Dodo Korea in Kuala Lumpur
When we think of Korean food, we typically think of ramyeon and K-BBQ. But there is certainly more to the cuisine than that. A popular traditional Korean meal to have for lunch is dosirak, AKA Korean lunchboxes, which have become a popular option for mealtime outings in our country too.
Nestled in Kuala Lumpur, within the bustling NU Sentral, is a Korean chap fan-style restaurant called Dodo Korea that draws snaking queues on the daily. Here, you can satisfy your Korean food cravings without burning a hole in your wallet, with filling lunch box sets complete with generous mains and legit banchans going for just RM17.
Filling lunch set meals complete with mains and side dishes
It’s always a struggle trying to decide what to eat for lunch. If you happen to be transiting through KL Sentral – or just lepak-ing in NU Sentral – Dodo Korea is the spot to head to if you’re in the mood for Korean food. This restaurant, whose owner is Korean, serves hearty lunch box sets (RM17) containing everything that you need for a well-balanced meal.
They have three outlets at easily accessible shopping malls in Kuala Lumpur: Avenue K, The Intermark, and NU Sentral. At their NU Sentral outlet, they have a delectable spread of Korean main dishes for you to choose from at a counter at the entrance of the store.
You can take your pick of two mains per set. There are various types of proteins to order such as fried fish with tartar sauce, garlic soya chicken, stir-fried beef, and spicy squid. The garlic soya chicken is a highlight among customers, as it has a nice crunch and a strong garlic and soya flavour.
The mains are paired with a selection of traditional Korean side dishes, also known as banchan. There are classic tart kimchi, thick fishcakes, and sweet mashed potato. Each set also comes with kimchi stew that pairs nicely with the fluffy white rice, and slices of watermelon to finish off your meal with.
Like at a typical chap fan restaurant, you’ll have to pick your mains and a helpful staff behind the counter will put your lunch box together for you. As the restaurant always sees a steady line of diners, it’s best to drop by early – preferably before peak lunch hours – to avoid the usual 15-minute queuing time.
Ambience at Dodo Korea
Dodo Korea can be found on the fourth floor of NU Sentral. Food is served in a lunch box with neat compartments for each of your dish, similar to a Japanese bento box. If you opt for takeaway, your meal will be presented in a disposable container with a RM3 surcharge. This will come handy during lunch hours, as the restaurant has plenty of tables set up in a spacious and clean dining area, but these tend to fill up quickly with patrons looking to grab a quick, hearty, and affordable lunch.
Feast on Korean lunch box sets at Dodo Korea
If you’re craving Korean food, Dodo Korea is worth a visit for lunch with your colleagues, friends or family. Offering diners a complete lunch box set comprising proteins and a selection of banchan that are all made fresh daily, you’ll leave the restaurant with a satisfied tummy.
Dodo Korea @ NU Sentral
Address: Level 4.07, Shopping Center, Nu Sentral, 201, Jalan Tun Sambanthan, Kuala Lumpur Sentral, 50470 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 10am-10pm, Daily | Dodo Korea’s Facebook
Dodo Korea @ Avenue K
Address: 156, Jalan Ampang, Kampung Baru, 50450 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur
Opening hours: 10.30am-10pm, Daily
Also watch our video feature of Dodo Korea:
Photography by Dennis Kong.
Cover image adapted from: The Smart Local Malaysia