Hop on to another journey to the world of Chinese cuisine in Korea and enjoy the selections of these must-visit Chinese restaurants.

1. Byeokdol Happy Food Apgujeong branch 1 / Hannam-dong branch 2

Instagram@bycdol_happy_food

Known as one of the hottest American-Chinese restaurants, it features an interior design and atmosphere inspired by Hong Kong’s aesthetics. The restaurant opened in the iconic old brick (byeokdol) store in Apgujeong Rodeo street, and the owner decided to take up the name. By popular demand, the restaurant opened a second branch in Hannam-dong.

Here, Asian and Chinese cuisines mix in the unique style of Happy Food. Among its specialties are mala xian guo, tomato and egg rice bowl, Sichuan-style fried pork, and cream prawns.

This is also the place you will want to go to if you seek authentic Chinese local liquors such as Maotai, Shui Jing Fang, Kaoliang liquor, Kongfujia liquor, and more.

Due to its undying popularity you might need to prepare to wait in line before being seated.

Address
36, Dosan-daero 51-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul

Business hours
Mon–Thu 12:00–24:00, 
Fri–Sat 12:00–03:00, 
Break time 15:00–17:00

Closed on Sundays

2. Small Dish Big Show

Instagram @smalldishbigshow

As the name suggests, Small Dish Big Show, is a first-come-first-serve restaurant that gained instant fame since its opening. There you can taste small dishes with the twist of having Chinese liquor–based cocktails. For example, with Kaoliang liquor, enjoy finger food dishes such as Nan Jian Wanzi Bao with soft meatball, menbosha-reinterpreted shrimp toast, and soft Sichuan wonton. After eating many possible order combinations, don’t forget to cleanse your pallet with orange jelly. Small Dish Big Show is a perfect place for you and your friends to taste a little bit of everything.

Address
1F, 41-20, Gangnam-daero 162-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul

Business hours
Mon–Fri 12:00–15:30, 17:00–22:00

3. Tove 토오베

Instagram @room.tove

Tove is a Cantonese-style teahouse that offers various types of tea and trinkets. It carefully introduces friendly and everyday teas that are made simple for everyone. While Tove serves diverse ranges of Chinese teas, including oolong, white, and flower tea, it is also famous for its lunch menus that are only served between noon and 2:00 pm. In January and February, a set menu of Cantonese-style seafood congee, homemade pickles, and today’s tea went viral. From the second week of March, the kitchen is preparing for a new vegetarian lunch menu. Lemon jelly, a desert of refreshing jelly on top of a slice of lemon peel, is also a popular dish of Tove. It runs on a reservation-only basis, so please book in advance by sending a DM through Instagram.

Address
3F, 62-4, Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Business hours
Wed.–Sun. 12:00–20:00 by reservation only