Seoul Garden is one of Dubai’s original (unlicensed) authentic Korean restaurants. And by original, I mean oldest – it’s been around forever. Located on the ground floor of the Zomorodah Building as you enter 27th Street in Karama, its interior is a labyrinth of private dining rooms, each with an elaborate barbeque integrated into the dining table – very Asian. Interior décor, while by no means bad, betrays its age with fuddy-duddy furniture which wouldn’t look out of place in your grandparents’ home. But I think this adds to the restaurant’s character. My food-buddy, Sammy, and I both agreed it reminded us of old Dubai.
A view from the street 
A labyrinth of private dining rooms 
The lobby 
Fuddy-Duddy 
Private dining room 
Private dining room
The restaurant’s extensive pictorial menu is easy to navigate yet Sammy and I, although relatively familiar with Korean cuisine, still sought the guidance of our helpful waiter – Gokul. We ended up ordering Yangnyeom Galbi (BBQ short ribs), Dolsot Bibimbap (rice with meat and vegetables in a hot stone pot) and delicious Twigim Mandu (fried dumplings).
Sides and condiments 
Ribs! 
Twigim Mandu 
Dolsot Bibimbap 
Noodles
It’s hard not to have fun barbequing Galbi (which means ‘rib’ in Korean) at the table, although expect to carry some of its sweet, chargrilled fragrance to your next appointment.
Service at Seoul Garden is old school – friendly, attentive and accommodating. Our waiter, Gokul, was well-versed and knowledgeable of the menu and, as mentioned above, helped us order our meal. As importantly, he popped in to check up on us in our private room every couple of minutes.
Seoul Garden remains one of the best Korean restaurants in Dubai. If you are looking for authentic, affordable Korean food, this is definitely one option to consider.
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Xerxes physically dines at, or orders from, each and every venue he reviews. He pays in full for whatever he and his companions eat, drink, take away or occasionally throw at each other. Xerxes accepts no money, gifts, discounts or free meals in return for reviews or favouritism. What you have read was NOT influenced in any way by the venue. Join me on Instagram @ravenousxerxes or email me on xerxes@dellara.com.