OK almost anyone that claims to know the best restaurants in Pyongyang right now is lying! This is because over the last 6 years the culinary scene in the capital of North Korea has frankly exploded with new joints offering some great scran.
And I now this because just recently I was one of the first western people to travel to Pyongyang since Coronavirus. Officially I went for the 24th Pyongyang Spring Trade Fair, but my secondary mission was to eat as much as possible.
In doing so I believe I can now list the current best restaurants Pyongyang has to offer.
7 Best Restaurants in Pyongyang
OK, so for the list I am using my knowledge of pre-2020, mixed with the new restaurants that I have visited. Now, I have not just used food to decide my best restaurants in Pyongyang, with there also being an element of entertainment value thrown in for good measure.
As always we count down from 7 to 1 with the best restaurant in Pyongyang and thus North Korea saved until last.
7) Moranbong Chicken Restaurant
Located next to the Arch of Triumph and known somewhat as NKFC (North Korea KFC), or the chicken and chips restaurant. Not nearly as good as it was pre-2020, but still a firmly good restaurant.
6) Koryo Pyongyang Cold Noodles Restaurant
Not as famous as Okryu-gwan Restaurant (옥류관), but honestly I think they do a better range and a better quality of Pyongyang Cold Noodles here. Worth the visit if only for the Korean mustard.
5) Taedonggang River Cruise
Quite an infamous venue and the former location of the Taedonggang Oktoberfest – hosted by YPT! Great fish, great Korean dishes, but probably the best ambience of most Pyongyang restaurants.
4) Ulji-bong Restaurant
An absolute old school venue, but one less visited by tourists. Literally opposite the Gak and with a great 31st floor venue. Classic Korean dishes, great chips and fried noodles. The kicker here though is the entertainment.
3) Hwasong Taedonggang Beer House
OK, so this is the place I have decried as the best bar in Pyongyang. This is a proper beer house and again has a fabulous atmosphere. Probably the best Western menu I have seen and honestly some killer German sausages.
2) Taedonggang Seafood Restaurant
Only just made it to number two, this is not just one of the best restaurants in Pyongyang, but also one of the most iconic. This is where Moon met Kim after all. Killer sashimi, fresh sturgeon and even a very Korean pine-nut gruel.
1) Clock Tower Restaurant – Hwasong
OK! Number Uno THE best restaurant in Pyongyang. This is another new one located in the Hwasong district of Pyongyang. Pure opulence to a level that they even make their own sodas. This is the place for foreign liquor and the best sushi in Pyongyang. It though does not stop there with them also having the best spaghetti and cocktails in Pyongyang.
And then there is the ambience! Great view of the new district, as well as glass-bottomed floors. A real benchmark for what is the “new” Pyonghattan! Alas it is so exclusive that pictures were limited. Without doubt the best of the best restaurants in Pyongyang.
Honourable Mentions
The Rainbow Trout Restaurant at the Hyangsan Hotel
This would rank 2nd or 3rd if it were in Pyongyang, but alas it is not! The waitresses here literally fed me soju and BBQ, while the rainbow trout sashimi was otherworldly. Makes a trip to Mt Myohang worth it.
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