When in Ari, here are the Korean restaurants you need to check out

It’s true, Thai food is our main food group. But after having it almost every single day, we may need a little something new to excite and freshen up our daily diet.

So, why not march your way to Ari, Bangkok’s wonderland for food? It’s the real comfort food enclave that features various types of cuisines – spanning Italian, Thai, Japanese, Mexican, the list goes on – all within one area. And for those who’ve grabbed a taste toward the kimchi-based fare, Ari has some of the best Korean restaurants you need to check out. Here, we’ve mapped out Ari’s Korean food trail for you. Scroll down to see which one should be added next to your food tour list.

Featured and hero image credit: Joha

Kimchi Hour

It’s food o’clock, and if you crave for something fried and hearty, Kimchi Hour, the Korean fried chicken-fuelled restaurant, probably has what you’re after. The restaurant is a guru for all things deep-fried and oil-basted. Tuck into the Hot& Spicy and the Garlic Onion Wings (THB 129/five wings) for spicy and pungent flavour; or go big for the 3 Boneless Thigh & 9 Wings (THB 369). Another highlight you shouldn’t miss out on is the Fried Kimchi & Cheese Wonton (THB 69) that will have you salivating over its aromatic smell. See, decent Korean fried chicken can’t only be found at the chain Bonchon Chicken.

Kimchi Hour, located between Ari Sumphan 5 and 6, Bangkok, +662 619 5196
Open: Tue-Sun, 11:30-10 pm.

Joha

If you’re a Korean food devotee, surely you’ve heard about the greatness of Joha. Open since 2016, the outlet has long been one of Ari’s far-famed neighbourhood restaurants. Having moved into its way-more-spacious new home just a few blocks away from its original, petite spot, Joha is now welcoming even more diners to come in and taste their Pusan-inspired dishes. Menu highlights here include their Kimchi Fried Rice (THB 250) surrounded by a pool of sizzling cheese, Bulgogi (THB 280), which is stir-fried marinated beef, and the spicy Kimchi Soup (THB 220). A fan of Soju, Korea’s national liquor? The venue offers an extensive list of soju for you to down enjoyably to your heart’s content.

Joha, 111/1 Phahonyothin Road 7, Phaya Thai, Bangkok,+6683 177 5533
Open: Mon, 11:30 am-9 pm; Tue-Sun, 11:30-9:30 pm.

Korean Ma (La Villa Market)

Korean Ma nails all that it takes to serve the foolproof Budae Jjigae, as known as the Korean army base stew. The Ari Korean haunt is a guru when it comes to the hot pot dish which is an Asian favourite for family and friends gathering. The Budae Jjigae Seafood Set (THB 439) is the real killer thanks to the generous serving of squid, shrimp, New Zealand mussels, fish meatballs and veggies. The Budae Jjigae Supreme Set (THB 399) is also layered with fatty spam, bacon, slices of tenderloin pork neck and hot dog–it’s the kind of meaty hot pot carnivores would love. Every set comes with Korean-style thick and chewy noodles. Cheese aficionados can also ask for cheese topping (THB 55). Adding this dairy element to your hot pot can only mean a more delicious result.

Korean Ma, 3 Fl, La Villa Market, Bangkok, +662 613 0593
Open: Mon-Sun, 11 am-10 pm.

Annyeong Bangkok

A newbie to Korean cuisine? Say Annyeonghaseyo (it’s hello in Korean) to Annyeong Bangkok, a spot where you’ll find a wide range of comfort-filled sumptuous Korean dishes — making it a perfect place for people who have yet to try Korean food. Korean Ramyeon (THB 150), which is the Korean version of the Japanese-born ramen, will give that lip-smacking spiciness alive while their Korean-style Egg Roll (THB 100) will round out the piquancy with its lusciously smooth texture of an egg. The establishment also offers homecooked-style rice bowls like the Chicken Mayo (THB 150) and the Spicy Stir-fried Pork (THB 150) served on a bed of deliciously filling rice.

Annyeong Bangkok, 4 Rama VI Soi 30, Bangkok, +662 279 0255
Open: Tue-Sun, 11 am-10 pm.