Looking For Great Korean Food In Abu Dhabi?
Article by
Danika Star
-
February 25, 2024
If you’re on the hunt for your new favourite Korean restaurant, look no further! From high end to hidden gems, there is some truly great Korean food to be found in Abu Dhabi. Whether you’re a Korean BBQ fan, you’re craving some really great bibimbap, or you’re after a great bulgogi, you’ll find what you’re after here - there’s even a restaurant with a fab karaoke setup that is perfect for dinner and a show, with you and your friends as the stars!
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NURI Grill & Bar
Yas Bay Waterfront
Opening their doors at the end of 2023, Nuri has fast become a Yas Bay go-to. Serving up excellent Korean fare and BBQ to knock your socks off - with a side of karaoke if you’re game - it’s the recipe for a great evening out, all washed down with a signature cocktail. For a round up of a few of your favourite Korean dishes, check out their weekday business lunch (AED109) consisting of sides, a starter, main and dessert, or go all out with their Saturday brunch - it’s a perfect introduction to Nuri if you haven’t had time for a visit yet, or a perfect reason to return.
Korean BBQ fans will be happy to find the menu has a focus on premium steak cuts, and if you have a pork craving you’ll be well taken care of. A Korean steak restaurant blending grilling, omakase dining and lively ambiance courtesy of their vibrant bar and karaoke offering, this is a dining experience you won’t forget in a hurry.
Timing: daily | 12PM - 12AM | until 1AM Friday & Saturday
Bookings: 054 211 5151
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Madang Korean Restaurant
Holiday Inn Abu Dhabi
Currently relocating to a new home at Holiday Inn, we can’t wait to check out Madang’s fresh digs when they open their doors. We’ve been fans of Madang for a while - they do an amazing Korean grill, and even better Soju if you’re a fan. Their BBQ set menu is great value, and it’s a perfect restaurant to settle into and not rush your meal - enjoy the ambiance, whether you’re with a group of friends or enjoying date night.
Don’t miss the seafood spicy noodle soup, bulgogi, fried chicken and vegetable bibimbap - all are delicious. Sweet tooths amongst us are well-served with a much loved Korean food on the menu: bingsu. With plenty of flavours and a big helping, it’s easily enough for two or three people. Portions in general are generous - you certainly won’t leave hungry, staff are friendly and the vibes of the old venue were on point - with their new location promising to be even better, we’ll see you there!
Timing: daily | 12PM -10.30PM
Booking: 056 327 5999
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Meokja
Marsana Al Hudayriat
This funky food truck has parked up at Marsana to bring you a taste of Korea on the shores of Abu Dhabi. We’re impressed with what they can whip up inside this colourful trailer - ready for you to find a seat and tuck in, or carry back to your towel on the sand!
Savoury staples like crispy korean-style fried chicken, bibimbap and bulgogi have you covered for dinner, but don’t pass up their Korean corn dog: served on a stick, it’s the ultimate beach food - just mind the saucy drips! Fruit teas are the best antidote to a hot day, alongside their bingsoo and other tasty desserts for a sugar hit.
Timing: daily | 10AM - 10PM
Contact: 058 553 3602
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Hankook Korean
Al Nahyan Camp
Want to get off the beaten track a little? While this Korean favourite might not win awards for its interior beauty, upon taste, it’s no surprise people flock to this little eatery. With a stove hidden in each table, you can opt for a hot-pot/cook-your-own meal or keep it simple with a massive bowl of Korean-fried chicken: one of our go-tos, the sticky-sweet goodness always has us oohing and ahhing in pleasure.
You’ll find 8 private booths inside, and with several tasting menus available, you really can eat your way around Korea. The dishes we tried ranged from AED56 – AED68 so pricewise, it’s a little more than your average hidden gem but still pocket friendly - and the dishes are totally worth it.
Timing: daily | 11AM – 11PM
Bookings: 02 642 3399
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Manna Land Korean Restaurant
Al Nahyan Camp
Manna land is an interactive and entertaining DIY Korean BBQ experience, with great value-for-money pricing. Feed an entire family of 4 with their big sharing platter style dishes for less than AED200, with all appetisers and sides served complimentary with your meal. Enjoy a selection of fresh juices and a delicious range of mocktails to quench your thirst throughout the meal.
What to try? Our favourites have to be the la galbi gui, Korean hotpot and Korean BBQ boneless chicken, but you can’t really go wrong.
Timing: daily | 11AM - 11PM
Bookings: 02 446 6860