Seoul is a city celebrated for its vibrant food scene, brimming with diverse culinary offerings from all over the world. While Korean BBQ, street food, and traditional dishes dominate the local food scene, the city also has hidden gems for those seeking to explore more exotic cuisines. And one is Central Cuisine. A surprising fact about South Korea is that there is a large Central Asian population, with a whopping 30,000 Kazakh citizens living there.
While I was living in Seoul, I had a chance to meet many Central Asians, coming from Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan. Most of them come to South Korea to pursue post-secondary education and for work. I would make trips between Seoul and Bishkek, every three months and my mom happened to be visiting me in Bishkek in August 2023. In preparation for her visits, I wanted to take her to a Central Asian restaurant in Seoul, so I'll show you two restaurants that should be on your radar.
Lazzat Restaurant (Uzbek Restaurant) in Itaewon
Located in the multicultural neighborhood of Itaewon, Lazzat Restaurant is a cozy spot that has gained a loyal following for its Central Asian cuisine. The restaurant is located on the second floor and is a popular destination for Central Asian expats as well as curious Seoulites eager to explore new cuisines. I've eaten at Lazzat Restaurant thrice; every time I visited, the food was delicious and the service was quick.
The decor is simple, with touches of Central Asian culture such as traditional patterned textiles and wall art. It is a relaxed environment, perfect for a laid-back meal with friends or family. I was extremely excited to order in the Russian I've learned, but turns out they upgraded their ordering system and now use tablets. The tablets are in Korean, English, and Russian languages.
The menu at Lazzat features an array of Central Asian favorites. Some standout dishes include:
Plov: Plov is a fragrant rice pilaf cooked with lamb, carrots, onions, and a medley of spices. This was both my mom and I's favorite dish.
Shashlik: Shashlik is skewered meat grilled to perfection. The meat is marinated in a blend of spices, giving it a smoky, tender flavor that pairs well with the fresh vegetable accompaniments. There are different choices of protein but my go-to is chicken and beef.
Samsa: If you're looking for a delicious appetizer, samsa is a great choice. These flaky, savory pastries are stuffed with minced meat and onions, baked until golden and crispy.
Lazzat offers an authentic Central Asian experience and it's a must-visit if you're in Itaewon and in the mood for hearty, flavorful Central Asian dishes. The prices are reasonable, the portions are generous, making it a great place to enjoy a filling meal without breaking the bank.
The restaurant is just a short walk from Itaewon Station (Line 6, Exit 3). Itaewon is a vibrant, multicultural area, so you can also explore the nearby shops and international markets after your meal.
Star Samarkand in Dongdaemun
In the bustling Dongdaemun district is Star Samarkand, a popular Central Asian restaurant. It's a favorite spot for the Central Asian community, but increasingly, it's attracting local Koreans as well. A very popular Korean travel Youtuber actually posted a video of himself eating at this restaurant and it garnered over 2 million views. Note that there is another restaurant Star Samarkand right beside it, but this is the one that I've been told is better.
Star Samarkand's interior is simple, but it more than makes up for in the quality of its food. They also have a system where you order through tablets. The menu is diverse offering various soups, salads, and Central Asian staples. These are some items I had:
Lagman: This hearty noodle soup is a beloved dish. The handmade noodles are thick and chewy, sort of like udon, swimming in a broth that's packed with vegetables, meat, and aromatic spices.
Shorpo: Shorpo is a traditional Central Asian soup made with tender chunks of lamb or beef, simmered slowly with potatoes, carrots, and aromatic herbs like cilantro and dill. The broth is light yet flavorful
Ganfan: Ganfan is stir-fried meat, combined with carrots, bell peppers, onions, and celery served over a bed of rice. This is one of my favorite dishes!
Shashlik: Shashlik is skewered meat grilled to perfection. The meat is marinated in a blend of spices, giving it a smoky, tender flavor that pairs well with the fresh vegetable accompaniments. There are different choices of protein but my go-to is chicken and beef.
Whether you're a seasoned fan of Central Asian food or trying it for the first time, these restaurants will leave you wanting to explore more of the region’s diverse flavors. So, next time you're in Seoul, take a detour from the usual and embark on a delicious journey through Central Asia!
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