Best Restaurants in North Korea 2026

Pyongyang Naengmyeon

The defining dish of North Korean cuisine: handmade buckwheat noodles in a chilled, clear beef broth, topped with julienned cucumber, boiled egg, Korean pear, and mustard. The noodles are chewy and dense, the broth clean and subtly tangy. Best eaten at Okryu-gwan or Chongryu Restaurant where the dish originated.

Where to try: Okryu-gwan, Chongryu Restaurant, Pyongyang Noodle House

Price: $7-15

Pyongyang Cold Noodle in Broth (Mul Naengmyeon)

The broth-based version of naengmyeon uses a chilled beef-and-dongchimi (radish water kimchi) broth that is simultaneously refreshing and deeply savory. The signature of both Okryu-gwan and Chongryu — ordering both versions to compare is a memorable culinary experience.

Where to try: Okryu-gwan, Chongryu Restaurant

Price: $10-15

Duck BBQ (Ori-gui)

Pyongyang-style duck grilled at the table alongside squid, served with dipping sauces and wrapped in lettuce leaves. The combination of duck and squid is a DPRK specialty unique to the capital. Accompanied by local soju, this is the signature banquet meal for visitors.

Where to try: Pyongyang Duck Barbecue Restaurant

Price: $20-30

Kaesong Royal Court Cuisine

In Kaesong, meals are served in the tradition of the Goryeo royal court — food presented in individual brass bowls with an exceptional number of banchan (side dishes), sometimes exceeding 30 small plates. Insam (ginseng) chicken is the centrepiece. Available on the Kaesong day trip at the Folk Hotel.

Where to try: Kaesong Folk Hotel Restaurant

Price: $15-25

Taedong River Mullet Soup (Sungeo Guk)

A Pyongyang regional specialty: soup made from mullet caught in the Taedong River, with a clean, slightly briny flavor unique to the local fish. Served with rice and banchan. One of the most authentically local dishes tourists can order.

Where to try: Potonggang Mullet Soup Restaurant

Price: $8-12

Taedonggang Beer (Taedonggang Maekju)

North Korea's celebrated national beer brewed in Pyongyang using equipment purchased from the Ushers of Trowbridge brewery in England. Seven numbered varieties range from light lager (No.1) through amber (No.3) to dark stout (No.7). Widely considered the finest product in the DPRK.

Where to try: All hotel bars, beer halls, Kwangbok Department Store bottles

Price: $1.50-3

Okryu-gwan

The most famous restaurant in North Korea, renowned for Pyongyang-style naengmyeon (cold buckwheat noodles). Founded in 1960 beside the Taedong River, it can seat 2,000 guests in a multi-story building. A must-visit culinary landmark.

Okryu Bridge, Taedong Riverside, Pyongyang

Samtaesong Hamburger

North Korea's fast-food chain started in 2009 as a joint venture with Singaporean businessmen. Serves hamburgers, fried chicken, and soft drinks. A surreal experience of Western fast food in the DPRK.

Multiple locations, Pyongyang (Kwangbok Street main branch)

Hotel Restaurant Breakfast Rooms

Most major hotels serve breakfast buffets with Korean and basic Western items. Toast, eggs, kimchi, rice, and instant coffee are standard. Quality varies by hotel.

Various hotel locations, Pyongyang

Pyongyang Street Corn Vendors

Vendors selling grilled corn and sweet potatoes on street corners. A common sight in Pyongyang. Hot, cheap, and popular with locals.

Various street corners, Pyongyang

Coffee Shop at Koryo Hotel

Hotel cafe serving espresso drinks, tea, and pastries. One of the few places in Pyongyang with decent coffee. Popular meeting spot for tourists.

Koryo Hotel Lobby, Changgwang Street, Pyongyang

Koryo Hotel Revolving Restaurant

Revolving restaurant atop one of the Koryo Hotel towers offering panoramic Pyongyang views. Serves international cuisine with Korean specialties. The rotation takes about one hour for a complete 360-degree view.

Koryo Hotel 43rd Floor, Changgwang Street, Pyongyang

Pyongyang Noodle House

Casual noodle restaurant serving various Korean noodle dishes. Quick service and good value. Popular with locals and tourists alike.

Sungni Street, Pyongyang

Worker's Canteen

Basic cafeteria-style dining serving simple Korean meals. A rare glimpse into how ordinary North Koreans eat. Very basic but authentic experience when tours arrange visits.

Various factory locations, Pyongyang

Grilled Corn (Gui-oksusu)

Charcoal-grilled corn cobs sold by vendors at street corners throughout Pyongyang. Hot, slightly charred, and inexpensive. One of the most common street food sights in the city.

Find it at: Street corners, Pyongyang city centre

Hotteok (Sweet Pancakes)

Thick, crispy-edged sweet pancakes filled with brown sugar, cinnamon, and nuts. Sold from mobile carts especially in cooler weather. A beloved Korean comfort food.

Find it at: Various market areas and busy streets, Pyongyang

Sundae (Korean Blood Sausage)

Steamed or fried blood sausage made with cellophane noodles, rice, and vegetables stuffed into pork intestine casing. A hearty street food popular with workers. Found near factory districts and market areas.

Find it at: Worker districts and market areas, Pyongyang

Tteokbokki (Spicy Rice Cakes)

Cylindrical rice cakes in spicy-sweet sauce, sold from mobile carts. The North Korean version tends to be milder than its southern counterpart. A simple and satisfying snack.

Find it at: Market areas, Pyongyang

Roasted Sweet Potato (Gun-goguma)

Vendors roasting sweet potatoes in charcoal drums at street corners, particularly in autumn and winter. A warming, simple snack popular with all ages.

Find it at: Various street corners, especially in cooler months

Tongil (Reunification) Market

One of Pyongyang's state-run markets where tourists can visit with guide accompaniment. Fresh produce, Korean snacks, packaged goods, and basic provisions are available. A rare view of informal food retail in North Korea.

Hours: 9AM-5PM

Kwangbok Department Store Food Hall

The ground and upper floor food sections sell Korean snacks, bottled water, Taedonggang Beer, local spirits, Korean candies, and packaged food. An accessible market-style food shopping experience for tourists.

Hours: 10AM-8PM

Kaesong Ginseng Market

Dedicated market in Kaesong selling Kaesong-grown insam (ginseng) products: dried root, powder, extract, tea, candy, and tonics. The Kaesong variety is prized globally. Usually visited on the Kaesong day trip.

Hours: 9AM-5PM (during tour visits)