If you’ve been captivated by the surge in popularity of Korean food thanks to Netflix shows like “A Nation of Kimchi” and “Korean Porkbelly Rhapsody,” you might be wondering where you can experience this cuisine around Long Island. Lucky for us, Long Island is experiencing a Korean food renaissance, particularly in Great Neck, where you’ll find multiple bakeries, markets, and a hidden Korean food hall. Port Washington offers an explosive bowl of sizzling sundubu-jjigae, while Westbury and Levittown boast all-you-can-eat barbecue and hot pot joints. From Korean breakfast pastries to street food delights like tteok-bokki and Korean corn dogs, there’s no shortage of options to satisfy your cravings. So read on for more interesting trends and recommended spots to try them.
Korean Bakeries and Markets
Paris Baguette in Garden City and Plainview
If you’re craving delicious Korean baked goods, look no further than Paris Baguette. With locations in Garden City and Plainview, this bakery offers a wide variety of treats to satisfy your sweet tooth. From fruit tarts to Korean milk breads, their self-service cases are filled with mouthwatering options. Don’t miss their hot dog croissants, purple mochi doughnuts, and sugar-crusted buns with savory fillings. Paris Baguette brings the fusion of classical technique and Asian flavors to Long Island.
Tous les Jours in Great Neck
Another bakery chain that has made its way to Long Island is Tous les Jours. Located in Great Neck, Tous les Jours offers a similar bright atmosphere with a floor dominated by self-service cases. Indulge in their green tea-flavored milk bread, fruit tarts, and Korean milk breads. Their fluffy green breads flavored with honeydew melon are a unique and delicious option. With its fusion of Asian and French influences, Tous les Jours is a must-visit for anyone looking to explore Korean breakfast options.
Korean Barbecue
KPOT in Westbury
Korean barbecue has become increasingly popular, and KPOT in Westbury is the place to go for an all-you-can-eat barbecue experience. With a wide variety of meats and hot pot options, KPOT offers a feast for your taste buds. Whether you prefer beef, pork, or seafood, you’ll find it all here. Cook your own meat over the fiery charcoal briquettes installed in the center of the table and savor the smoky flavors.
K-CITY BBQ Hot Pot in Levittown
Another great option for Korean barbecue and hot pot is K-CITY BBQ Hot Pot in Levittown. Choose from a variety of meats, vegetables, and seafood to grill at your table. The hot pot options add an extra level of deliciousness to your meal. With its casual atmosphere and friendly staff, K-CITY BBQ Hot Pot is a perfect spot to enjoy a Korean barbecue feast with friends and family.
Korean Grill in East Northport
For a premium Korean barbecue experience, head to Korean Grill in East Northport. This restaurant takes grilling to the next level by using fiery charcoal briquettes that are installed in the center of the table. The boneless kalbi is a must-try dish, featuring perfectly cooked short ribs with a delicious char. The smoky flavors and the interactive grilling experience make Korean Grill a standout choice for Korean barbecue lovers.
Korean Breakfast
French/Korean Bakery chains in Seoul
Korean breakfast has been influenced by French pastries, thanks to the introduction of French/Korean bakery chains in Seoul in the 1980s. These bakeries offered a synthesis of classical technique and Asian flavors, creating a unique breakfast experience. Long Island has embraced this fusion of flavors with the opening of Paris Baguette in Garden City and Plainview and Tous les Jours in Great Neck. Both bakeries offer a wide variety of breakfast options, including hot dog croissants, mochi doughnuts, and sugar-crusted buns with savory fillings.
Tteok-bokki and Street Foods
Surasang in Syosset
If you’re craving tteok-bokki, Surasang in Syosset is the place to go. Tteok-bokki is a humble dish with some funky undertones, featuring chewy rice cakes in a spicy/sweet fermented chili sauce. Surasang offers a homestyle version of tteok-bokki, loaded with fish cakes and flavors that will leave your taste buds craving for more. This affordable and delicious street food is a must-try for anyone looking to explore Korean cuisine.
Food Court Korea in Albertson
Food Court Korea in Albertson is not actually a food court, but a restaurant that specializes in Korean street food. One of their standout dishes is jajangmyeon, a Korean/Chinese mashup featuring black bean sauce and minced pork belly over wheat noodles. Their crispy so-tteok skewers, deep-fried tubular rice cakes skewered alongside snappy Vienna sausages, are also a crowd favorite. Food Court Korea is the perfect place to satisfy your cravings for authentic Korean street food.
Kong Dog in the Broadway Mall food court
Situated in the Broadway Mall food court, Kong Dog offers a unique Korean street food experience. Their Korean corn dogs, which can be stuffed with mozzarella cheese, are a crowd favorite. But if you prefer something simpler, go for a potato dog, with potato cubes built into the crispy batter. Kong Dog provides a variety of options for street food enthusiasts, making it a great spot to grab a quick and delicious bite.
Noodles
Jajangmyeon at Food Court Korea in Albertson
Food Court Korea in Albertson is not only a great place for Korean street food, but they also serve up a delicious bowl of jajangmyeon. This Korean/Chinese mashup features noodles in a sweet black bean sauce with minced pork belly. The rich and flavorful sauce combined with the chewy noodles creates a truly satisfying dish. Food Court Korea’s jajangmyeon is a must-try for noodle lovers.
Japchae at Spoonsticks in Massapequa
Japchae is a vibrant stir fry dish made with sweet potato glass noodles. It’s a classic Korean dish that has captured the hearts (and taste buds) of many. For a truly delicious serving of japchae, head to Spoonsticks in Massapequa. Their version of this dish is topped with crisp carrots, onions, and woodear mushrooms, creating a medley of flavors and textures that will leave you wanting more. Spoonsticks is a trendy Korean bar that offers a variety of delicious dishes, and their japchae is definitely a standout.
Korean Fried Chicken
Spoonsticks in Massapequa
Korean fried chicken, also known as KFC (Korean fried chicken), has become a sensation in the food world. Spoonsticks in Massapequa is a great place to satisfy your cravings for this crispy and flavorful dish. Their smaller wings are basted in a zippy soy garlic sauce, creating a perfect combination of sweet and savory flavors. If you’re a fan of Korean fried chicken, Spoonsticks is a must-visit spot.
Song’s Family Food Court in Great Neck
For the full Korean fried chicken experience, head to Song’s Family Food Court in Great Neck. Han’s Chicken, located within the food hall, offers multiple varieties of boneless and bone-in wings and drumettes. Their “seasoned” chicken, scattered with almond slivers and black sesame seeds, is served in a paper takeout box. The crunchy batter collapses into juicy chicken meat, creating a satisfying and delicious bite. Don’t forget to sample the unlimited kimchi and other banchan at the condiment bar for a complete Korean dining experience.
Desserts
Croffle House in Great Neck
Looking for a sweet treat with a twist? Head to Croffle House in Great Neck. This dessert spot specializes in croffles, which are croissants cooked in a waffle iron. The result is a crispy and flaky treat that can be topped with whipped cream and chopped fruit. For the best texture, make sure to try a plain croffle fresh off the press. Croffle House offers a unique and delicious dessert option for those with a sweet tooth.
Cafeinn in Jericho
For a truly indulgent dessert experience, visit Cafeinn in Jericho. Their shaved ice, known as bingsu, is a finely ornamented tower of fluffy shaved ice topped with various toppings. The matcha-flavored shaved ice is delicate and light, almost like a pristine dollop of snow. The addition of white mochi balls, slivered almonds, and a bundle of red beans adds complexity and texture to the dessert. Top it off with a scoop of sweet vanilla ice cream for the perfect finishing touch. Cafeinn offers a wide variety of bingsu options, allowing you to customize your dessert to your liking.
That concludes our comprehensive guide to Korean food on Long Island. Whether you’re in the mood for bakery treats, Korean barbecue, street food, noodles, Korean fried chicken, or desserts, Long Island has plenty of options to satisfy your cravings. Explore these restaurants and bakeries to discover the delicious flavors of Korean cuisine right in your own backyard. Bon appétit!
