBQ
Korean BBQ is a fun and interactive dining concept that you have to try at least once. Sit round a wire and heat BBQ that’s built into the table and get to grilling. Before you, marbled cuts of meat, fresh veggies, and plump seafood is set on the table, ready to be cooked. While some people may scoff at the idea of cooking their own food, preparing and eating your food this way ensures you’ll get a fresh meal to your liking each and every time. Don’t forget, they’re an AYCE spot too, so bring your friends and eat your heart out.
Where: 1400 S Church St B, Charlotte, NC 28203
2. Choi’s Korean & Wing
If you’re a fan of wings then you’ll want to give Choi’s a try. This spot has been family-owned since 1995 and have been cooking up Korean and Chinese dishes all this time. Think of Korean classics like bibimbap, bulgogi, and don’t leave without trying the wins. Their Korean spicy wings are marinated in a spicy Gochujang sauce that’s sticky, spicy, and sweet, plus, topped with sesame seeds and green onions.
Where: 808 E Arrowood Rd, Charlotte, NC 28217
3. Seoul Food Meat Company
Located in South End and NoDa, Seoul Food Meat Co. is a modern, fusion Korean spot that’s as fun as it is delicious. They offer a bunch of different types of meats like 12hr Beef Rib, Crispy Pork Belly, Soy Pork Spare Ribs, and more, alongside a long list of sides. You could try Loaded Potato Salad, Green Tea Cornbread, Kim-Chili Ramen Mac, Bao Buns, or Pimento Corn Cheese to name a few. The perfect tri-blend of American, Korean, and Southern, this is definitely a spot you won’t want to miss.
Where: 1400 S Church St a, Charlotte, NC 28203
4. Bulgogi Box
Bulgogi Box is another great addition to the list that offers daily specials from 1/2 price off wine, $5 well cocktails, $11 potstickers and pints, and more. Try their bulgogi beef bowls, bibimbap bowls, or crispy Korean fried chicken just to name a few. If you’re a fan of kimchi, they’ve also got a special kimchi and spicy pork bulgogi fried rice bowl that sounds great.
Where: 1750 Camden Rd Ste G, Charlotte, NC 28203
5. MOA Korean BBQ
MOA is another Korean BBQ place where you can grill straight at your table in Uptown Charlotte. They’ve got KBBQ specials with quality cuts of meat like Wagyu, or you can go for a Korean appetizer like their Rice Cakes, Korean Cheese Fries, and more. Don’t forget to check out their desserts, like their Layered Crepe Cake, pictured above.
Where: 128 S Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202
[featured image via Pexels]