Korea's 10 Must-Visit Asian Restaurants in Gangnam

The air hums with lime leaf, fish sauce, and coconut milk—clean, bright, and confident. A favorite among Gangnam regulars, Ban Pichai leans on Thai-imported ingredients for a faithful punch: Som Tum pops with sweet–sour–spicy balance, soft-shell crab curry is plush and creamy, and their Pad Thai hits that caramelized, chewy-slick sweet spot. Come hungry and think rice-for-the-sauce kind of night.

• Order this: Som Tum, Poo Nim Pad Pong Curry, and Pad Thai; pair with a cold beer after work.

Steam curls off bowls of broth while herbs crackle with fresh-cut fragrance—this is the quick, energetic side of Vietnam in Gangnam. Loved by office locals and curious travelers alike, Hyeottu’s “major six” plates deliver bold, reliable flavor in a fast-turn room. It’s more hit-and-run delicious than long, lingering chat, and that’s part of its charm.

• Order this: Sample across the greatest hits and share—ideal for a quick, satisfying dinner.

A shabu-shabu sanctuary where broth is everything: separate chicken, beef, and mushroom stocks are harmonized into one savory, layered pool. Bang-a leaves add a uniquely Korean herbal lift, and you can close with silky porridge or springy noodles. Calm lighting and tidy plating make it date- and family-friendly.

• Order this: Two-person shabu set, then choose porridge or noodles; add the water parsley pancake and Mimiok makgeolli.

For a detour along the old spice routes, Asilah brings North African warmth into sleek private rooms—ideal when you want conversation to linger. Kefta beef tagine steams with cumin and coriander, lamb brochette is halal and tender, and seasonal Italian-fusion plates weave in comfortably for mixed tastes.

• Order this: Kefta tagine and lamb brochette; ask staff for a wine pairing from the global list.

A cozy, owner-chef kitchen where saffron, cumin, and coriander meet thoughtful wine at neighborhood prices. The chicken curry is the table-stealer—rich, aromatic, and impossible not to reorder—while the lamb is remarkably clean and gentle for the lamb-wary.

• Order this: Chicken curry (yes, twice), plus a chef-recommended bottle; explore Middle East–to–India small plates.

Down on the GFC basement level, coppery gravies and blistered naan set a polished scene for both weekday lunches and easy dinners. Indian chefs cook with better ingredients and house-ground spices tuned to Korean palates without losing character—creamy, tangy, and warmly spiced.

• Order this: A curry duo with naan and rice to compare textures; ask for your preferred heat level.

Bright wood, mint and beige tones, and wide tables set an easy rhythm for Vietnamese comfort that feels both polished and abundant. It’s a hit with locals at lunch—expect a short wait—but the crowd thins into a relaxed evening. QR ordering keeps things swift; plates are hearty and well-priced for the quality.

• Order this: A couple of mains to share; the plating, dishware, and flavors all click for a casual date or team lunch.

Bangkok vibes in a tidy Yeoksam nook—lemongrass, chilies, and kaffir lime leaf rise from the table in a bright, aromatic rush. Menus are thoughtfully designed with vegan options across the board, making it an easy pick for mixed-diet groups without compromising on flavor.

• Order this: A classic curry with a crisp salad for contrast; ask for vegan swaps if needed.

Built on dedication to flavor, the broth here leans rich and clean—exactly the kind of phở you want when the day asks for comfort. The space is unfussy, the bowls honest, and the satisfaction immediate; it’s a dependable stop for the neighborhood.

• Order this: Classic beef phở; add fresh herbs and a squeeze of lime to open up the broth.

Made-to-order bowls that are both tasty and filling—Forest Today leans into a Korean-style take on phở that’s clean, generous, and comforting. It’s the easy pick when you want something warm and substantial without fuss in the middle of Teheran-ro.

• Order this: A classic rice noodle bowl with add-ons; great for quick solo meals or casual family dinners.