Best Korean Restaurant in Navi Mumbai

Posted on Mar 19th, 2023

by Monisha

Categories:

Travel

While Indo-Chinese cuisine is highly popular in India, the true excitement lies in the genuine Korean dishes. We Indians often find ourselves mixing up the flavors of Korean, Japanese, and Chinese cuisines, but each of them has distinct tastes and origins. Korean food is celebrated as one of the healthiest cuisines globally, thanks to its use of seasonal ingredients and components that promote gut health. The delightful mix of sticky rice, kimchi, sweet salad dressing, and tofu is truly a treat for the soul.

I enjoy both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options when it comes to Korean, Chinese, or Japanese recipes. I find that appetizers and soups are best enjoyed with non-veg, while I prefer my rice and noodles in a vegan style. One dessert that pairs perfectly with these three cuisines is vanilla custard pudding. Although Koreans typically don’t serve sweet condiments after a meal, Indians often crave something sweet, and believe me, this dessert is a perfect match.

What is the importance of authentic flavors…?

The basic ingredients, like the flour coating, are unlike those of the regular Indian outlet; they use corn flour or refined wheat flour for appetizers. But authentic restaurateurs make use of tempura flour, which makes it so mouthwatering and tempting. The rice wine vinegar, use of culturally curated sauces, and use of salt varieties are so many, like cheonyil yom, topan yeom, Korean sauteed salt, and Korean roasted bamboo salt. Every ingredient adds a great unique contribution to the final dish. Cheong referred to honey giving a unique taste. Authentic Sichuan sauce, gochugaru paste, and doenjang (soybean paste) taste so good, be it with rice noodles, vegetables, meat, seafood, etc. The flavors are excellent.

I am a huge fan of Korean dishes. In my early childhood, I always thought that it was a Chinese dish that I was very fond of. In my adulthood, I realized that it was a Korean dish that captured my heart almost everywhere I went. I was always searching for an authentic Korean restaurant elsewhere that would be moderately accessible. So, if you are one of us, let me tell you about the food and ambience; you will enjoy the article that follows… I am looking forward to covering more authentic Korean restaurants in India.

Yum Asia, Kharghar.

The honey chili crispy chicken was extremely authentic, the best I’ve tasted here; it truly is different. The mee goreng noodles/rice was awesome. Kimchi was 5 stars. It was very fresh and aromatic and perfect, and the acidity was well balanced.
They serve Chinese, Thai, Pan-Asian, Sichuan, and seafood dishes and some of the best lotus stem dishes. Chicken Taipei, chicken bao buns, and drums of heaven. They serve a special plum sauce, which is sweet and tangy and especially enjoyed by kids. My little daughter enjoys this place a lot. She is very choosy in terms of flavors, so for me it’s a big relief to know that her taste buds also crave authentic Korean/Chinese dishes.
Japanese-style ramen noodles taste very good here; I loved them. I am not a big fan of Thai food, and so I cannot comment on any dishes that they serve here. But with respect to what I had so far, I can say that anyone who loves Thai food might not be disappointed for sure.
I can say that the chefs are well experienced and have magic in their hands. Right from taste, vegetable cutting, quality of serving, presentations, quality of temperature, and meat thickness, the butlers deserve five stars.

Nom Nom Restaurant (Nexus mall, Seawoods)

Nom Nom at Seawoods Mall is a great spot if you’re craving quick Asian flavors without spending too much time. It’s casual, vibrant, and perfect for a relaxed outing after shopping.
From Korean-inspired snacks to comforting bowls and fusion bites, the menu feels fun and easy. The portions are satisfying, the pricing is reasonable, and it’s a nice place to enjoy something different with family or friends.
If you love experimenting with Korean-style fast bites, Nom Nom is worth trying

China Bistro – CBD Belapur

China Bistro in CBD Belapur is a premium Pan-Asian restaurant that offers a refined dining experience. The ambience is elegant and perfect for family dinners or special occasions. While it is known for its wide Asian menu, you can also find Korean-inspired dishes that bring bold flavors to the table. The portions are generous, the presentation is neat, and the overall experience feels sophisticated. Pricing is on the premium side, but the quality and taste make it worth the visit.

Meishi Han—CBD Belapur

Meishi Han in CBD Belapur is a cozy spot for those who enjoy authentic Asian flavors in a calm setting. The restaurant offers a mix of Korean, Japanese, and other Pan-Asian dishes, making it a good choice if you like variety. The ambience is simple yet pleasant, ideal for a relaxed lunch or dinner. From sushi and ramen to Korean-style dishes, the taste feels balanced and satisfying. Pricing is moderate, and it’s a nice place to explore Asian cuisine without travelling far

Must try: Miso Ramen bowls, Kung pao veg and non-veg, Korean noodles

Footnote—

There were a lot of authentic Korean/Chinese/Japanese restaurants across Navi Mumbai that we have been to, and unfortunately most of them have shut down or shifted to the greater Mumbai side permanently. One of the reasons could be that authentic taste is not appreciated by regular Indians, and moreover, they find it expensive. They might be because when the use of exact dishes comes into the picture, the quality of food and cost will definitely go up. But they don’t burn a hole in our pockets if we have them monthly once or twice at the maximum. A few popular ones we miss the most are the following: