Samchon Bunsik

Korean Street Food Finds Its Heart in Chennai

Ever since my first K-Drama "Itaewon Class" I’ve been captivated by the way Korean food weaves itself into every frame: comforting, colourful, and full of emotion. That quiet curiosity eventually turned into a craving. The first time I tried Korean food in Bangalore, I was instantly hooked. It’s not something one can indulge in too often here, given how expensive authentic Korean fare tends to be in India, so each experience becomes something to savour, something to look forward to every few months.

That’s exactly what brought me to Samchon Bunsik, a charming new entrant in Chennai’s growing Korean food scene. Founded by Kim Myung Soo and Kim Hyo Jin, a couple from South Korea, the restaurant channels the warmth and simplicity of Korean street food - or bunsik - into a lively, casual dining experience. With roots in running a corndog shop back home, the duo now brings a taste of Seoul’s bustling food alleys to this corner of Chennai. The space itself is intimate - nine tables, a high-stool counter, and a glass-fronted window that floods the room with natural light. It’s small, bright, and buzzing with chatter especially on weekends when walk-ins fill the place fast.

Here's What I Had

Ramyeon Tteok-Bokki - Rs 490

This dish was pure indulgence! the kind of comfort food that warms you from the inside out. The chewy rice cakes soaked up the spicy, gochujang-based sauce perfectly, while the springy noodles added an extra layer of heartiness. The sauce itself was a beautiful balance of heat, sweetness, and deep umami, coating every strand of noodle in that signature fiery red hue. A boiled egg on the side added richness, while spring onions brought freshness to each bite. It’s the kind of dish you can’t stop eating, comforting, addictive, and unmistakably Korean.

Yang Neom Chicken - Rs 499

Golden, glossy, and everything you’d want from Korean fried chicken. Each piece was shatteringly crisp on the outside, tender within, and coated in a sticky glaze that struck the perfect harmony between sweet, spicy, and garlicky. The balance was spot-on, never too sugary, never too fiery. The pickled radish served alongside cut through the richness with its sharp tang, keeping every bite fresh and exciting. Portion-wise, it’s generous and meant to be shared, though you might not want to.

Dak Galbi Deopbap - Rs 690

Bold, hearty, and deeply satisfying. The stir-fried chicken carried that signature smoky edge, beautifully caramelised and coated in a sweet-spicy sauce. The rice beneath soaked up all the flavours, while bits of cabbage added crunch and contrast. What took it over the top, though, was the melted cheese, creamy, gooey, and indulgent, bringing everything together in each spoonful. It’s the kind of meal that leaves you full, happy, and craving just one more bite.

Dalgona Latte - Rs 290

A nostalgic, comforting finish to the meal. The Dalgona Latte was a lovely blend of creamy milk and espresso, elevated by shards of brittle dalgona candy that slowly melted into the drink. The burnt caramel tones from the candy played beautifully with the coffee’s bitterness, creating a balance that was sweet yet grounded. A drink that’s both aesthetic and soulful, just what you’d expect from a place that celebrates Korean comfort culture.