Shanghai food tour: The best South Korean food in Koreatown

Some 10 years after South Korean soap operas won the hearts of Shanghainese audiences, Shanghai's South Korean restaurants have started to climb their way up local restaurant lists.

Although there are countless Korean restaurants in Shanghai's downtown dining areas, to get the real deal you have to head out to Shanghai’s own Koreatown.

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Koreatown is located near Jinhui Nan Lu and Hongquan Lu in Minhang district. About three-quarters of the area’s population are long-term Korean residents (from both North and South Korea). Here are eight restaurants in the area that you absolutely cannot miss. All prices are for two, but do not include drinks.

1. Zheng Yi Ping (正一品）

Give your own grill a break, and head to Zheng Yi Ping.

Why we like it: This just might be the most famous South Korean barbecue restaurant in Shanghai, making it a go-to for most Koreans in Shanghai. The venue is known for its pot-style barbecue.

“We are particular about the quality and freshness of our meats,” says restaurant manager Jin Ming Shi. “The food is directly sourced from high-tech, ecological and contaminant-free farms.”

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Their meats are cooked over a large iron plate, making for a smoke-free, healthy dining experience.

The best way to cook your order: leave a small portion of meat on the iron plate, let it sizzle for a few minutes, then dunk the meat in the dipping sauce before pairing it with a piece of fresh vegetable.

“Our complimentary cakes are also very well-received among customers,” adds Jin.

Don’t miss: The five-layered pork (RMB 50), fresh beef (RMB 120-260, depending on which part you order) and chicken soup (RMB 60).

225 Jinhui Lu, near Hongquan Lu 金汇南路225号, 近 虹泉路, +86 21 3432 2735, +86 21 3432 2736; open 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

2. Gammiok (甘味屋）

Gammiok goes back to basics: if they can't boil or steam it, they won't serve it.

Why we like it: Although most people automatically think "barbecue" when talking about South Korean food, Gammiok defies the trend: all the items on the menu is either boiled or steamed.

“We don’t do barbecue here,” says owner Shin Seunghwa. “Barbecue has only been around in [South] Korea for the last few decades. Before that, we mostly used the boiling or steaming methods to make our food. We want to carry on this culinary tradition to provide only the most authentic Korean dining experience.”

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Their signature dish is Snow Soup (a type of beef soup) and while you wait for your order you can snack on the free kimchi sides. Customers have reportedly traveled from across Shanghai just for a taste of their side dishes.

The South Korean couple who own the restaurant are very friendly and go out of their way to make customers feel like they have been invited into someone's home -- a rare display of hospitality in Shanghai.

Don’t miss: Snow Soup (RMB 40), steamed beef pancake (RMB 100 for a small portion, RMB 130 for the large) and chicken soup (RMB 60).

193 Jinhui Nan Lu, near Hongquan Lu 金汇南路193号, 近 虹泉路, ＋86 21 3431 8345, ＋86 21 3431 8458; open 5:30 a.m. - 3 a.m.

3. Xiang Cun Tu Cheng (乡村土城）

You've described wine as "woody," but have you ever described a duck that way? Xiang Cun Tu Cheng bets you will.

Why we like it: Beijing’s not the only place known for roast duck -- South Korean chefs also know how to do a bird right. This restaurant is famous for its South Korean roast duck, and using oak in the cooking process.

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The oak is warmed in the oven by itself before being used to cook the duck, giving the dish a light, woody flavor. More than just making a good meal, duck is said to be good for diners' circulation. A bit of TCM at dinner can never hurt.

In addition to dishing up a great duck, Xiang Cun Tu Cheng is also know for its roasted pork and good service.

Don’t miss: Roasted duck (RMB 190) and roast pork (RMB 95 for two portions).

193 Jinhui Nan Lu, near Hongquan Lu, next to 1004 supermarket 金汇南路193号, 近 虹泉路, +86 3421 3232; open 4:30 p.m. - 11 p.m.

4. Myeongdong Dao Mian (明洞刀面）

Succulent noodles are everybody's favorite.

Why we like it: Don’t be fooled by the name of this restaurant; besides South Korean noodles, they also offer a variety of dishes, such as Korean hotpot and dumplings. This is also Shanghai’s only South Korean restaurant that offers authentic South Korean kalguksu, or knife noodles, somewhat similar to the Chinese hand-pulled noodles.

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The noodles are made by slicing through a large round piece of dough to get thin doughy strips, resulting in a bowl of extremely smooth noodles. Add in some tasty beef soup and we will guarantee that you’ll be licking your bowl clean.

Restaurant waiter Cai Wenya says that noodle-lovers who want to savor a bowl without the rush should come during off-peak hours, it’ll be the only time they’ll be able to easily find a seat.

Don’t miss: Kalguksu (RMB 40) and dumplings (RMB 40).

1051 Hongquan Lu, Bldg 209, 2/F, near Jinhui Nan Lu 虹泉路1051号209号楼2楼, 近 金汇南路, +86 21 3432 3258; open 11 a.m. - 3 p.m., 5 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.