The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) is one of the world's most isolated and controlled destinations. All tourism is tightly regulated through guided tours, offering a unique glimpse into this enigmatic nation with its grand monuments, orchestrated events, and carefully curated experiences.
North Korean cuisine is rooted in the traditional cooking of the Korean peninsula's northern provinces — characterized by lighter seasoning than the fiery dishes of the south, with an emphasis on cold noodles, buckwheat, boiled and grilled meats, and preserved vegetables. Pyongyang is famous above all for naengmyeon (cold buckwheat noodles in chilled beef broth), considered by connoisseurs to define a distinct northern Korean culinary identity. Meals typically include multiple banchan (side dishes) of kimchi, seasoned vegetables, and pickles alongside the main course. Taedonggang Beer, brewed with repurposed British equipment, has a strong national reputation.
Must-try dishes
Iconic dishes that define North Korea.
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
Top restaurants
Handpicked picks for the best dining experiences.
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
Restaurants by cuisine
Browse picks grouped by cuisine type.
Korean
Injogogi (Dog Meat) Stands
Controversial dog meat soup stands found in certain areas. Dog meat is consumed in North Korea as in parts of South Korea. Not for everyone.
Selected markets, Pyongyang
Pyongyang Duck Barbecue Restaurant
Specializing in Pyongyang-style duck BBQ where diners grill duck and squid at their tables. The combination of flavors is unique to North Korea. Lively atmosphere with soju flowing.
Central Pyongyang
Koryo Hotel Korean BBQ
Hotel restaurant specializing in Korean-style BBQ. Marinated meats grilled at your table. Good quality at reasonable hotel prices.
Koryo Hotel, Changgwang Street, Pyongyang
University District Noodle Shops
Small noodle shops near Kim Il-sung University serving students. Basic but filling noodle dishes at cheap prices. Tours occasionally include visits.
University District, Taesong, Pyongyang
Tteokbokki Street Carts
Mobile carts selling tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) and other Korean street snacks. Less common than in South Korea but still found. Simple and spicy.
Market areas, Pyongyang
Chongryu Restaurant
Sister restaurant to Okryu-gwan, founded in the 1960s. Famous for its own version of naengmyeon and traditional Korean dishes. Together with Okryu-gwan, it has defined Pyongyang's culinary identity.
Moranbong District, Pyongyang
Potonggang Mullet Soup Restaurant
Famous for its fish soup made from Taedong River mullet. A Pyongyang specialty that locals love. Simple atmosphere, authentic flavors.
Potonggang District, Pyongyang
Sundae Street Vendors
Korean blood sausage (sundae) vendors selling steamed or fried versions. A protein-rich street food popular with workers. Hearty and filling.
Worker districts, Pyongyang
Market Food Stalls
Small food stalls in approved markets selling various Korean dishes and snacks. Represents the informal economy. Access depends on tour permissions.
Tongil Market and others, Pyongyang
Haedanghwa Restaurant
Upscale Korean restaurant serving refined traditional dishes. Elegant presentation and attentive service. Popular for special occasions and business dinners.
Potonggang District, Pyongyang
Hotteok (Sweet Pancake) Vendors
Sweet filled pancakes sold by street vendors, especially in winter. Warm, sugary treat popular with all ages. Simple pleasure on cold days.
Various locations, Pyongyang
Kaesong Traditional Restaurant
Located in Kaesong, serving traditional Kaesong-style cuisine. Meal served in brass bowls with many side dishes. Often included in DMZ day trips.
Kaesong Folk Hotel area, Kaesong
Moranbong Area Snack Shops
Small shops near Moranbong Park selling Korean snacks, rice cakes, and drinks. Popular with locals on outings. Very casual and inexpensive.
Moranbong District, Pyongyang
Changgwangsan Hotel Restaurant
Hotel restaurant serving dependable Korean dishes. Good for groups with set menus available. Nothing fancy but reliable quality.
Changgwangsan Hotel, Pyongyang
Rungra Pleasure Ground Restaurant
Located near the amusement park on Rungra Island. Serves casual Korean dishes for families and visitors to the park. Simple menu, quick service.
Rungra Island, Pyongyang
Bakery Cafe
Science Street Bakery Cafe
Bakery and cafe on Mirae Scientists Street offering fresh baked goods and coffee. Clean, modern environment. Good breakfast or snack stop.
Mirae Scientists Street, Pyongyang
Cafe
Taedonggang Cafe
Riverside cafe near the Taedong River serving coffee, tea, and light snacks. Pleasant atmosphere with river views. Relaxing spot when tours allow free time.
Taedong Riverside, Central Pyongyang
Cafe Meals
Mirae Scientists Street Cafe
Small cafes along the futuristic Mirae Scientists Street serving light meals and snacks. Modern buildings housing basic eateries for scientists and families.
Mirae Scientists Street, Pyongyang
Desserts
Rakwon Ice Cream Parlor
Popular ice cream shop in Pyongyang serving soft-serve ice cream. Simple flavors, but locals line up for the treat. A rare moment of normalcy.
Rakwon Department Store area, Pyongyang
Food Court
Kwangbok Department Store Food Court
Small food stalls on the top floor of the department store. Various snacks and simple meals. A chance to see what locals can purchase and eat.
Kwangbok Department Store, Kwangbok Street, Pyongyang
Hot Pot
Pyongyang Hot Pot Restaurant
Korean-style hot pot with various broths and ingredients. Communal dining experience perfect for groups. Warm and filling, especially in winter.
Central Pyongyang
Hotel Cafe
Yanggakdo Hotel Coffee Shop
Hotel coffee shop offering instant and espresso coffee, plus basic snacks. Convenient for hotel guests. Open long hours for late-night or early-morning caffeine.
Yanggakdo Hotel Lobby, Yanggak Island, Pyongyang
International
Diplomatic Club Restaurant
Exclusive restaurant primarily for diplomats and foreign businesspeople. International menu with high-quality ingredients. Formal atmosphere and professional service.
Munsu Street, Pyongyang
International Buffet
Yanggakdo Buffet Restaurant
All-you-can-eat buffet with Korean, Chinese, and some Western dishes. Convenient for hotel guests. Quality varies but fills hungry tourists.
Yanggakdo Hotel, Yanggak Island, Pyongyang
Italian
Yanggakdo Hotel Italian Restaurant
One of the few places in North Korea serving Italian food. Pizza, pasta, and Italian wines are available. Popular with Western tourists craving familiar food.
Yanggakdo Hotel, Yanggak Island, Pyongyang
Modern Cafe
Ryomyong Street Cafe
Modern cafe on the newly developed Ryomyong Street. Serves coffee, smoothies, and snacks in a contemporary setting. Popular with younger Pyongyang residents.
Ryomyong Street, Pyongyang
Pub Food
Beer Bars (Various)
Small beer bars throughout Pyongyang serving Taedonggang beer and simple snacks. Popular evening spots for locals. Tourists occasionally visit with guides.
Various locations, Pyongyang
Quick Service
Train Station Noodle Stands
Noodle stands at Pyongyang Railway Station serving quick meals to travelers. Very basic but convenient for those catching trains. Cheap and fast.
Pyongyang Railway Station
Seafood
Ryugyong Seafood Restaurant
High-end seafood restaurant featuring fresh catches from Korea's coasts. Live seafood tanks and skilled preparation. Expensive but the best seafood in Pyongyang.
Taedonggang District, Pyongyang
Tea House
Kwangbok Street Tea House
Traditional Korean tea house serving various teas and traditional sweets. Calm atmosphere for relaxation. Cultural experience with tea ceremony elements.
Kwangbok Street, Pyongyang
Street food
Local flavours at affordable prices.
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
Food markets
Where locals shop and graze.
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)
Dining etiquette & tips
Navigate the local food scene confidently.
Meals are pre-arranged by guides at designated restaurants — you rarely choose where to eat; the itinerary determines venues
Inform the tour operator of dietary restrictions before travel as options for vegetarians, vegans, and those with allergies are extremely limited
Mealtimes are fixed: breakfast 7-8AM, lunch 12:30-2PM, dinner 7-9PM; snacking between meals requires your own supplies from hotel shops
Always wait for guides and senior group members to be seated before sitting yourself
Koreans pour drinks for others before their own — if drinking with locals or guides, observe this etiquette
The local soju is strong (25-35% ABV) and poured generously — pace carefully as tour days begin early
Bottled water is provided at all meals and in hotel rooms — never drink tap water
- Vegetarian
- Very difficult. Korean cuisine is heavily meat and fish-based. Inform tour operator before booking. Some vegetable dishes are available but may be cooked with meat stock. Guides will try to accommodate but options are genuinely limited.
- Vegan
- Extremely difficult. Same challenges as vegetarian plus no dairy exclusions observed. Not recommended without detailed advance coordination with tour operator.
- Halal
- Not available. No halal-certified restaurants or ingredients available in North Korea.
- Gluten free
- Buckwheat naengmyeon noodles are technically gluten-free but cross-contamination is a near-certainty. Other staples like rice are naturally GF. Advance notification to tour operator required.
Food budget guide
What to expect at different price points.
| Level | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $20-30/day (simple hotel meals, street snacks) | Basic set meals at hotel restaurants and cafeterias. Limited variety but sufficient. |
| Mid-range | $40-80/day (landmark restaurants like Okryu-gwan, beer halls) | Meals at Pyongyang's best-known restaurants including naengmyeon at Okryu-gwan, duck BBQ, and hotel restaurants. |
| Upscale | $80-150+/day (revolving restaurant, Diplomatic Club, seafood, imported drinks) | Koryo Hotel revolving restaurant, Diplomatic Club, Ryugyong seafood, premium imported beverages. |