When you mention Korean food, most people immediately think of kimchi, the fermented cabbage that’s a staple in Korean cuisine. While Korea’s signature side dish is a favorite around the world, these Chandler restaurants prove there’s much more to Korean food than its much-loved, salty undertones.
Jin Shabu
The Korean-style shabu-shabu is an industrial chic spot located in central Chandler. Jin Shabu features an all-you-can eat lunch and dinner menu features an array of hot pots, from steamed hinoki boxes to traditional shabu (a Mongolian term for thickly sliced meats and vegetables cooked in spicy boiling water) options. Diners cook their own broth—such as sukiyaki and miso—table side and choose from an array of meats including lamb, beef and pork belly to build their simmering meal. A buffet with veggies, seafood, noodles, pot stickers and sauces help complete the dining adventure at this modern hot pot restaurant.
Map: 2055 N. Dobson Road, Chandler, AZ 85224 or (602) 396-2988
GOGI Korean & Sushi
The best of East Asian cuisine collides at this casual Korean-Japanese eatery. At GOGI Korean & Sushi, find shrimp tempura and kimchi pancake appetizers, as well as tofu and squid salad make up the lighter fare. Popular entrees include galbi, a sweetly-seasoned grilled short ribs, bulgogi hot stone bibimbap, a steamed rice and vegetable dish with thickly sliced, marinated grilled ribeye and pork katsu. In addition, diners can pick from a selection of bento box specials with meat, fried dumplings, shrimp tempura and rice side dishes for both lunch and dinner. And, of course, Korean fried chicken, from classic and sweet to spicy and garlic, is a signature dish. Plus, plenty of wine, sake and Asian beers are highlighted.
Map: 2095 North Dobson Road, Chandler, AZ 85224 or (480) 812-2751
Two Hands Corn Dogs
Want something that is as delicious as it is visually appealing? Check out Two Hands Corn Dogs! This east Chandler spot features the famed Korean-style corn dogs with assorted topping and sauces at this counter-style restaurant. Customize your corn dog by selecting a mozzarella cheese base, sausage or 50/50 (cheese and sausage) and choose from various toppings like potato or crispy rice. You will absolutely need one for each hand!
Map: 1929 E Ray Rd Suite #7, Chandler AZ 85225 or (480) 687-5436
Chodang Tofu & BBQ
This cozy spot on Arizona Avenue is the perfect place to try barbecued meats, bibimbap, dumplings and cold noodles—all the traditional fare one would expect to see on a menu in an authentic Korean restaurant. Chodang Tofu & BBQ's lineup is exhaustive with appetizers, salads and side dishes, but the selection of beef, chicken and pork barbecue, and soft tofu soup options—think bean paste, beef or seafood (with shrimp, oyster and clams)—might just hook you on Korean cuisine’s unique and culturally-rich flavors. Lunch specials are available daily from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and include choices such as galbi and bulgogi, which are served with side dishes and steamed rice.
Map: 501 N. Arizona Ave., Chandler, AZ 85225 or (460) 855-7712
Doshi Chicken & Cupbop
Want Korean on the go? Doshi Chicken & Cupbop serves up Korean BBQ in a bowl. Doshi Chicken & Cupbop ties Korean homestyle cooking with the convenience of a counter-serve chain for eat-in or takeaway. Doshi is short for Doshirak, which is means packed meal or lunchbox in Korean. Choose between several options, like the Dak-Bokkeum Cupbop (spicy Korean Style Chicken) or the Japchae Cupbop, which is a great vegetarian option. They provide a quick, healthy, and gluten-free option for lunch, dinner, or anything in between!
Map: 4960 S Alma School Rd B-10, Chandler, AZ 85248 or (480) 687-4112
