American comfort food compares to no other. Every region has its own flavors as unique as its people. Lively, rich and full of satisfaction.
South Korea offers amazing cuisine, but a little taste of home never hurt anyone. American comfort food is available all around Seoul to pacify the longing for home.
Manimal Smokehouse | Yongsan
Manimal Smokehouse has the best selections for those craving the familiarity of southern American comfort food. It has pulled pork sandwiches, brisket sandwiches, smoked chicken, sauteed green beans and garlic mashed potatoes and bacon gravy.
Southern food is not complete without ribs. Manimal Smokehouse offers two different types of ribs on dinner menu. Guests can choose between ribs topped coffee or a sweet and sour raspberry glaze.
The price ranges are more than you pay for in America but compromising with your pockets may be worth it.
Butterfinger Pancakes | Gangnam-gu
Those seeking a spruced up American breakfast will find it at this Gangnam restaurant. It has it all. Pancakes, waffles, eggs, bacon, ham, sausage, and other favorites your mom or grandma cooks. It is all served the way you like it. Pick your toppings, syrup and type of butter to accompany those mouth-watering pancakes, waffles, or french toast.
Butterfinger offers milkshakes for those wanting something other than a traditional breakfast drink or looking for a delicious dessert. The prices may be a bit more than the average person would pay, but the portions are big enough to share.
Mix & Malt | Jongno-gu
Mix&Malt has traditional dinner options that will cure those away from home blues. The restaurant serves American favorites such as meatloaf accompanied by mash potatoes with brown gravy and fresh, sauteed green beans.
No matter what part of the United States you are from, everyone can enjoy a savory meatloaf. Another option available is the Sous Vide Steak. It is juicy, tender and cooked until it has the perfect amount of pink left in the center. Steak lovers rejoice.
Prices are reasonable and most portions can be shared.
Cafe Travel Maker | Mapo-gu
Travel Maker is a breakfast dream come true for those who like to keep it simple. The simple menu includes Pancake Combo, French Toast Combo and Waffle Combo. All combos come with sausage and hash browns.
Perhaps, one of the more peculiar names on the menu is the Obama Breakfast. That’s right. A meal named after the 44th president of the United States. The combo consists of scrambled eggs, hash browns and two pieces of toast.
Cafe Travel Maker is on the lower end of the price scale, so enjoy a breakfast that will not break the bank.
Fatboy Sandwiches | Gangnam
Sandwiches are an essential part of American cuisine, and Fatboy Sandwiches is here to cater to your cravings. This restaurant is owned by Thomas Rhee, a Michelin trained and award-winning NYC native chef, and it offers most of America’s favorite sandwiches, especially NYC deli style “fat” sandwiches. Best sellers include the NYC Italian, the Monte Cristo, and the Cubano.
Fatboy Sandwiches also provides a variety of other dishes, such as burgers, chicken wings, and side dishes like salad and fries. With so many delicious options, there is certainly something for everyone. Let the flavors take you from Seoul straight to New York City.
Austin The Smokehouse | Mapo-gu
Everything is better in Texas, and Austin the Smokehouse brings the flavors of Texas to Seoul. Pulled pork, baby back ribs, spare ribs and brisket, it is the perfect representation of Texas barbecue. Austin the Smokehouse knows barbecue is not complete without a great selection of sides.
It offers classic southern sides: macaroni and cheese, potato salad, onion rings and banana pudding. Fill up that Texas-sized longing with great all-american barbecue.
Shy Bana |Gangnam-gu
Louisiana cooking is a goldmine, and Shy Bana offers Cajun-styled cuisine. Nothing will ever compare to mom’s homemade jambalaya, but Shy Bana will give you the closest to it.
Two types of gumbo, Cajun fried rice, cornbread, buttermilk biscuits and a soft crab burger are destined to relieve yearning for Louisiana’s best. This restaurant stays true to its Louisiana roots. The prices at Shy Bana are reasonable, but some may be considered a splurge.
Charlie’s Hot Dog Grill | Yongsan-gu
As baseball season approaches in America, there is no better way to enjoy America’s favorite past-time than with a hot dog. Charlie’s offers a plethora of hot dogs and pizza. But, the hot dogs will definitely make you believe you are in your home away from home.
Just like the various regions in America, Charlie’s has various hot dogs. You name it; they have it. From Chilly-cheese to Chicago-style, there is something for everyone at a reasonable price.
Burger Park | Seongbuk-gu
Burgers are the most well-known in American comfort food. If you find yourself missing your dad’s signature grilled burger, Burger Park can comfort you until you return home. It has a small menu, but each burger captures the essence of what a burger should be.
Thick patties, fresh vegetables, melted cheese served on a slightly sweet bun. Their burgers range from The Burger Park, which is a standard burger, to an Avocado burger. Get yourself a tasty burger without making your pockets sad.
Rocka Doodle | Yongsan-gu
If you’re craving Southern fried chicken, this is the place for you! As a project shop from the earlier mentioned Manimal, Rocka Doodle promises to bring you the best Nashville chicken prepared in buttery, spicy sauce in the form of amazingly delicious burgers. You can pair up your burger with a serving of salad or fries, as well as with a refreshing bottle of beer.
The interior of the restaurant has a very American feel, with old diner style tables and a soda fountain for free refills. If you’re in the area and want to curb your longing for some real Southern fried chicken, head to Rocka Doodle.
These 10 restaurants will pacify your cravings for American comfort food while in Seoul. Remember the best way to cure homesickness is to get out and explore your new surroundings.