+1 315-422-1219
Nestled in the heart of Syracuse, Gangnam Style Korean Kitchen is a hidden gem for authentic Korean barbecue and a broad array of traditional Korean dishes. The cuisine here delivers a vibrant symphony of flavors that Korean food lovers will instantly appreciate—each dish thoughtfully prepared to balance spice, sweetness, and savory richness. From the first bite, you're transported to the bustling streets of Seoul, making every meal feel like a warm, cultural embrace.
The menu showcases hallmark Korean favorites that tantalize your taste buds with textures and spices that hit the perfect mark. The Sundubu Jigae (spicy soft tofu stew) is a comforting, soul-warming dish that arrives bubbling hot, brimming with creamy silken tofu and a rich, spicy broth that simultaneously soothes and excites. The Korean Style Breaded Chicken and Korean Fried Chicken Wings offer a crispy, golden crunch with a subtle kick, perfectly paired with the tangy-sweet sauces they come coated in.
If you’re craving a hearty, flavorful meal, the Bulgogi-Deopbap (marinated grilled beef over rice) wraps you in tender, smoky notes complemented by a colorful array of banchan—those delightful side dishes that bring brightness and balance to the plate. The Haemul Dolsot seafood stone pot rice and the Seafood Pancake explode with umami-rich flavors, giving seafood lovers a feast of tender bites and crispy edges. For adventurous palates, the spicy shredded beef dishes like Gochu Sogogi Bokkeum bring an exciting heat accented by fresh hot peppers.
Stews like Kimchi Jigae and Budae Jigae invite you to cozy up with their bold, layered tastes—each spoonful a harmonious blend of smoky pork, kimchi, noodles, and tofu steeped in a piquant broth. Don’t miss out on the comforting Doenjang Jigae, a soybean paste stew that balances earthiness and umami with an option to customize with your meat or veggies of choice.
The atmosphere at Gangnam Style Korean Kitchen is an intimate, friendly “hole in the wall” with a home-like vibe, run with loving care by a warm, welcoming owner who treats guests like extended family. Diners regularly comment on how the service feels like visiting a cherished grandmother’s kitchen—fast, genuine, and heartwarming. The cozy size may limit seating, but the experience and generosity more than make up for it, with generous portions and complimentary banchan enhancing the sense of dining in a Korean home.
Customer reviews vividly capture the essence of the place: from John Hussey’s surprise at the inviting atmosphere hidden inside, to Matt Hisert’s praise of the vast spread perfect for big appetites, and DJ’s delight in discovering some of the best Korean flavors in Syracuse despite the modest exterior. Regular Jiwon Kim highlights the owner’s kindness and pride in her cooking, while Madison Turkette calls it one of the best dining experiences in the city, raving about the fiery Korean fried chicken and the impeccable donkatsu pork cutlet.
Whether you’re looking to savor traditional Korean staples or eager to explore layered, fiery, and savory dishes that engage all your senses, Gangnam Style Korean Kitchen is a must-visit spot in Syracuse. It’s more than a restaurant—it’s a heartfelt invitation to experience Korean culture through its vibrant flavors, generous hospitality, and cozy, intimate setting.
First impressions was not the best only because we could not tell where the front door was. BUT once you enter this amazing small hole in the wall, you will realize you have missed some amazing Korean food. The owner will remind you of your friends grandmother who loves to cook. The food came out incredibly fast and was presented like you are at your friends house. The Sundubu came out super hot and super flavorful. The Japchae was the perfect portion and super full of flavor. And the kimchee appetizers tasted like they were prepared from the grandmothers house.
Ordered $250 worth of food for 4 people, everything was great for our big back appetite and Asian food loving tastebuds. Service is a bit slow since there are only 2 people running the place but they are very nice. Wish they had more seating but we went during an off time and were okay. Arguably the best Korean spot in Cuse.
What an amazing find in Syracuse! There’s not much curb appeal, but once you open the door the smells will entice you immediately! This is some of the best Korean food I’ve ever had. Went with friends and tried a little bit of everything! Definitely give the Korean fried chicken a try, but everything we had was delicious. It’s also a sweet older couple who runs it, super friendly and speedy service! We’ll be back for sure. (Pictured is the gimbap, shumai, bulgogi, bibimbap, and a stir fried green bean yachae bokkeum, and the Korean fried chicken with their sauce.) The only down side is the bathroom. There’s only one for customers and staff, it was clean but could use updating. And there was a fly strip in there which no one wants to see. But it’s not like you’re visiting for the bathroom anyway.
We’ve become regulars over the years not only because the owner makes absolutely delicious authentic Korean food but also because she is such a sweet and kind person. We adore her and always leave the place feeling so cared for. She generously takes care of her regulars with huge portions and extra side dishes as she considers them her extended family. She rightfully takes great pride in her food and works incredibly hard to prepare quality food. I am so grateful to have this place with high qualify, authentic Korean food here in Syracuse. She offers Jeollado style of Korean food as she is originally from Jeollado. Jeollado is renowned for its rich culinary culture, and Korea’s first UNESCO designated city of gastronomy is located in it. Her revolving complimentary side dishes are exceptionally tasty, and I always look forward to different side dishes she prepares each time. Not surprisingly, the place has older Koreans dining in every time we visit, and that really tells you her food is authentic and good. My husband and I eat vegan and she is always happy to accommodate for us, which I am really thankful for.
Absolutely one of the best places I’ve been to while visiting Syracuse. We ordered 2 appetizers (tteokbokki and pan fried dumplings), 10 pc red chili (Korean style) fried chicken, and we all each got a full order meal to share with the table. The free side dishes were amazing, the kimchi was crunchy and full of flavor. I got the donkatsu and it was the best fried pork. Overall will definitely come back if I am ever in town.
Nice little Korean restaurant that serves tasty dishes. We were in a hurry to get home, so we got our food to go. Everything was flavorful. the portions were generous, and would have probably been much better if we had eaten there (we live 80 minutes away). Regardless, we are happy that we stopped in, and we will definitely be back to eat there again. Others have mentioned the front door not being clearly marked. I’ve included a video and photo.
Kim the chef at Gangnam Style is amazing! Her food is SO tasty and authentic. I love the pancakes and bip n bop. Every time I am in Syracuse I stop to enjoy a nice meal or take one home with me. Love it!! Do not be fooled by the humble exterior & dining area. The food is terrific!