The Best Korean Restaurants in Montreal: Our suggestions
Bo ssam, kimchi-jjigae, bibimbap, bulgogi, kalbi, japchaeu, tteok bokki… If you are a fan of Korean cuisine, here are some names that should make your mouth water.
South Korea has a very rich gastronomic culture, which is very different from the cuisines of China and Japan, although there are some similarities. It is to Korea that we owe kimchi, a delicious condiment made from fermented vegetables, most often cabbage, and gochujang chili paste. This unique condiment is designed to add spice and umami to your dishes.
Typical Korean dishes include the inimitable bibimbap, a dish of crispy rice topped with vegetables, grilled meat and a fried egg, usually served in a sizzling stone dish. Korean BBQs are also popular, including bulgogi, thinly sliced marinated beef or pork grilled on a cast-iron griddle, or kalbi (or galbi), thinly sliced beef short rib grilled to perfection. Boneless fried chicken is another specialty!
We also appreciate the conviviality of Korean cuisine: most dishes are designed for sharing. The traditional bo ssäm (or bossam), is a good example: it usually consists of boiled or braised pork shoulder, served with kimchi, marinated vegetables and sometimes even fresh oysters (Momofuku style!) and wrapped in large cabbage or lettuce leaves. A delight!
In Montreal, we are lucky to have several delicious Korean restaurants. Here are our favourites!
Special mentions
La Maison de Séoul – 470 Av. Lafleur, LaSalle
La Maison de Séoul prepares Korean classics with authentic flavours. We love the friendly atmosphere and the relaxed setting. The menu offers a wide variety of soups, noodles, pancakes, kimchi, stews and traditional Korean dishes. Without any pretense, the establishment is the ideal place to eat delicious and affordable Korean food.
Épicerie coréenne et japonaise – 6151 Sherbrooke Street West, Montreal
This small grocery store is a haven for lovers of Korean food: you will find all the ingredients to make your favourite dishes, but also traditional kitchen tools, including the famous dolsot, the stone bowls for cooking bibimbap. The grocery store also offers several snacks imported from Japan and Korea: chips, candies and other sweets. In the basement of the store, there is a counter where you can enjoy Japanese and Korean specialties.
Sam Cha – 2176 A Sainte-Catherine Street, Montreal
Sam Cha is a Korean restaurant that specializes in gukbap, a Korean soup containing rice and traditionally served in a glazed clay bowl called ttukbaegi. We love this place for its good food and excellent value.
