North Korea’s Finest Restaurants: A Guide
I haven’t been to Pyongyang, North Korea and I don’t think I ever will. It’s a long way from Tulsa .Still, it’s always good to plan ahead in case some of you happen to be in the neighborhood. So I’ve managed to compile a list of top restaurants for anyone making the journey.
Okryu Restaurant
Huge, and apparently as elegant as it gets in North Korea. A big new wing opened last year. Though they are famous for simple cold noodles, there are dishes that feature, among other things, quail, terrapin and sturgeon.
http://www.globalsecurity.org/wmd/library/news/dprk/2010/dprk-100810-kcna03.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Okryugwan
Chongryu Restaurant
Also in its own riverside pavilion, this is Okryu’s only rival for elegance. It was restored in 2008 and features various Korean dishes.
http://www.chandelierinc.com/wall-chandelier/chongryu-restaurant-in-pyongyang
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/north-korea/pyongyang/restaurants/korean/chongryu-restaurant
Samtaesong
The best burger in North Korea is served at Pyongyang’s only fast food joint, Samtaesong. Don’t call them burgers though, that’s considered Imperialist. Ask for “minced meat with bread”.
Pyulmori Cafe
About the only place for pies and coffee, and they also serve a burger.
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/north-korea/pyongyang/restaurants/cafe/pyulmori
Pyongyang Sweet Meat Restaurant
If you don’t like dog meat, go somewhere else because that’s all that’s on the menu. You can get an 8 course banquet starting with soup and going on to dog meat prepared with various sauces.
http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE4AP11020081126
Pyongyang No. 1 Duck Barbecue Restaurant
You cook your own duck meat on little tableside grills. One traveler said it was the best meal she’d had in North Korea.
Italian Restaurant
Not the most imaginative name, but this restaurant, opened last year, has the best pizza and Italian pasta in Pyongyang.
Brian, and 
Heritage Chef Monty 10:45 am on January 9, 2011 Permalink |
Great Idea plan ahead, never know what opportunties live is gonna throw at us. North Korea> hope they don’t send nukes while I’m there.
Brian 12:30 pm on January 9, 2011 Permalink |
Awesome! BBQ duck sounds good!
Global Table Adventure | About the food of North Korea 6:26 am on October 11, 2011 Permalink |
[...] (Thanks to reader Brian for pointing this New York Times article out, as well as his list of other North Korean restaurants - dog meat, anyone?). Customers line up to enjoy the minced beef and bread just as heartily as [...]