Ready for a taste of Seoul in Pampanga? Most people visiting the culinary capital of the Philippines are craving sisig, crab meat, tocino, and halo-halo. But if you’re in the mood for something a little more exotic, Koreatown may be more to your taste.
Set along Friendship Road, Koreatown is a bustling hub of restaurants, cafés, bakeries, and Korean stores in Angeles, Pampanga. The neighborhood adds new flavor to this long-time foodie destination—and it’s definitely a worthwhile side trip if you’re currently riding high on K-dramas, K-pop, and the rest of the Korean Wave.
Savor an Authentic Korean Meal
Most people visiting Pampanga are here to enjoy a tasty meal in one of the many iconic restaurants in the province. Luckily, Koreatown has a lot to offer when it comes to authentic Korean food. Plus, a lot of these restaurants open early, so you can grab a meal early—and visit another to make the most of your road trip.
Donenoo Restaurant
Out of all the Korean dishes that have made their way to the Philippines, Korean BBQ is arguably the most popular. If you happen to be in Angeles when you get the craving, you can’t go wrong with Donenoo Restaurant. Although Donenoo doesn’t offer unlimited samgyupsal (pork belly) like most popular KBBQ restaurants in Manila, It’s one of the best places around for high-quality meat grilled to perfection.
Service Hours: Daily, 11 AM to 10 PM
Jungs Kitchen
Jung’s Kitchen is one of the best restaurants to visit for a hearty serving of samgyupsal (pork belly)—along with a wide variety of tasty side dishes, of course. The casual KBBQ restaurant is clean and spacious, a great spot whether you’re stopping by for an early morning meal or a midnight “snack.”
Service Hours: Daily, 7 AM to 2 AM
Yi-San Korean Restaurant
Another reasonably priced option in Angeles’ Koreatown is Yi-San Korean Restaurant. The restaurant offers an extensive menu of authentic Korean favorites, served with free unlimited side dishes. It can get crowded during peak hours, especially on weekends, so make sure to come early for a table.
Service Hours: Daily, 8 AM to 4 AM
Website: Facebook
Enjoy a Cup of Brew in a Cute Café
A cute café is definitely the stuff K-drama dreams are made of. Bring your favorite Viu shows to life with an afternoon at these fantastic coffee shops in Pampanga’s Koreatown.
Kalidad Coffee
A good coffee shop doesn’t need a lot of frills to stand out. Minimalist-style Kalidad Coffee is a specialty neighborhood café in Koreatown that’s easy on the eyes and the tastebuds. Excellent hot and iced coffee drinks keep regulars flocking to this community hangout in Angeles.
Address: Omnistellar Building, Angeles City
Service Hours: Daily, 10 AM to 8 PM
Website: Facebook, Instagram
Urban Garden Café and Bistro
Sip your drink of choice in one of the prettiest coffee spots in Angeles. It’s easy to fall in love with Urban Garden Café & Bistro’s Insta-friendly aesthetics of terracotta tiles, generous indoor foliage, and sleek modern décor. Plus, the terrace offers a pet-friendly space for you and your fur baby!
Address: 1639 Building, Fil-Am Friendship Hwy, Angeles City
Service Hours: Daily, 10 AM to 11 PM
Website: Facebook, Instagram
Grab Your Favorite Korean Snacks & Drinks to Take Home
Finally, make sure you take a home a piece of Koreatown with you before leaving Angeles, Pampanga. Pick up several bottles of Soju—to drink at home, NOT during the drive back—and a couple of packs of your favorite Korean snack. There are a lot of Korean marts to choose from in Koreatown, including the always reliable IM Mart.
Visit KKday for more out-of-town ideas and great travel deals.
*Featured photo via Becerra Govea Photo on Pexels
