[Big John’s Place] Muslim food guide for Seoul.

As we all know, eating is always one of the hardest part of a vacation, always having to plan in advance to make sure there is something there that we eat and also the price is right.
For out Muslim friend, this task is double the effort.
In this guide, we will introduce franchises where Muslim can eat at.

We are trying to avoid the cliche vegetarian options.
These are some halal alternatives and the restaurants may or may not have a halal certificate.

1. McDonalds and Lotteria

Both are Korea’s top reigning fast food chain and you can see an outlet everywhere (unless you have been living or going to live in a cave).  Both franchises offer the PRAWN BURGER.  (psst… Lotteria also have a Squid Burger) And if you are more particular, the salads also make a filling and pretty satisfying meal. To top it off, you can even call for delivery!

 

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2. Jaws Tteokbokki

I am sure you have heard of Korea’s tteokbokki but have you tried before the authentic one ? Jaws Tteokbokki, a famous franchise throughout Korea because of its spicy level is definitely worth the try.
The menu is simple, consisting of  tteokbokki, twigim (fried food such as squid,kimbap,prawn, etc) , eomuk (fish cake), and yubujumeoni (tofu pouches with vegetables). Definitely worth challenging the spice.

 

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3. Pizza School

Korea’s teens favourite chain of pizza. If you are not that particular about pizza and wants them at great prices (starting at 5,000won PER PIZZA for the cheese pizza), you can always try Pizza School. Pizza School is mainly for takeout or some outlets have a few tables (usually sits less then 6~8 in a restaurant). Halal options include Cheese Pizza (cheese and corn),Sweet potato Pizza (Sweet potato and sweet potato cream),Irish Potato Pizza and guess what, you can even add 2,000won more to turn it into a cheese crust!

 

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4. Mukshidonna

Mukshidonna specialises in ramen + tteokbokki aka rabokki over a hot pot. You can choose your own soup base and the ingredients that goes inside, making it halal friendly. Add loads of cheese, fishcakes and egg and finish it off by ordering some rice and see the waiter works his magic as he turns into fried rice.

 

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5. Kimbap Cheonguk aka Kimbap Heaven

The McDonalds of Korea. You can find them everywhere and under so many guises such as Food cafe of Kimbap Nara. Most of them are managed by ahjumma (Korean Auntie) and the food quality are mostly as comparable as family cuisine. You can take look at the menu translation here.  There bound to be something for everyone.

 

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While you are out eating, you might feel the need for some phrases, you might find the below useful.

Useful Phrases :

Do you have something that doesn’t have meat in it?
= 고기 안 들어간 거 있어요? [go-gi an deu-reo gan geo i-sseo-yo?]

I can’t eat meat.
= 고기를 못먹어요 [go-gi reun mot mokk-geo-yo]

Please take out the meat.
= 고기 빼고 주세요 [go-gi bae-go ju-sye-yo]

Hope these helps and happy eating in Korea !

  cafe, food, gangnam, guesthouse, halal, korea, muslim, restaurants, seoul