Korea is a meat-loving country, and beef shows up in places you wouldn’t expect, including many soups that look completely vegetarian. For Hindu travelers who avoid beef, and for vegetarian and Jain visitors, a little planning makes eating in Seoul much easier.
This guide covers Indian restaurants with strong vegetarian menus (including Seoul’s pure-vegetarian South Indian option), Korean dishes that are safe, the hidden beef broth to watch out for, Hindu temples, and where to buy Indian groceries.
Quick picks: For a fully vegetarian meal with Jain options, Saravanaa Bhavan in Itaewon. For Indian and Nepali food with a dedicated vegan menu, Jyoti in Chungmuro. Near the Indian Embassy, Chakraa in Hannam.
What to Watch Out For in Korean Food
- Beef bone broth (사골, sagol) is the base of many soups: seolleongtang, gomtang, galbitang, tteokguk (rice cake soup), and often kalguksu (noodle soup). Even when you can’t see any meat, the broth may be beef.
- Bulgogi, galbi, and yukgaejang are beef dishes.
- Kimchi and many side dishes often contain fish sauce or salted shrimp, which matters if you’re fully vegetarian.
- “Vegetable” gimbap may still contain ham, egg, or crab stick.
- Jain diets are especially hard: onion, garlic, and potato are in almost everything, so call ahead or stick to Indian restaurants that cook Jain food.
Korean Food That’s Usually Beef-Free or Vegetarian
- Bibimbap without meat (and without egg if you avoid it)
- Pajeon (green onion pancake), potato pancakes, and mushroom pancakes; check for seafood
- Kongguksu, cold noodles in soy milk (a summer dish)
- Dotorimuk (acorn jelly) with seasoning
- Temple food, which is meat-free by tradition; see our Seoul vegan restaurant guide
- Tteokbokki is usually beef-free, but the broth often uses anchovy or fish cakes
Indian Restaurants with Strong Vegetarian Menus
Saravanaa Bhavan (사라바나 바반), Itaewon
The Seoul branch of the famous South Indian chain opened in November 2024 and is pure vegetarian. They can prepare Jain food and also have a vegan menu.
- Vegetarian options: 100% vegetarian; Jain and vegan options
- Order: Dosa (about ₩14,000), North Indian thali (about ₩25,000), chilli paneer (about ₩18,000)
- Where: Itaewon, near Itaewon Station Exit 2 (listings show slightly different addresses, so use the map link)
- Ratings & directions: Naver Map · Google Maps
Jyoti (죠티), Chungmuro
An Indian and Nepali restaurant with a two-page vegan menu cooked without meat, milk, or butter. It also serves meat dishes and is halal.
- Vegetarian options: Dedicated vegan menu
- Order: Vegetable curries, dal, naan
- Where: Chungmuro 5-ga, Jung-gu, about 5–10 minutes from Chungmuro Station Exit 1. Open 11:30–22:30. A second branch is in Sinchon.
- Ratings & directions: Naver Map · Google Maps
Chakraa (차크라), Hannam
Near the Indian Embassy, with a reputation for strong South Indian vegetarian dishes alongside tandoori.
- Vegetarian options: Good vegetarian selection
- Order: South Indian vegetarian dishes, naan, curries
- Where: 83 Dokseodang-ro, Yongsan-gu. Open 12:00–22:00.
- Ratings & directions: Naver Map · Google Maps
Taj (타지), Myeongdong
A central option in the Myeongdong shopping area with vegetarian dishes clearly available.
- Vegetarian options: Vegetarian and vegan dishes
- Order: Paneer and vegetable curries; about ₩15,000–30,000 per person
- Where: 73 Myeongdong-gil, Jung-gu
- Ratings & directions: Naver Map · Google Maps
Everest (에베레스트), Dongdaemun
Run by Nepali owners for about 20 years, with Nepali, Indian, and Tibetan dishes. It serves meat too, so ask for vegetarian dishes.
- Vegetarian options: Vegetarian curries available
- Order: Vegetable curry, dal bhat, naan; mains about ₩15,000–22,000
- Where: Dongdaemun area (Jong-ro 51ga-gil, near Dongdaemun Station)
- Ratings & directions: Naver Map · Google Maps
Hindu Temples and Community Centers
- Sri Sri Radha Shyamasundar Mandir (ISKCON / Vedic Cultural Center): in Haebangchon, Yongsan-gu (basement, 44-8 Yongsan-2ga). It also sells groceries for vegetarians. Contact: seoultemple@gmail.com.
- Other temples serving Seoul’s Indian community include an ISKCON temple in Pocheon, Gyeonggi Province, about two hours away. Contact them before visiting, as details change.
Where to Buy Indian Groceries
- Foreign Food Mart in Itaewon: South Asian spices, lentils, and snacks (open 10:00–24:00)
- Expat Mart in Hannam: Indian spices, dal, and dairy
- Online: Indian grocery delivery services ship across Korea
Useful Korean Phrases
| Korean | Pronunciation | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 소고기 빼 주세요 | sogogi ppae juseyo | No beef, please |
| 저는 채식주의자예요 | jeoneun chaesik-juuija-yeyo | I’m vegetarian |
| 고기 육수 들어가요? | gogi yuksu deureogayo? | Is there meat broth in it? |
| 계란, 양파, 마늘 빼 주세요 | gyeran, yangpa, maneul ppae juseyo | No egg, onion, or garlic, please |
Tip: save these phrases as a screenshot and show them to staff. Restaurants are usually happy to help when they understand what you need.
Restaurant details change often. Please confirm hours and menus on Naver Map before visiting. Know a great vegetarian Indian restaurant in Korea? Email hello@yum82.com. Last checked: October 2026.
