Omo, Here’s Where to Get Korean Food in Metro Manila Featured in K-dramas

It’s no surprise that Korean cuisine piqued the interest of Filipinos given the massive influence that Korean dramas and pop music have had on Philippine culture. Just like Filipino fare, Korean dishes can be sweet, savory, sour, spicy, or a combination of these flavors.

Many of us probably got caught up in the K-drama craze, particularly during the quarantine days, and developed a hankering for some snacks and treats featured on these shows.

At present, it’s not hard to satisfy your K-food cravings as restaurants and grocery stores are springing up all over Metro Manila. Here’s a guide on where to get some of the most popular Korean food that you always see in K-dramas.

Miyeokguk at Sijang Mart

Sijang Mart is an online Korean grocery store based in Metro Manila where you can shop traditional Korean food and quality ingredients. Sijang is a Korean word that means “market.”

For a minimum purchase of P1,299, it provides free delivery across the metro. You can shop here the famous seaweed soup or known as miyeokguk in Korea. This popular dish was seen in the hit K-drama “Hometown Cha Cha Cha” and appeared three times in episodes one, 13, and 14, respectively.

Miyeokguk from Sijang Mart (P93) can serve up to two people as it contains two separate servings inside the packaging. For pickup and delivery details, click here.

Sundubu Jjigae at Kkachi Korean Restaurant

Who could ever forget the interesting characters and tale of revenge of the K-drama “Itaewon Class,” starring Park Seo-joon as Park Sae ro-yi, Kim Da-mi as Jo Yi-seo, and Park Bo-gum as the handsome chef?

In the TV series, sundubu jjigae was spotted because it is one of the go-to foods for Koreans during late-night food crawls, best paired with soju or beer. The main ingredient of this spicy Korean stew is the soft tofu seasoned with fish sauce. Parañaque-based Korean restaurant Kkachi offers this hearty dish for only P300.

Location: Kkachi Korean Restaurant, #227 Aguirre Avenue, BF Homes, Paranaque City

Jajangmyeon at Red Table

Jajangmyeon was featured in the classic K-drama “Coffee Prince,”aired in 2007, when Eun Chan (portrayed by Yoo Eun-Hye) and Hwang Min-yeop (Lee Eon) engaged in a “food fight” wherein each of them had to finish five big bowls of the said dish.

This traditional Korean black bean noodle dish is a Filipino favorite due to its savory and delicately sweet flavor. The bean paste in jajangmyeon is a blend of fermented black soybeans, wheat flour, and caramel, and is served over fresh, chewy Korean or udon noodles.

Location: RCBC Plaza, Makati and SM City San Lazaro

Korean Fried Chicken at Rolling Tubs

Our K-drama food guide wouldn’t be complete without including “chicken!” The iconic Korean fried chicken is also called “chimaek” – a combination of chicken and maekju (beer). The romantic Korean drama series "Crash Landing on You" has featured Korean fried chicken several times.

Home-based kitchen Rolling Tubs serves Korean fried chicken on its “Crash Lunching On You” menu. Its version of Korean fried chicken (wings and drumsticks) is cooked in sticky and sweet soy sauce and coated with the right amount of Korean chili paste. You may order by sending them a DM on Instagram.

Sundae at Sarang Korean Mart

Last, but certainly not the least, in our guide to Korean food in Metro Manila is the sundae. In South Korea, sundae is not a sort of soft ice cream but rather a type of blood sausage.

Sundae was spotted in the romantic-comedy K-drama series “Fight for My Way” during an aegyo battle between Park Seo Joon and Kim Ji Won.

Sarang Korean Mart is a grocery store in Metro Manila that sells a wide variety of Korean products available online or for pickup. If you’re curious about Korea’s blood sausage, you can have a taste of it for only P235 per 500 grams.

Location: Kalayaan and Fairview (Quezon City) and Marikina City