8 great Korean restaurants in Victoria

Victoria is steeped in history, and one of its great legacies is its rich culinary heritage. Over the years, Victoria has become home to many different cultures and communities, which have all left their mark on the city’s food scene. One of those is the Korean community, which has brought its unique and delicious cuisine to Victoria.

Korean food can be traced back hundreds of years and has evolved over time to become a fusion of flavours from China and Japan as well as traditional Korean cooking techniques. Today, there are more than 100 different types of kimchi (fermented cabbage) alone!

If you’re looking for some authentic Korean food in Victoria, check out our top picks below:

King Sejong

If you’re looking for homey, comforting, and more traditional Korean cooking, this is the place to go. We recommend the ojingeo bokkeum (pan-fried squid with traditional Korean spicy sauce, served with steamed rice), budae jjigae (fresh vegetables, kimchi, tofu with ham, sausages in spicy soup, served with noodles and a bowl of rice. Pro tip: get it with an extra cheese topping), the spicy cheese chicken, and the kimchijeon (or seafood pajeon).

Do you have any favourites at King Sejong? Let us know!

kingsejongvictoria.com650 Yates St.

Thunderbird Chicken

Fried chicken is Korea’s soul food. It plays a big role in Koreans’ lives and it’s ingrained in their culture. Thunderbird is a hidden gem located in the heart of Cook Street Village that serves some of the crispiest and spiciest Korean fried chicken (KFC) in Victoria, providing a unique mix of authentic Korean cuisine and recipes with a North American twist.

We recommend the gan-jang (chicken with sweet and savoury sauce) and the Megan croffle-boneless fried chicken thigh with Megan sauce (spicy soy sauce), honey butter with apple slaw, and french fries. Available for lunch only.

thunderbirdvictoria.com@thunderbirdvictoria253 Cook St.

NARU Korean Restaurant

An authentic Korean restaurant in the heart of downtown Victoria. Its hot pots are amazing and a good value.

Our recommendations are:• Galbi jjim (hot pot): braised short beef ribs in sweet or spicy marinated soy sauce with vegetables. This dish is just absolute perfection.• Sundubu jjigae (soup): a spicy tofu soup with eggs, veggies, and your choice of seafood or pork. • Kimchi jjigae (hot pot): braised spicy pork back ribs with kimchi and vegetables.

@naru_victoria_canada1218 Wharf St.

Chimac

From its delicious Korean-style marinated chicken to the assortment of soothing soups, crispy chicken, and spicy seafood rice cakes, we’re sure you’ll find a great meal here.

Our recommendations:• If you go with a group that can handle spicy food, order the spicy seafood rice cakes to share.• If you feel like something less spicy, get the snowy fried chicken.

chimackoreanfriedchicken.com@chimac.victoria512 Yates St.

Xin Korean Restaurant

This restaurant makes really good spicy stir-fried noodles in black bean sauce, with seafood and pork. The portions here are huge for what you pay. Definitely worth checking it out.

Our recommendations: • Jajangmyeon or black bean noodles: This is a Korean-Chinese dish that has become a staple.

@xin_korean_restaurant823 Bay St.

Sura

This is the place to go for a proper Korean BBQ that you can grill right at the table. Bring more people so you can order one of the larger combos.

You’ll have various choices like marinated pork and chicken, beef bulgogi, and short ribs with traditional banchan side dishes and dumpling soup and japchae noodles.

Our recommendations:• Korean barbecue

@sura_yyj1696 Douglas St.

Bistro Chi Q

Bistro Chi Q is one of the newer spots that does Korean fried chicken and traditional Korean dishes. Between mild and spicy marinades, five different dippings and six different KFC dishes, you will definitely be surprised here.

Our recommendations:• Tteokbokki. It’s spicy! • Budae jjigae.Budae jjigae, or army stew, originated shortly after the Korean War when food was scarce and many Koreans were starving. Food was smuggled from American military bases, then local Koreans used the American ingredients to create a stew. With processed meats such as spam and hot dogs, the stew became an assortment of Korean vegetables, spicy seasonings and other leftovers thrown together into a large pot. This is how budae jjigae came to be; created out of necessity during a difficult time. It’s legit a hit and one of Korea’s national dishes.

@chiq_victoriabistrochiq.com1669 Pear St.

Parks Kitchen

Parks Kitchen offers a selection of Japanese and Korean classic dishes and some unique options like Korean BBQ fire fan or the BBQ oshi sushi.

Our recommendations:• BBQ grill fire pan with cheesy corn and grilled meats• Rice cake hot pot. Pick your spice level. It comes with veggies, meats, and ramen noodles. Cook and eat as you go.

parkskitchenvictoria.com@parkskitchen.victoria606 Trounce Alley

A special thank you to local foodies @loisydaily and @keeemmm for making this article possible. Your recommendations are amazing!