Undoubtedly, South Korea is a vibrant whirlwind of urban excitement, a nation that pulsates with a superfast tempo! Yet, there are moments when you want to slow things down a bit and savor a leisurely bite, but you're constantly faced with a time crunch. Fear not, we have curated a tempting list of exceptional K-fast food havens, where you can indulge in a gratifying feast delivered at breakneck speed!
1. Mom's Touch: If you're in the mood for some mouth-watering chicken that'll blow your taste buds away while not having a bunch of time, then Mom's Touch is an absolute must-visit! Sure, they have your typical chicken burgers, but what sets this place apart is the dizzying array of fried chicken options they offer. From delectable cheese-sprinkled fried chicken to spicy chipao chicken and even tantalizing Cajun rice cake gangjeong, Mom's Touch will take you on a culinary adventure! But it's not just about the chicken - the sides at Mom's Touch are equally awe-inspiring, with crispy cream cheese balls, cheesy French fries, sweet potato cheese popcorn balls, and so much more. Come for the chicken, stay for the sides, and leave with a satisfied stomach!
2. Isaac Toast: When it comes to toast, most people think of the classic slice of bread with a smear of butter or a dollop of jam. But in Korea, they take their toast game to a whole new level! At Isaac Toast, you'll discover a world of flavor-packed goodness, with sandwiches stuffed to the brim with fresh cabbage, creamy mayonnaise, fluffy eggs, and even sweet strawberry jam. This isn't your ordinary toast - it's an explosion of tastes and textures that will tantalize your taste buds like never before. So if you're looking for something more out of the ordinary, Isaac Toast is the place to grab a quick bite!
3. Lotteria: For over four decades, Lotteria has been the reigning champion of fast food in South Korea - and for a good reason. With a dizzying array of unique and mouth-watering burgers, this chain has won the hearts of foodies nationwide. Are you looking for something with a little extra bite? Sink your teeth into the T-REX burger, a monster-sized sandwich piled high with beef, chicken, and bacon. Are you craving something a little more exotic? Try the shrimp burger, bursting with fresh seafood flavor. But the real stars of the show are Lotteria's bulgogi burgers - available in both classic and upscale hanwoo bulgogi varieties. And if you're feeling extra fancy, don't miss the hanwoo truffle mushroom burger, a decadent treat that will leave you feeling like royalty.
4. Kimbap Chungook: If you're not a fan of the greasiness that comes with typical fast food, then you might want to go and get yourself a satisfying roll of kimbap, filled with an assortment of vegetables and rice all rolled up in a piece of seaweed, Kimbap Chungook also known as Kimbap Heaven can be easily found at almost every street corner within South Korea, and the benefits? Many locations are open 24 hrs! It may not look like much, but it is for sure going to fill you up for the rest of the day!
5. Jaws Tteokbooki: Craving for a fiery food adventure? Look no further than Jaws Tteokbokki, the ultimate destination for lovers of spicy Korean street food. This iconic chain takes the humble rice cake and transforms it into an irresistible treat that will leave your taste buds begging for more. From the classic tteokbokki smothered in a spicy gochujang sauce to crispy fried dumplings bursting with flavor, Jaws Tteokbokki has something for everyone.
What makes South Korea so great is that no matter how busy you are, you don't have to spend extra minutes in your day deciding where to eat because there are so many options available! So if you're ever in Korea looking for a quick bite to eat, then make sure to try any of these places!
Oh my God YES Mom's Touch. I never shut up about that place to everyone I know, even years after living in Korea. It's the chicken of God. There is one Mom's Touch location in Queens (more like Long Island though), NY that miraculously tastes identical to in Korea. It tastes incredible but it's way, way more expensive than in Korea haha. There are a few locations in California too, but based off a glance at their website, it seems like the food isn't really the same at those locations. Bummer.
Lotteria was good too. It's straight-up Korean McDonald's, though Korea has McD and Burger King in abundance too. The Big Bul Burger was delicious.