New Malden might look like any other English suburban town, but it’s absolutely packed with Korean eateries and businesses. Credit: Phongsak Ketjamrat, via Shutterstock & Tom Forte London’s gloriously multi-cultural population means that you can find almost any cuisine within this city. But often, if you’re looking for the best of the best, you might want to go where the population density is higher. Such is the case, for example, with London’s Chinatown, Little Paris, Little Portugal, and Little India. But did you know that London also boasts its own Korea Town? And it’s tucked away within the south-west area of the city, in quiet, leafy New Malden. Situated less than half an hour away from Waterloo by train, you’ll find New Malden just beyond Wimbledon. (And if you get to Kingston, you’ve gone too far!) Wander down the high street, and it looks similar to any other high street in the country. That is, until you pay closer attention to the names of businesses, and look at the menus of the local restaurants. The area is absolutely packed to the rafters with Korean eateries, bakeries, supermarkets, and more. There are even two separate Seoul Plaza convenience stores within a 10-minute walk of each other. Halfway between them you’ll find Loon Fung, a ‘Far Eastern Food Market’. And there’s even an enormous H Mart less than a mile away. Suffice to say, if you want to eat and drink your way through Korea without buying a plane ticket, New Malden is the place to go. New Malden – aka London’s Korea Town As soon as you step off the train at New Malden, there are Korean eateries right in front of you. Within the station itself, built into the entrance, is Ohaio, where you grab Korean food on the go. And within minutes of the station are the likes of Chick and Beers (for Korean fried chicken), Treestone (K-BBQ attached to a butcher’s), the Cake & Bingsoo Cafe (for Korean-style shaved ice extravaganzas, aka bingsoo), and more. Wander down the street, and you’ll find Korean fast food, casual eateries, karaoke bars, and coffee shops. It’s a never-ending procession of Korean delights. Among the most popular spots are Imone BBQ and Zazza, a noodle spot hidden away in the back of a convenience store. And once you reach the end of the high street, there’s even more to explore! Round the corner and make your way down Kingston Road, heading west, and you’ll encounter chan chan chan, selling Korean banchan, or sides, and Jeju Pork & Noodles. The latter was recently highlighted by the folks over at Vittles as potentially “the first great restaurant of New Malden’s new era”. And be sure to keep an eye out for the Secret Korean Kitchen. And, of course, there are the above-mentioned East asian supermakets and stores. Here you’ll find more than just Korean food and ingredients. They also sell ingredients from Japan, China, and other countries. As if that wasn’t enough, there’s also the enormous Korean Foods store. This store is so big that you’ll find it on a nearby industrial estate alongside the likes of B&Q and Halfords. Getting to New Malden A trip to New Malden couldn’t be easier. Services depart regularly from Waterloo and take just 25 minutes to reach the area. There are also bus services to and from nearby areas such as Wimbledon and Kingston. There’s even a Superloop bus that will take you as far afield as Croydon or Heathrow! So, what do you say? Fancy a stroll around Korea Town? Whether you’re looking for a taste of home or want to try out Korean food for the first time, there’s no better place in London for it!
