We used to be very limited on Korean restaurants in Cambridge, but over the years spots have been popping up all over town, with six locations now open. As someone who loves Korean food, it is a brilliant time to be a foodie in the city. The best thing about this lineup is that they aren’t just generic copy-paste options; every single one offers something completely unique.
Here is a breakdown of the independent Korean joints in Cambridge to help you decide where to start your checklist.
Kimchili, King Street
If you are looking for an exciting addition to the city’s Korean dining scene, then Kimchili on King Street is well worth a visit. The restaurant is small but surprisingly spacious, high energy, and authentic. Their menu stands out with exciting sharing platters including their beautifully tender cheese pork ribs. Starters like pork dumplings and traditional savoury pancakes are also available.
More interestingly, they also offer Somack; a unique drinking experience that is enjoyed in bars and clubs across Korea. It is made from a mix of Korean beer and soju that packs a serious (and messy) punch. With incredibly friendly staff and dishes you won’t easily find elsewhere in Cambridge, it delivers a memorable experience from start to finish.
Bibimbap House, Mill Road
If you are looking for a true veteran of the Cambridge food scene then Bibimbap House on Mill Road is a must-visit. This small, family-run spot has been here as long as I can remember and is perfect for a quick bite to eat on Mill Road. As the name suggests, you come here for their traditional Bibimbap dishes, which arrive as a fun and novel tray experience, complete with hot rice, sides, and a soup. This is the true authentic Korean experience.
Little Seoul, Regent Street (now closed)
If you are looking for an authentic, under-the-radar dining experience then Little Seoul on Regent Street is a true hidden gem. Disguised as nothing more than a doorway, this cosy basement restaurant opens up into a lively space that is frequently packed with Korean students. Their menu features a decent selection of classic, humble Korean dishes, ranging from beautifully crispy, succulent pan-fried pork dumplings to incredibly fiery spicy noodle dishes. It offers a wonderfully authentic, honest, and bustling atmosphere that makes you feel like you’ve stepped right out of Cambridge and into Seoul.
Yori, Green Street (also Regent Street)
If you are looking for a messy yet fun communal dining experience, then Yori on Green Street is a fantastic option. Moving into a much larger and more spacious venue than their original St Andrews Street location, this spot specialises in the tabletop Korean barbecue experience where you get to do the grilling yourself. Their massive ‘Yori Selection’ platter is a brilliant way to sample a bit of everything, featuring high-quality cuts like thin-cut brisket and a tender rib-eye steak, alongside giant king prawns. Backed by highly attentive staff who are always on hand to help with the gas grills, it delivers a lively, social, and beautifully interactive meal that is perfect for groups.
Kimbap 82, Cambridge Market
If you are looking for a quick, fresh, and completely mess-free lunch on the go, then Kimbap82 on the Market Square is an absolute must-visit. Run by Caro – who previously worked at Kibou – this independent street food stall specialises in authentic Korean rice rolls that are made fresh right in front of your eyes. Kimbap is similar to sushi but offers a lot more flexibility with its ingredients, serving up everything from frankfurter sausages to garlicky bulgogi beef. With three gluten-free options and a brilliant meal deal available, it is a fantastic, value-packed addition to the city’s food scene.
Manna Seoul, Food Van
If you want a completely unique and fun street food experience that is a little different, then Manna Seoul is one of the most exciting food vans in the county. Specialising in Korean-style corn dogs (or “k-dogs”) this popular mobile spot is run by Ian and Lan, who bring a contagious, positive energy to the queue while you wait. Their menu offers a brilliant twist on the humble corn dog, featuring deep-fried, battered frankfurters on a stick that you can customise with gooey mozzarella and toppings like the sweet and sticky bacon maple. Complete with loaded kimchi fries on the menu and the occasional surprise dessert promotion, it is a brilliant addition to the local food scene that you will want to track down immediately.
Kim’s Bulgogi, Regent Street
If you are looking for a straightforward, flavour-packed meal, Kim’s Bulgogi on Regent Street is well worth keeping on your radar. Offering both a casual dine-in space and a quick takeaway service, this eatery leans into comforting, authentic classics. True to its name, their menu highlights popular Korean favourites like beef bulgogi and spicy pork bulgogi served over rice or noodles, as well as highly rated bibimbap bowls.
Review coming soon…
What are you waiting for?
The best part about having these six distinct spots across town is that you aren’t just getting the same dining experience on repeat. Each restaurant is different, with one offering sticky bacon maple corn dogs and the next with tender pork ribs sizzle over a table-side grill. Because each place brings its own unique spin to the table, it turns the city into a proper Korean food checklist that is begging to be ticked off.
Have you managed to visit any of these six spots yet, or is there a hidden gem I have completely missed off the list? Let me know your favourites in the Cambridge Foodies group or on my Instagram.
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