Korean food in Soho: barbecue, fried chicken and what to order
Table barbecue, crisp fried chicken and a very good bowl of bibimbap: the Soho Korean addresses worth knowing, and what to order at each.
By Only Soho Editorial
Soho does Korean food in three registers: the grill in the middle of the table, the bucket of fried chicken with a karaoke room attached, and the quick bowl at lunch. Here is where to go for each, and what to put your order towards.
Barbecue
Chung'dam, 35 to 36 Greek Street. It opened in April 2023 on the site of the old YMing, and Restaurant Online reported a barbecue unit at every table across just 35 covers. It is small, so book. It is named after Seoul's Cheongdam-dong district and the Infatuation files it under high-end. Order the three-tiered steam box (pyeonbaek) of prawns, mussels and thinly sliced brisket, which the Infatuation says steals the show, then add the pajeon, the pancake it tells you to always order. Then cook something at the table.
Myung Ga, 1 Kingly Street. The tabletop-sizzle option on the Carnaby and Kingly side. The Infatuation sends you for the chewy tteokbokki, the fried shrimp and the barbecue meat, and warns that you may leave smelling of the grill. Fair warning if you are heading to a show afterwards. Order the barbecue and the tteokbokki alongside.
Arang, 9 Golden Square. A casual, roomy place the Infatuation calls perfect for groups catching up over grilled meats and pajeon. It feels a little out of the way, which is half the appeal. Bring a crowd and order the barbecue, the bulgogi and a pajeon for the middle of the table.
Fried chicken
CheeMc, Soho branch. CheeMc's own site describes the Soho branch as lively, with Korean fried chicken, traditional dishes and a karaoke room. The Infatuation sums it up as excellently crispy chicken, beers and karaoke. There are ten varieties of fried chicken on the menu, from honey chilli to garlic soy. Order the honey chilli, or the garlic soy if you want salt over sweet. Reservations go through the email address on the website, so check the location page for the street address before you set out. Best with a group and a late start.
Quick and cheap
Bibimbap, 11 Greek Street. Harden's calls it a Soho canteen and a good-value Korean fast-food joint, and Tripadvisor puts it in the cheapest price band. Its own site talks about walk-in customers, so do not plan on a booking. Order the bibimbap, which is the house speciality, or the pork version if you want more punch. The hot and spicy pork and kimchi soup is on the menu too. Go at opening or off-peak: an older review warns it fills up on Friday nights.
Assa, 23 Romilly Street. Laid-back and popular. The Infatuation praises the noodles and calls the tteokbokki some of the best in the city. Its guide says to expect a wait of at least twenty minutes for a table, though the queue moves quickly. That makes it good for lunch or an early dinner. Order the tteokbokki and a bowl of noodles.
Fusion and cocktails
Korean Dinner Party, top floor of Kingly Court, off Carnaby Street. This is Korean-American rather than traditional, with a Los Angeles Koreatown feel according to Hot Dinners, and it comes from the people behind Señor Ceviche and TĀTĀ Eatery. It is low-lit and plays records. The Infatuation says the tacos are essential and Hot Dinners mentions corn dogs. Order the tacos and a cocktail, and go after work when the room has settled.
How to choose
- Table grill for a date or small group: Chung'dam, steam box first.
- Big group: Arang or Myung Ga, barbecue and pajeon.
- Fried chicken and a sing-song: CheeMc, honey chilli.
- A fast, cheap lunch: Bibimbap on Greek Street.
- Rice cakes and noodles: Assa, arrive early.
- Cocktails with your tacos: Korean Dinner Party.
If Soho whets the appetite for more, London's Little Korea is New Malden, as covered by Time Out. For a pre-theatre bite or a late supper, though, the streets above will do nicely.
