Hallyu Kitchen, the Seoul-inspired Korean restaurant in Paris’s 9th arrondissement that transports you straight to Seoul

If you're looking for a culinary adventure into Korean cuisine, look no further than Hallyu Kitchen in the 9th arrondissement of Paris. Located at 6 rue Henry Monnier, near Place Gustave-Toudouze, this restaurant—a collaboration between Julie Noël, Armelle Jozan, and chef Su-hyun—celebrates the flavors of Korea with authenticity and warmth. Whether it's sizzling Korean grilled dishes, irresistibly crispy fried chicken, or classic bibimbap, this lively spot transports diners straight to Seoul with every bite.

The Hallyu Kitchen project — whose name literally means "Korean Wave" — stems from Julie and Armelle’s shared passion for South Korea. After working together at Quitoque, the two co-founders envisioned a space that would not only serve authentic Seoul-style cuisine but also capture the vibrant atmosphere and energy of the city. To bring their concept to life, they enlisted Studio Pey, who crafted an immersive decor featuring raw stone, temple-inspired paving stones, concrete, and natural wood, all accented with pops of bright color. The mint-green mezzanine—reminiscent of traditional Korean cafés—evokes a cozy, authentic vibe, while the large communal tables and majestic bar mirror the lively buzz of Seoul’s bustling alleys.

What to Order at Hallyu Kitchen?

The menu crafted by Chef Su-hyun — who also runs Potcha 5 in the Montorgueil neighborhood since 2019 — pays homage to traditional Korean cuisine while remaining approachable. Among the starters, the fried chicken comes in two variations: freshly fried with a potato starch coating flavored with curry and mustard, served plain with garlic mayo (€8.50 for the small, €23 for the XL), or coated in a sweet-spicy sauce made with gochujang in its yangnyeom version (€9.50 / €26). The galette buchujeon (€12.50), hearty and lightly caramelized, features scallion stalks, onions, calamari, and seasonal vegetables. The gulim mandu (€8), delicate Korean dumplings with thin dough, are offered in three homemade fillings: beef and pork, shrimp, or kimchi and shiitake mushrooms.

When it comes to dishes, the bibimbap (€15) remains a classic favorite: crispy rice that crackles at the bottom of the bowl, lightly tangy vegetables, and a runny egg yolk to bring everything together. You can choose the beef bulgogi version or opt for a vegetarian twist. The japchae (€15), featuring homemade sweet potato noodles stir-fried with mushrooms, leeks, carrots, spinach, and peppers, offers a delightful introduction to Korean culinary traditions. It’s also available with bulgogi beef. The cheese dakgalbi (€17) combines sautéed chicken in a spicy sauce topped with melted mozzarella and sweet potato for a hearty, cheesy kick.

The famous Korean grilled dishes served as ssam – the signature of the place

The true hallmark of Hallyu Kitchen lies in its Korean grilled dishes served as ssam. Coming straight to your table still sizzling on a hot plate, options include: bulgogi beef marinated in a secret sauce (€19), ginger and garlic-marinated pork shoulder (€18), spicy or grilled chicken (€18), or a generous cut of beef (€24). The idea behind ssam is to wrap the grilled meat in a leaf of lettuce along with rice, banchans—those small plates of fermented or pickled vegetables like the homemade kimchi—and ssamjang sauce. It’s a warm, communal experience that captures the essence of Korean sharing culture.

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For dessert, the sundae (€6) features creamy fior di latte ice cream draped in a caramel miso and buckwheat sauce. The bukumi (€5) is a fish-shaped mochi waffle filled with peanut butter or organic Nutella. Also on the menu is dalgona, the traditional Korean cookie that you need to carve into a shape without breaking, made famous by the series Squid Game.

A charming, colorful setting that immerses you in the vibrant spirit of Seoul

From the moment you step in, the mezzanine catches the eye with its mint-green painted wood, a nod to classic Korean design. This elevated central feature evokes the charm of traditional cafés while also hinting at the cozy, hidden eateries tucked away in Seoul’s bustling alleys. The bar offers a selection of cocktails and somaeks — that well-known shot of soju poured into a glass of beer — perfect for settling in at the counter with a lively, buzzing atmosphere. Upstairs, the vibe shifts to something more intimate and inviting, as if finding a secret corner of Seoul to unwind. The main hall, spacious and lively, is outfitted with long tables flanked by large banquettes and colorful chairs, all beneath a luminous ceiling that casts a gentle glow reminiscent of traditional Korean patios.

Chef Su-hyun, originally from Busan, moved to Paris in 2002 to work as a chef. Her expertise in traditional Korean dishes led her to publish the book Bistrot Coréen and to open her own restaurant in 2019. She became involved with Hallyu Kitchen more than a year before it officially opened, captivated by the genuine passion and deep knowledge of Korean culture shared by Julie and Armelle. Together, this all-female team offers an authentic, generous, and vibrant culinary experience.

In short, Hallyu Kitchen transports us into the culinary world of South Korea, blending deep respect for tradition with a vibrant Parisian urban vibe. A must-visit spot in the 9th arrondissement—a perfect escape for a meal, whether you're popping in for a quick lunch with the set menu (available Monday through Friday) or enjoying a lively dinner featuring signature grilled dishes served in ssam style.

The restaurant is open daily from 12:00 PM to 2:30 PM and again from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Starters are priced between €5 and €12.50, main courses range from €14 to €24, and desserts cost from €3 to €9.

This test was conducted as part of a professional invitation. If your experience differs from ours, please let us know.