Top places to eat

Taste the best of Seoul. Here you can find my favourite foodie destinations in the city.

Seoul BBQ

Judy's Seoul Hotspots

You can’t go to Seoul without having some Korean barbecue, and this alley in the eastern city is the perfect place to eat with the locals.

Read more at Food and Travel Magazine

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Chef Judy Joo shares Seoul's top dining experiences

The restaurateur, TV chef and author shares her love of Korean cuisine, and her tips on where to eat in the buzzy capital of Seoul.

Read more at National Geographic

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Judy Joo’s ultimate food guide to the city of Seoul

Korean food has well and truly mainstreamed now. And it’s not just seen with the prevalence of kimchi all around London.

Read more at City Matters

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Judy Joo's Seoul

Judy Joo, chef-patron of Soho Korean restaurant Jinjuu, reveals her favourite spots in the Korean capital of Seoul.

Read more at Urban Junkies

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Judy Joo's Foodie Guide to Seoul

The Korean-American celebrity chef and author Judy Joo is a regular on the Seoul culinary circuit.

Read more from The Club at ba.com

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48 Hours in Seoul

“Seoul… amazing city,” my friend Patrick remarked. Then he chuckled. “If you go home before 4am, you’re a loser.” Now, I wouldn’t say that makes you a loser per se, but he has a point; Seoul is a city that truly never sleeps.

Read more at SquareMeal

Social media

@judyjoochef Instagram profile imageEaster is almost here! I was lucky enough to celebrate it early with a gorgeous dinner hosted by two of my favorite chefs @chefrohitghai and @pierremarcolini at @kutirchelsea .  It was a celebration of color— the vibrant colors of Easter and of the Holi festival and brought together through the glorious flavors of Chocolate and Indian food! 
Chef Rohit is behind some of the most famed Indian restaurants around the world— I am a frequent guest at his @manthanmayfair where I’m known to smack on his truly addictive jackfruit uthappam and spicy Ghati Masala prawns. 
And, I still remember going to @pierremarcolinihimself shop in Brussels when it was the only one in the world!  Now, his empire spans from Seoul to London. 
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Such a lovely evening full of sugar and spice and everything nice.
And, I needed a bite of sweet chocolate after a wonderfully spicy meal. 
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Thank you for having me! @blandpr 
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#indianfood #india #chocolate #pierremarcolini #rohitghai #london #londonrestaurants #londonlife3 days ago via Instagram
@judyjoochef Instagram profile imageEllen Chew has done it again!  Ellen @ellen_chew is probably one of the most undercover yet prolific restaurateurs in London. With 11 restaurants across 6 different brands (including Mrs Chews, Rasa Sayang, Lobos, and the totally famous Arôme Bakery— my fave @aromebakerylondon ), Ellen is a force in the London hospitality scene. Now, just opened is her shiny Singapula venue @singapulah_restaurant on the foot of London’s Chinatown. Singapula is a  a love letter to her native Singapore, showcasing the very best dishes and products imported from this small nation known for their fiery chili crab and aromatic laksas. 

I brought fellow foodie and Malaysian friend along to nosh and he was impressed by the authenticity!  Highlights were the Kurd Pie Tee— a delicate thin tart shell filled with seasoned turnips, prawns, and peanuts, and the fried chili crab baos to start. The stars of the evening though were the noodle dishes— hot tangy broths full of toothsome moreish noodles, and studded with savory juicy fish balls and gems from the sea. I washed it all down with a totally satisfying coconut shake (I’m obsessed!). And to finish, my Malaysian friend had the best durian ice cream he’s ever tasted. 

Downstairs there is a secret private room hidden behind a door of shelves filled with vintage Singaporean kitsch. I immediately recognized rolls of Haw Flakes… and packs of tissues traditionally used to reserve tables… a super fun stroll down memory lane! (designed by Ellen’s partner, Tiffany)

The venue’s decor, split over three floors, is very vintage, Wes Anderson-esque, full of floral tiles imported from Singapore and little details that make you feel like you’ve hopped on a plane and landed in this island nation.  Ellen’s attention to detail is apparent, and the love and passion behind this project comes singing through the food she is serving. 

I hope I can get in again soon!  The line stretched around the corner last time I walked by.  I’ll be dreaming of the chili crab until then… 
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#singapore #singapula #singaporenoodles #london #londonlife #londonrestaurants #cheflife #chefs #chefsofinstagram4 days ago via Instagram
@judyjoochef Instagram profile imageI’m thrilled to be participating in the “Korean Cuisine Gone Global” conference at the prestigious Stanford University this year. We will delve deep into Korean cuisine and its impact around the world. Join me alongside the talented Chef Ryu Soo-young @suyoung_ryu, as well as esteemed scholars Robert Ku , Jooyeon Rhee, and Rebecca Kinney, for an afternoon dedicated to celebrating the global journey of Korean food. 
I love speaking on panels like this and hearing everyone’s perspectives– it is so insightful and inspiring. Especially at such a renowned university like Stanford. Pinch me! What an honor! 

Date: Thursday, April 11, 2024
Time: 1-4:45 p.m. PT

Location: Bechtel Conference Center, Encina Hall, First Floor, Central, S150, 616 Jane Stanford Way, Stanford, CA 94305
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#KoreanCuisineGoneGlobal #JudyJoo #RyuSooYoung #CulinaryConference #Stanford #KoreanFood #ChefLife #FoodieEvent @stanford5 days ago via Instagram
@judyjoochef Instagram profile imageHappy International Women’s Day! 

A huge shout out to all of the amazing women out there who inspire me everyday. Thank you for being the fuel to my fire that keeps me going! 
In all industries diversity and inclusion is critical. As we all celebrate IWD, we also have to remember that we all must stand strong to act against discrimination and strive towards gender equality. 
I have been on the receiving end of misogynistic behavior and comments throughout my career. It’s just taught me to have thick skin and to work even harder.  And, to lean on my female friends and colleagues for support…. That’s what we are here for! 
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#internationalwomensday #iwd #judyjoo #womensupportingwomen #women #womensempowerment1 week ago via Instagram
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