Korean Food in the UK: A Growing Scene

Korean food has gone from niche to mainstream in the UK over the past decade. What was once confined to London's Korea Town has spread across the country. Here's the state of Korean food culture in Britain today.

The London Scene

London remains the UK's Korean food capital. Key areas include:

New Malden: Often called "Little Korea," with the largest Korean population in Europe. Authentic restaurants, supermarkets, bakeries, and an immersive food culture.

Soho and Holborn: More accessible central locations with established Korean restaurants.

Peckham and Brixton: Emerging areas with younger, more modern Korean spots.

The range spans from traditional hole-in-the-wall places to upmarket modern Korean restaurants.

Beyond London

Korean food has spread nationwide:

Manchester: Strong and growing scene with several authentic options.
Birmingham: Wing Yip and Korean restaurants in the city centre.
Edinburgh: A handful of good Korean restaurants.
Leeds, Sheffield, Bristol: All have Korean options now.
University towns: Student populations have driven demand.

You can find Korean food in most UK cities now, though quality and authenticity vary.

Restaurant Trends

BBQ joints: Korean barbecue – cook-at-table grilled meats – has become popular. The interactive experience appeals to British diners.

Fried chicken: Korean fried chicken (yangnyeom chicken) has its own following. Crispy, saucy, addictive.

Casual dining: Korean-inspired fast-casual concepts have emerged, bringing Korean flavours to the grab-and-go market.

Fine dining: Some Korean chefs are earning recognition at the highest levels.

Supermarket Presence

Korean products are increasingly available:

• Major supermarkets stock basic items (kimchi, gochujang, noodles)
• Asian supermarkets have comprehensive Korean sections
• Online retailers deliver nationwide

You can now cook Korean food at home using ingredients from a regular shopping trip.

Home Cooking

Interest in making Korean food at home has surged:

• Korean cookbooks sell well
• Online recipes and YouTube tutorials abound
• Cooking classes teach Korean techniques
• Fermentation workshops have become popular

People aren't just eating Korean food – they're learning to make it.

The Kimchi Effect

Kimchi has become something of a gateway food:

• Health-conscious eaters discover kimchi for its probiotics
• This leads to exploring other Korean dishes
• Which leads to deeper appreciation of the cuisine

Many Korean restaurants report that customers who came for kimchi stayed for everything else.

Cultural Context

Korean cultural exports (K-pop, K-dramas, films) have driven food interest:

• Fans discover foods mentioned in shows
• Cultural curiosity extends to cuisine
• Social media spreads food trends

The cultural and culinary are intertwined.

What's Next

The UK Korean food scene continues to evolve:

• More regional Korean cuisines becoming available
• Fusion concepts that respect both traditions
• Plant-based Korean options growing
• Home cooking enthusiasm increasing

For those of us who love Korean food, it's an exciting time. The scene is mature enough to have quality but young enough to still be dynamic.