Cafe Arirang in Belfast

Poor quality Korean food swerved with a scowl. If another semi-decent Korean place opened, it would have this sorry excuse of a restaurant for breakfast. Measly portions, expensive prices. Served to you in an homely atmosphere - just not a home you'd want to be in. It's grubby and dark inside. Waste of a good location.

Korean food is one of my favourite cuisines and it’s great to have a place in Belfast to get some. The gimbap was great! My only complaint about the food is that the tteokbeokki was mostly just noodles with only 4 pieces of rice cake and lots of onions. The interior is in serious need of renovation and it would be nice if there was music playing as all I could hear in that tiny room was chewing!

This is a delicious Korean restaurant run by a Korean owner! Kalguksu, kimchi stew, and soft tofu stew are all so delicious!! If you want to eat Korean food, please come here! Cash only

The food wasn’t what I expected. There’s that one staff sneezing or coughing all the time while we were eating.he come out with the food from the kitchen. Def not hygiene at all. We didn’t even finish the food.

Cash only! I ate to my fill😊 Real Korean restaurant in Belfast

Good food, decent prices. Will definitely be back again. Their steamed dumplings are seasoned well, and they have good flavours, though they were made with beef, and I do prefer pork. The fried chicken wings are a highlight, never had crispier wings in my life in a very good way, the sauce on them complimented them well though I would have liked a bit more spice to them.

My husband called in for lunch, we shared the gyozas which were delicious, nice and crispy but not heavy, we then had the pork bulgogi and the soft tofu stew. Food was lovely and comforting, will definitely be back

Taste was lovely Best and authentic Korean food I had in Uk 👏❤️

Authentic and good value food. We really enjoyed it. Family run. Generous portions. Calm, courteous, no frills service. Cash only. Byo. Decor is a little shabby but atmosphere is relaxed and friendly. No music which is a nice change. Can't believe we'd never been before it's been there years and is the real deal.

Review written in English, Portuguese and French Cafe Arirang is a humble little restaurant that really gives of that “in Korea” vibe, it had little to no costumers when we visited which I was a bit skeptical because I usually associate that a restaurant has good food if it is packed but I was not disappointed I had Noodles with blackbean sauce Jjajangmyeon, which I always wanted to try it was really good I also had bulgogi kimbap and my sisi had Kimchi fried rice with cheese on top It was her first Korean meal experience and she loved it. Everything was very good and very delicious I recommend 100% O Cafe Arirang is a small, humble restaurant that transmits the feeling of "na Coreia". There are a few customers or customers when we visit, or I want to be a little customer, because we normally associate a restaurant with a good meal, but it's not a bad idea. Comi Noodles with soft feijão preto Jjajangmyeon, that I never quit to experiment, it was very good Também comi bulgogi kimbap e a minha sisi comeu Kimchi fried rice com queijo por cima Faith has its first Korean and loving experience. This is very delicious and 100% recommended. Café Arirang is a humble little restaurant that really feels like you're in Korea, there were few to no customers when we visited which left me a little skeptical because I I usually think a restaurant has good food if it's crowded, but I wasn't disappointed. I ate noodles with black bean sauce Jjajangmyeon, which I always wanted to try, was really good. I also had bulgogi kimbap and my sisi had kimchi fried rice with cheese on top. It was her first Korean meal experience and she loved it. Everything was very good and very delicious, I recommend it 100%.

I absolutely love the food I got here - a bibimbap,which consisted of rice, veg, some nice chicken and a fried egg on top. There was kimchi and sauce of the side. It came served in a very hot stone bowl which continued to cook the rice and everything as I ate it. Good value, satisfying, healthy and delicious.

I ate there last night with 2 friends. It is not by any standards a posh looking restaurant but the food is absolutely delicious. Really genuine Korean dishes served just as should be with no frills. The chicken wings and dumplings as starters were lovely. We each had different mains and nothing was left!! Highly recommended. They don’t have alcohol but you can bring your own. They only take cash but there is an ATM just up the road as well as an offie to get your booze.

Love this place! Defo visit if you love korean food! Or even to try for the 1st time.

Fantastic food thoroughly enjoyed

Very tasty. Authentic Korean food

Great dumplings, bibimbap and tteokbokki!

I love this place, run by a very nice older couple, highly recommend the Kimchi Jjigae especially. Cash only so come prepped for that but there are cash machine nearby if you forget.

It was great to come across a authentic Korean restaurant during my travels. It's run by an old couple in this far away place and it's really delicious. Everyone, if you want to eat Korean food, come here. FYI, they only accept cash. Everyone, if it rains, eat tail gomtang. It’s crazy.

i got the topokki - it came with glass noodles and mixed veg. was super delicious and quick service - the place was clean and the owner was polite :) would recommend for korean food lovers

Before this I never had korean food but it's opened me up to spice.

Food: not tasty Price: expensive Attitude: The female boss is kinda but her husband doesn’t know what is polite

Always the best, most authentic Korean food in Northern Ireland. Highly recommend the chicken wings, the best I’ve had outside of the country of South Korea. The dumplings are also wonderful. Never been disappointed.

Food was lovely was a little dark inside and empty but the service was quite good. Would definitely recommend and would come back again. It is cash only so be prepared.

Some of the best food in the city. I have tried everything on the menu and never had a plate of food I could call average. Everything is always fresh and delicious. Possibly the best spicy chicken wings in Belfast. The dumplings are a personal favourite. Bulgogi, Bibimbap and any of the noodle dishes or soups, are huge. I have never left the place less than completely stuffed. You are mad not to try this place.

I don’t like leaving bad reviews for family run places but I can’t help it this time, the meal I had here was not good. I ordered Bulgogi beef thinking I would get a taste sensation after seeing this place had a lot of good reviews. But the beef was bland and dry with no flavour, and the accompanying onions and veg were bland too and not much sauce/gravy etc. Almost like the taste when you reheat something. I cook a lot of food myself so I know when beef is cooked fresh it retains moisture and has a bit more caramelised colour, with juiciness etc - but this was not that. It was a challenge to chew the beef. I’m sorry to say this but the next day I was rushing to the toilet many times. Also, the drinks are in a chilled cabinet that isn’t turned on, so you have to ask for ice in a cup, but when I asked he took about ten minutes to come back with it even though the restaurant was very quiet. To add to that, you have to use cash, which I luckily had. They don’t have menus for tables, instead they stuck the menu to the front counter and you order there. Very weird way of doing things. Disappointing meal for my last night in Belfast.

First time there with friends, food is ok. As it's only run by husband and wife café, no staff so it's only one man band working on counter front. Owner is not that friendly to us. You have to go up to the counter to order food and pay before sitting down, cash only.

Authentic Korean dishes from Korean owner couple. I do appreciate there is authentic place here in Belfast. Gimbab the Korean roll (original) was so yummy and Budae Jji Gae was absolutely right taste.

Looks like the only Korean place in Belfast that serves homemade food, nothing makes me more happier than eating at the Korean uncle's and auntie's eatery! • 순두부찌개 soft tofu stew (soft tofu, prawn, mussel in a spicy seafood broth) with kimchi and rice • 꼬리곰탕 oxtail soup (beef bone broth with stewed oxtail, glass noodles, scallions) 부대찌개 budaejjigae (spicy gochujang paste broth, ramyeon noodles, kimchi, hotdog, spam, spring onions) • 비빔밥 bibimbap (rice with fried egg, carrots, beansprouts, courgettes, mushrooms, kimchi, beef, spinach and gochujang) • 양념 후라이드 치킨 yangnyeom fried chicken wings

I had a good time there - the food was really nice. I would like to visit again in the future to try something different.

This is not a good Korean restaurant. Food taste should have been much better. Owner should just retire. My suggestion would be, increase the price of menu and provide normal side dishes including Kimchi.

Mom & Pop restaurant with delicious homemade food! My family and I stopped to eat here on a quick trip through Belfast. The interior is fairly bare bones but this is typical with small Asian restaurants where the focus is on the food. We ordered dumplings, Japchae (sweet potato noodle stir fry), seafood pancake, fried soy chicken wings, and oxtail soup. The oxtail soup could have been a bit more flavourful but everything else was superb! I would come back for the chicken wings alone which were a perfect combination of crispy, sweet and salty. A great value and I would highly recommend!

I love cafe arirang. It is a calming and quiet atmosphere yet very lovely. You do have to pay by cash but that is not a problem so just be aware. I always go here with my boyfriend. I love the food because there is a wide variety and it just tastes really good. The hot food is very warm and welcoming. My favorite is the beef bibimbap and the pork dumplings. I also love the kimchi and I won’t forget the first time I ate the beef bibimbap. Thank you!

Kimbap, fried chicken, and a dolsot bibimbap in a nearly empty no-frills cafe. Nice.

First time coming here but we had heard about it a while ago. Big fan of Korean food and I've visited South Korea a few times for extended holidays. Always crave the food which can be hard to find local. This place is amazing! The staff were very friendly, the menu is easy to read/understand and everything we ordered was delicious. We plan to come back again to try other items and also bring friends. I'm so annoyed at myself for not coming her sooner!

I now loveeee gimbap, the food was delicious, thank you (im the girl that leaved saying gamsamnida🤭)

Went for lunch today, it was my first time to cafe arirang, so my partner and I ordered a ridiculous amount of food to try a selection. Everything was absolutely fabulous, fresh and beautifully flavoured with a range of real soy sauce, kimchi and pastes that were incredible additions. Those fried dumplings are out of this world good!

국정원이 하는 곳인가 의심이 들 정도로 무성의. 얼음장 같은 달걀후라이에 기겁.

authentic foods and good service, perfect!!

한식이 먹고 싶어서 벨파스트 도착하자마자 찾아갔어요. 김치찌게 먹었는데 기름지거나 하지 않고 맛이 깔끔해요. 두부랑 양파랑 같이 들어있구요~ 밥한공기 다 비우고 뚝배기에 바닥까지 다 먹었네요. 가게도 심플하고 단정하게 정리된 느낌이구요. 제가 갔을 땐 현지인과 외국인 손님도 많았습니다. 추천추천! 아 참고로 식대는 현금으로 미리 준비해가셔요~

I'm disappointed with the quality of the food we received. The food and rice was tepid and tasted greasy and very salty. It appeared to have been reheated as the texture seem not fresh. Having seen previous good reviews I think we must have experienced an off night. However spending almost £40 for this service does not encourage us to return.

Bit on the dear side but food was excellent and the staff were really lovely. Could do with maybe some music for abit more atmosphere, still will return to try other parts of their menu

Food was delightful and reasonably priced. The Korean fried chicken and budae jjigae (army stew) were tasty, warming and filling. You have to go to the desk to order, it’s cash only and you’re pretty much left to it until you’re finished your food. It’s very no frills in terms of service and frills but I think the food more than makes up for it.

I always enjoy their Korean food which is authentic, delicious and home made. 😋😋😋😋😋

Been there twice and it did not disappoint both visits! Food is authentic, delicious and served steaming hot and sizzling 🥘; I will be back every time I’m in the area for sure!

It's ok if you have a craving for Korean food.

Amazing food! Best korean restaurant I’ve ever been to.

Not a friendly place to go to. Meal was 3 out of 5. Stuff(owner) was 1 out of 5. I would not recommend this place.

Food wasn't good. Service was terrible. Place is rundown. I would NOT recommend this place to anyone!!

Ordered the kimchi pancake and the dumpling soup. Dumpling soup was good, but nothing special—kimchi pancake was interesting as its batter was made of mung bean instead of flour based as it often is elsewhere; I thought the pancake was quite good as a result—would recommend.

Love their Bibimbap. Cash only at the minute but worth it! Also their homemade dumplings are amazing.

최근 리뷰가 없어 남깁니다. 외국온지 일주일도 안됐는데 한식이 너무 먹고싶어서ㅠㅠ 찾은 곳이에요 ㅋㅋㅋ 김치찌개 진짜 너무 맛있게 먹었구요..! 한국 김치 맛이었어요 두부도 보들보들 말만 한식이고 중국사람이 하는곳이면 어쩌나 했는데 한국분이시더라구요ㅋㅋㅋㅋ 처음에 들어와서 좀 조명도 어둡규 조용해서 살짝 쫄았는데 잘먹고 갑니다! 저는 여행자라 다시 올일은 없겠지만 장사 잘되셨으면 좋겠어요!

My experience with Cafe Arirang is that the food is lovely and definitely worth it! However, it will be better if there is a music in the restaurant like KPOP songs as it is a Korean Restaurant after all. Lots of students come and go and will be so much enjoyable if the place is a bit decorated and music too. It is too quiet from my liking. Although the owners are pretty nice.

The restaurant needs a good makeover but the food inside is fantastic! Give it a go!

Was expecting home made , authentic korean noodles, but instead, we were served instant noodles. You can easily get them for 95p at supermarkets and we are paying 7 bucks for a bowl of instant noodles. Fake marketing on menu, advertising noodles as spicy noodles, makes people think that it was at least home made. I would not pay less than 3 bucks for any instant noodles in the shop. Such a shame, when you see nice review on Google, and we came down here to try out the korean food, but left disappointed. Will not recommend this place.

Nice staff member, great variety of Korean food. Korean tea nice.

10/10 would recommend! Delicious food :)

Authentic Korean food. The Bibimbap was awesome!!!!!! Must try in Belfast! Love the kimchi pancake with vinegar too!

My first time trying Korean food and I absolutely loved it. Highly recommend this place if you're in Belfast.

Real Korean food. We had 4 totally different meals and all were perfect 🥰

A hidden gem of authentic Korean food served in an unassuming hole in the wall, not far from the Botanic train station. What it might lack in premises and decor, it more than makes up for in taste. As the long-standing singular Korean restaurant in Northern Ireland, this place is much better than it needs to be. My suggestion is the hot pot bimbimbap with extra gochujang sauce on the side. Stop by the next time you're near Botanic and have a hankering.

Good meal and reasonable price. Kind staff. So good place to enjoy Korean food. This is the only place where we can have Korean food in Belfast.

To be honest my husband fared better with his dumplings. My vegetarian fried rice kimchi dish was very stodgy and if I'd managed to even 1/4 finish it I'd not be able to walk down the street! It was £18 for 2 dishes plus 2 bottles of water so in my opinion quite dear. They also do not accept credit/debit cards so this is cash only. I thought this was not legal to do this.

Nice little ethnic restaurant.Food was excellent,reasonably priced,but hygiene and cleanliness of the tables in front of the restaurant and outside area in general should be given more attention.

This is one of the least known places in Belfast serving great Korean food. First, order their dumplings - better than any Japanese gyoza. Next go for their seafood pancake brimming with prawns, squid, and mussels. Round it off with a bulgogi and rice (I had the beef) a sort of Korean beef bourguignon. Than pay the bill (cash only) and be prepared to be surprised by how little it is.

I love this place, the food is delicious! I can’t wait to go back.

Fantastic service and fantastic tea, a hidden gem on Botanic

Ordered bibimbap, kimchi jigae, dumplings, and Gimbap. The fried dumplings are absolutely fantastic!

Quiet cafe with amazing food served by genuine people who are happy to see your custom.

Love the authentic food and its vegetarian friendly. It will be so much better if atmosphere is lighten up e.g a little background music. Will be in my food list when I'm visiting Belfast again in near future.

Amazing soups, foods. Nice staff. Highly recommend.

Such a nice couple that run it! Would love a wider menu but the food the do have on is done so well it is hard to fault. Dumplings are 10/10

우선 카드 결재 불가. 현금으로만 결재 가능하고 카운터에 가까운 은행과 현금인출기 안내 문구가 있음 메뉴중 칼국수를 먹고 싶어서 주문하려 했더니 카드는 안된다고 하여 마침 련금을 안가지고 나섰기 때문에 못 먹고 나옴. 일부러 구글맵으로 찾아간 한식당이었었는데.. 입구에 북아일랜드 한인회 연락처와 회원 모집 공지문이 붙어있는 식당.. 그러나 요즘 같은 시대에 카드를 안받는 식당이 있었다니 놀랍고 실망스러울 뿐이다.

Love the food and it's great that it has vegetarian options

Después de una recepción muy grosera y fría, me ordenaron dónde mirar el menú pegado en la parte delantera de un refrigerador de exhibición que ordené a Japchae.Solo dos estudiantes asiáticos comen un viernes a las 8 de la noche.¡Solamente efectivo!La parte posterior de mi cuello se estaba congelando con una corriente de aire.Este lugar ha estado aquí por un tiempo y podría ser una mina de oro si solo mejoraran.Un plato muy pequeño de fideos de vidrio vino con zanahoria, cebolla y champiñones en rodajas tan finas que me molesté en decir qué eran y trozos de pollo del tamaño de una nuez. A casi 8 libras, era caro. Podría haberlo robado en casa por un quid. Realmente era un chow mein muy pobre.El lugar tiene 5 estrellas de higiene. Yo sé nuez cómo? Es oscuro lúgubre, sin amor y sin decoración durante años.La comida estaba grasienta. Ha pasado un tiempo desde que estuve aquí y pasará un tiempo antes de que regrese.

Casual cafe for authentic Korean food. I can never resist the bibimbap, but there's plenty of other items on the menu. The interior is a touch on the gloomy side, maybe because of the dark decor but the place is clean and tidy and the staff very friendly and efficient. Service is also quick, so good spot if you're on a lunch break.

Only Korean eatery in town. Great food, perfect soup on a cold Belfast day.

I like this shop nice smell of food. Lots to offer I usually just stick with the European food. Phil, belfast.

Really recommend for those who fancy Korean authentic food with reasonable price.

맛도 좋고 가격도 저렴합니다. 사장님도 친절하시네요. 돌솥 비빔밥, 소고기 비빔밥, 제육덮밥, 김치찌개 다 맛있네요. 다만 국물이 별도로 없는 것은 아쉽습니다. ^^;

Not authentic Korean food (it's made in a very Chinese way), but reasonably priced. Would be nice to go for a coffee or snack. If I went back, I'd stay away from the bulgogi. The bibimbap was ok, but some of the ingredients weren't as fresh as they should have been. I'd try the Kimbap next time.

Really nice surprise find. Just asked for something spicy and that’s what I got. Food actually had flavour and not covered in sweetened sauce. Recommended.

I imagine this is what Korean home cooked food feels like. Nice flavours, Hearty portions, reasonable prices and a relaxed atmosphere. I'd go back whenever I'm looking for comfort food rather than food to wow me if you know what I mean. Btw they also do a pretty good fry 👍🏼

Good Kimchi and decent portions

Great Korean food. Try the bibimbap or the kimchi stew

very yummy traditional korean food !

No soy un experto en comida coreana, pero he probado el mismo plato que tuve aquí (Bulgogi) en otro lugar coreano en Duesseldorf y fue mucho mejor allí. Acabo de recibir un plato muy simple con muchas cebollas, nada especial. El servicio era frío y hostil. El propietario no hizo un esfuerzo para dar algún consejo sobre el menú.

사장님 내외분이 편안하게,맛나게 해주십니다.인사말도 정감있게해주셔서 좋았어요.

Good place to have a Korean food. I've already tried fried dumplings and the bibimbap and will definitely come back to try more from the menu.

Very nice authentic Korean food. I've had a couple of the hot dishes and they were very tasty. Decor could do with a bit of an upgrade but overall good food so worth a stop by.

Very good Korean food. Lots of veggie options. I love the Bibimbap. Also has good Ulster frys if you don't fancy Korean. I've seen lots of local Koreans eating there which I always think is a good sign. Food a bit cheaper at lunch time. Korean meals around £7/8 Service a bit erratic and not the most friendly but worth it for the food.

잠깐이라도 한국에 다녀온 느낌입니다. 가격도 착하고 맛도 착하네요.

Fantastic food, very happy to have ate my first Korean dish here. My first experience of Kimchi was amazing thank you so much for the great meal. Friendly staff and a nice setting. 감사합니다

I’ve been there three times so far, it’s just a really good and cheap Korean restaurant!The staff is adorable, and they make good coffees! I would definitely recommend that place.

Their bibimbap and stews (soft tofu, kimchi..) are the go to ones. They have the nicest bibimbap so far. The others dishes on the other hand were just okay.

Friendly staff and good food. I recommend the bibimbap

Realmente quería comida coreana en Belfast y encontré este lugar en Botanic. Tenía el estofado de tofu y Bibimbap, la comida era deliciosa y las porciones eran generosas. El restaurante es bastante modesto y es posible que nunca lo note, pero si te gusta la comida coreana a buenos precios, definitivamente recomendaría visitar. Un gran servicio también.

This is the most amazing Korean food I ever ate outside Korea, not that I have ever been to Korea. It is served in a hot stone bowl and it was simple tasty grounding nourishing healthy colourful. The people family are proud to serve this they obviously care to give the best. Thank you

한식이 너무 땡기고 라면 파는데도 없어서순두부 먹었느데요..국물맛이 깊지가 않아요..신선한 해물도 좀 있을지 알았는데 새우하나 큰조개하나가다였구요.밥도 다 날아가는 쌀같은 밥이어서...한국에서라면 6천원받아도 안될 맛이지만 여기 물가가 워낙 비싸고 재료도 다를테니한식이 정말 땡기시면 부족하지만 얼큰한 맛은 있으니방문할만 한것 같아요.

En mi reciente viaje a Irlanda del Norte para golf con amigos, tuve un antojo de comida coreana, ya que hemos estado comiendo carne y patatas durante una semana. La comida aquí fue nada especial, pero se encargó de mi agrado. El ambiente era inexistente, pero que cuidaba?

Well there is a menu on the window which states what they do yet when I went in I was told they couldn’t do anything I asked for which is strange! I left without buying anything