It may be a surprise to some that the Twin Cities is home to a thriving Korean community. This is underscored by the daily direct flights between Minneapolis-St. Paul and Seoul, reflecting the deep connection between the two cities. We still have a long way to go before having the selection of the Koreatowns in LA or NYC, but the local food scene in Minneapolis has truly flourished over the past decade and now offers many solid options for Korean cuisine.
Among the standout establishments are Kim’s and King’s, two restaurants that have garnered praise for their dedication to great Korean flavors. Kim’s, known for its modern take on Korean food, offers a dining experience that blends the warmth of home-cooked meals in a stylishly modern interior that reflects the sophistication of restaurateur Ann Kim. King’s, on the other hand, is celebrated for its traditional fare and serves diners a true taste of old Korea, from barbecue to soups and all the trusty appetizers.
Also worth noting is the large population of Koreans at the University of Minnesota which plays host to a cute little cafeteria style eatery called Kbop.
Here are our picks for the best Korean restaurants in the Twin Cities, highlighting the go-to spots for anyone craving Korean food.
1. Kim’s
Since 2010, Ann Kim has been challenging the traditional norms around Korean cuisine. She is a local celebrity (with her own Netflix special) who has imbued her unique voice on American classics like pizza at award-winning Young Joni, one of the all-time finds of the Twin Cities. At Kim’s, expect to see a mix of the classics alongside some twists and new inventions. Our favorites include: the bindaetteok, fried dumplings, bibimbap, fried chicken, and her singular take on galbi.
The kimchi is not free, but if you go to Korea, you’ll also notice that many restaurants have stopped serving free banchan, which can result in a ton of food waste. However, you can order some great authentic kimchi if you wish to during your meal.
2. King’s Restaurant (Korean Cuisine)
Minnesota has several Korean grocery stores, and among them is Seoul Foods, located in Fridley, MN. As you are checking off your list for Korean pantry staples, you might start craving a good Korean meal. Luckily when that happens, all you need to do is walk next door to King’s. Although King’s Restaurant has been around for quite some time, it’s improved significantly after new ownership took over a few years ago.
The menu is packed with a nice variety of Korean dishes from stir-fries, stews, fish and meats, noodles, rice bowls and so much more. Some of our favorites include: japchae, LA galbi, and the dol-sot bibimbap, which is a mix of rice, vegetables, and beef served in a hot stone bowl. If you’ve ever had regular bibimbap and enjoyed it, this is a must.
Dol-sot bibimbap is a step-up that accentuates all the ingredient flavors. But the real highlight of the dish is to savor the crispy, scorched rice at the bottom of the bowl. By leaving a layer of rice untouched until the end of the meal, this layer becomes crisp against the stone. Then, pour hot water or barley tea over the crispy rice, creating a delightful bowl of singing wonder. During the Joseon dynasty, families followed this cherished Korean tradition for two reasons: to ease dishwashing and to conclude their meal with a warm bowl of soup and rice.
Hardcore Korean food lovers will enjoy the soondae dishes available at King’s. Homemade blood sausage, also known as soondae, can sound daunting at first. But if you are up for the challenge, you’re in for a delightful experience. Very few places in Minneapolis serve dishes with soondae and it is not easily found local grocery markets. King’s carries a couple of variations of soondae, such as soondae guk (homemade blood sausage soup) that is perfect for a cold wintery day. Our personal favorite is the soondae bokkeum (stir-fried homemade blood sausage), which combines soondae with vegetables in a spicy sauce for a nice kick.
3. Hoban Eagan (Korean Restaurant)
Another solid choice for Korean cuisine is Hoban in Eagan, across the street from the Twin Cities Outlet. Their menu items are affordably priced, especially for their generous portions. This has been our go-to ‘soul food’ stop whenever we need a taste of comfort and home. Their menu is extensive, so I would suggest looking up specific dishes in advance if you are as indecisive as I am.
Our favorites are: yuk hwe bibimbap (raw beef tartar bibimbap), pork bulgogi (spicy bbq pork), and bossam (thick slices of boiled pork). We also love the daegu maeutang (fresh atlantic cod fish soup, and my ultimate favorite, al jjigae (spicy cod caviar stew). Words can’t describe how fantastic this place is; it truly hits the spot when you’re longing for authentic, top-notch Korean cuisine.
They also carry menu items that you can’t find easily in the area and the quality of their ingredients is definitely worth noting, both for their side dishes and entrées. If you ever become hungry watching Korean food videos as you’re scrolling through Instagram, head on over to Hoban in Eagan. Trust me, you will not be disappointed.
4. Kbop Korean Bistro
Located in Dinkytown at the University of Minnesota, Kbop Korean Bistro is one of the most frequented Korean restaurants in Minneapolis. This quaint spot is a favorite among many students and professors looking for a quick, hearty bite of Korean food. Ranging from something as simple as kimbap to a nice hot bowl of yuk gae jang, this place serves up quick and delicious Korean dishes at a reasonable price. All of their dishes come with banchan (Korean side dishes) that change daily.
One of our favorite menu items is the kimchi jjigae, which is a kimchi based stew with pork, tofu, vegetables, and has a bit of a kick. Another dish we enjoyed is their ojinguh bokum, which is a stir-fry dish with squid and vegetables in spicy sauce. This dish will get you reaching for your bowl of rice constantly, which is called a “bap-do-dook” in Korean. This literally translates into “rice thief/stealer,” in that you won’t be able to stop eating your rice with this dish.
Personally, I wouldn’t suggest ordering the mul naengmyeon, a cold buckwheat noodle soup, as the broth was served lukewarm and the restaurant didn’t seem to carry ice. This dish is best enjoyed when it’s ice-cold and refreshing, especially on hot summer days.
5. Hoban Korean BBQ
Who doesn’t love Korean BBQ? Few Korean restaurants in Minneapolis specialize in Korean BBQ table cooking, making this spot extremely popular, particularly among younger crowds. Hoban is a place where friends and family can gather around a hot grill and enjoy hearty portions of delicious Korean BBQ. Be prepared for a 1-2 hour wait, especially on the weekends, if you don’t have a reservation. Their dine-in starts at 4pm everyday, but many get there earlier and stand in line.
We started off with some appetizers and really enjoyed the yangyum drumsticks, which are fried chicken drumsticks heavily coated with a sweet and spicy sauce. These drumsticks are massive, so be prepared. They boast a sweet, tangy flavor with just the right touch of heat, perfect for those who prefer milder spice levels.
Now on to the main course: the meats. One must-have is the wang galbi, a hand-crafted beef short-rib marinated in a garlic soy and rice wine marinade. These meat pieces are large and packed with flavor. Be cautious not to let them burn, as the marinade will quickly brown.
My personal favorite might be unconventional for some, but their hyumitgui is simply fantastic. These are thin cuts of beef tongue, which carry a slightly chewy but tender texture. The more you chew the meat, a slight sweetness and umami taste will coat your palette, leaving you wanting more.
Besides those two, don’t forget the two basics of Korean BBQ, chadol baegi and joomulluck—thin slices of Black Angus beef brisket and bite-sized pieces of sirloin, with a hint of marinade. Head on over to Hoban Korean BBQ to fulfill your Korean BBQ needs.
6. Kimchi Tofu House
A small yellow shop with a blue and white striped roof located in East Bank off Oak street, Kimchi Tofu House packs a solid punch when it comes to soft-silken tofu stew, aka soondubu jjigae. When I say small, I mean small. This restaurant can barely seat 20 people, but that doesn’t stop them from bringing the flavor and the heat to the Twin Cities.
Their menu only consists of a few items besides the soondubu jjigae, but that’s how you know this place knows what they are doing. Featuring, by far, the best soondubu jjigae in Minneapolis, Kimchi Tofu House is the perfect place to go to satisfy your stew cravings. Whether it’s after a hot day at the MN State Fair when you crave something spicy to cleanse your palate of fried foods, or a cold, snowy day when you crave warmth and soothing flavors, Kimchi Tofu House is the perfect destination.
Notably, they carry fourteen different varieties of silken tofu stews. My favorite thing about this restaurant is the customizable spice levels. Here in Minnesota, it’s hard to find a place that really satisfies your spicy cravings, especially for a spice-fanatic like me. This restaurant offers six levels of spice: zero spice, mild, medium, spicy, very spicy and my ultimate favorite, very very spicy. If you decide on the last option, expect the waitress to double-check your order and caution you about its intense spiciness.
Given that fair warning, the first bite you take will be hot, but so satisfying that you will momentarily forget all your worries and problems. It’s no wonder spicy food is such a sensation in South Korea and around the world. Eating intensely spicy dishes can overwhelm your senses, leaving you focused solely on the burning sensation in your mouth—a known stress reliever.
But if you aren’t the best with spice, no worries, they offer a zero-spice option. I still find it impressive that they’ve managed to do this, considering the stew’s base is a spicy paste. But this no heat option insures that everyone can enjoy a version of this flavorful umami stew.
Take note, however, that they do take a break everyday from 3 – 4 PM, so try to avoid any cravings during that hour.
7. Dong Hae Korean Grill and Sushi
Dong Hae is the only Korean Restaurant in Minneapolis that serves up an AYCE (All You Can Eat) menu. Not only is it Korean food, but for $35 (per person) the restaurant also carries sushi and Japanese izakaya menu options as well. Like with any AYCE spot, you might sacrifice a bit of quality for quantity, but it’s the sole Korean restaurant in Downtown Minneapolis.
Appetizers include fried mandu and fried chicken wings. And main entrees feature stir-fried items, rice bowls, stews and soups, and noodles. Their menu is extensive and you might leave this place so full that the walk back to your car may be a struggle.
It is worth noting that there is an extra charge if you order too much and can’t finish all your food, so take it easy and start slow. I would recommend the jjajangmyeon and the dwenjang jjigae (soy-bean stew), on top of the stir-fried squid and japchae. Try to steer clear of the fried items like tempura and fries, since AYCE pros consider those to be fillers that won’t get you your bang for your buck.
Besides the AYCE menu, there are regular menu items. Dong Hae is also one of the few Korean BBQ places here in Minnesota. I highly recommend the jjambong (spicy-seafood noodle soup) from the regular menu, which sadly is no longer a part of the AYCE options. Check out Dong Hae in Downtown when you have a big appetite for Korean food and want to eat your heart out.
8. Korea Restaurant
If you love Korean food, you probably love it for the same reason that we do—for the banchan. Banchan is a term for the variety of Korean side dishes made fresh daily, and usually change each day, according to the available ingredients. Banchan plays a significant role in Korean cuisine culture and has won over many hearts because it’s traditionally unlimited for refills and, best of all, completely free!
Unfortunately, Twin City Korean restaurants often don’t have a wide variety of banchans, but this place begs to differ. Korea Restaurant, located near the U of M Campus, offers a plethora of delicious banchans on top of their tasty menu items. This place is very reminiscent of Korean jib-bap, which refers to home-cooked meals. You can find grilled mackerel here, aka godeunguh gui, which is a staple in Korean homes due to their excellent nutrition benefits. Their stews are also hearty and filling, overflowing with flavor that won’t disappoint.
They even have unique options that you can’t find commonly here in MN, such as the beef tendon soup. This is made with knee-bone, glass noodles, perilla powder, and a hearty warm beef broth. Their menu options are quite diverse, yet each is executed well.
It almost feels like you’re visiting home after being away for a long period of time, and the staff’s warm hospitality makes you instantly feel at ease. The cozy atmosphere resembles a traditional Korean household, where you indulge in comforting Korean soul food. Quick service and sizzling hot stone plates add to the delightful experience.
Trust me, you don’t want to be sleeping on this place. And as a bonus, they have karaoke upstairs! It’s truly a win-for-all among the Korean restaurants in Minneapolis.
9. Dong Yang Oriental Foods and Deli
Did you know that some of the best foods are found in food courts of grocery stores? I’m sure a lot of Koreans will agree. In South Korea, some of the best food spots are hidden in major grocery store. In that spirit, Minneapolis carries on this proud tradition. Inside Dong Yang Oriental Foods is a small food court deli that serves up all the fan-favorites of Korean cuisine.
Their best seller is unsurprisingly their kimbap, which you can also purchase at the grocery line checkout. They have different flavor options such as meat, fishcake, and vegetarian at a great price of $7 for two rolls. Some of other favorites include: the kalbi, squid stir-fry, yuk gae jang, BBQ spicy pork, and haemul pajeon.
The portion sizes are a bit small, but the flavor fully compensates for the sizes. To have the ultimate experience, I’d recommend going with a group of people and ordering a bit of everything from the menu to share. That way, you can get a taste of everything that they have to offer. Their dishes are the right blend of sweet and spicy, and their ingredients are fresh and of good quality. The flavor profile hits home for a lot of foreign-exchange students and Korean immigrants, and hopefully it will for you too!
10. bb.q Chicken Uptown Minneapolis
If you have ever been to Korea, you know that the fried-chicken game is strong, attracting visitors from around the globe to experience Korean-style fried chicken. Ranked as Korea’s No.1 Fried Chicken is bb.q’s Golden Olive Original Fried Chicken, and it’s a blessing to see that a couple of bb.q chain restaurants are now part of Minneapolis’ Korean dining scene.
The first location is in Uptown Minneapolis on W Lake St. They serve up some of Korea’s finest fried chicken, and boy, do they not disappoint. They have fourteen different flavors, none of which you can go wrong with. Our go-tos are the hot spicy, Gangnam style, and soy garlic. Be sure to ask for extra sauce, since you will want to slather the chicken in more sauce to enhance the flavors. The Gangnam style is my all-time favorite, a perfect blend of savory-sweet and tang with a hint of spice, topped with fried chili peppers.
A unique item that I also recommend trying is Cheesling, a popular choice in South Korea. It is fried chicken covered in a snow cheese powder that’s sweet, a tad bit salty, and slightly tangy. I’ve also noticed that people just order the Cheesling sauce on the side and dip all of their different flavored chicken wings in this powder. You probably haven’t experienced anything like it before, so I definitely suggest trying it at least once.
They have a few other menu options such as ddeok-bokki and kimchi fried rice. But the star of the show is hands down the chicken. Don’t forget to order a side of Korean picked radish and add a splash of vinegar to enjoy it even more.
BONUS – Tous Les Jours Cafe
Although it is not a conventional Korean restaurant in Minneapolis, we thought it would only be right to do an honorable mention of this bakery cafe. We are beyond thrilled that a Korean bakery has opened up here in the Twin Cities! Tous Les Jours is a chain French-Korean bakery cafe that has many locations all over the country. With more than 90 stores across the US, this bakery cafe serves up the most unique French-Korean inspired pastries and cakes.
Getting the exact items you want on your bakery run might be difficult at this spot. Rumors abound that even before their doors open, middle-aged Korean women are lined up, waiting to pounce. Then as soon as that front lock turns, they swiftly snatch-up many favorites for their families. If you get there after lunch time, the bakery will most likely be sold out of their most popular items.
The cakes are to die for and it is evident each pastry is made with care and precision, not to mention the flavors are unique and Asian-inspired. A few of our favorites here include: the red bean bread, sausage bread, sweet rice donut, and the curry croquette. Don’t forget to stop by Tous Les Jours when you’re in the mood for something sweet and savory!
