The vibrant 5-mile stretch of Route 40 in Ellicott City, Maryland, presents a delightful exploration of Korean cuisine. From Korean BBQ, bibimbap, and mandu to bingsu (shaved ice) and mouthwatering pastries like milk bread, ube cream-filled donuts, and mango cloud cakes, the options are diverse and tempting. Officially recognized as Koreatown in 2021, this area is marked by two grand, hand-carved signs reminiscent of traditional Korean palaces. Here, visitors can immerse themselves not only in a culinary adventure but also in Korean karaoke bars, K-pop retail stores, virtual golf arenas, and major supermarkets like H Mart and Lotte Plaza Market. Additionally, popular chains such as BB.Q Chicken and Kyo Matcha add to the allure.
While Northern Virginia has long been recognized for its vibrant Korean food scene, particularly in areas like Annandale and Centreville, this small stretch in Howard County, Maryland, is rapidly establishing its own identity. Discover some must-visit places along this exciting culinary route.
Hang Ari
Located in Maryland, Hang Ari specializes in dakgomtang, a flavorful chicken soup that requires chef Joseph Chung five hours to prepare the stock. The dish includes a blend of seven fresh vegetables, such as onion, green onion, and radish, alongside clear cellophane noodles and tender shredded chicken seasoned with salt and garlic. Guests can savor the savory dish with a side of rice, and for those seeking a kick, a spicy version is also available. Kimchi and chive pancakes make for a delightful starter, while you can also enjoy soondubu, a spicy soft tofu stew with kimchi, and sizzling Dolsot Bibimbap, a stone pot rice bowl offered in vegetarian or protein options. 9380 Baltimore National Pike
Tous Les Jours
At Tous Les Jours, a unique French-Asian bakery, customers can delight in over 300 types of baked goods. The array of cakes, including mocha, strawberry jam, Jeju green tea rolls, yuzu castella, and blueberry yogurt, creates a wonderful dilemma for patrons trying to choose their favorites. Fortunately, a combo cake set featuring assorted slices is also available for those who want to sample more. For an exciting twist, you can explore cases filled with specialty treats like sesame donuts, matcha cream pastries, and yuzu hand pies, along with whole milk bread loaves. The bakery also offers freshly brewed specialty coffees and teas, making it a perfect spot to relax and enjoy. 9380 Baltimore National Pike
Ugane
In 2024, owner and chef Sung Un Yoo, along with her sister, introduced a fast-casual Korean eatery named Ugane, following years of experience working at their family’s other restaurant, Kim Bop Na Ra. Here, they create their own kimbap, a seaweed roll filled with various popular ingredients like kimchi and anchovy. The menu also features delicious tempura, rice balls, and Tteokbokki, a spicy rice cake dish with fish cakes and vegetables. An appealing combo menu allows you to mix and match your favorites, while additional options like dumplings, spicy ramen, rice bowls, and refreshing Mul Naengmyeon, icy cold buckwheat noodles, invite exploration. 10045 Baltimore National Pike
Honey Pig
Since its launch in 2008, Honey Pig, a popular female-led Korean BBQ restaurant, has delighted diners with its culinary offerings. Kick off your meal with delectable seafood and kimchi pancakes or steamed dumplings. Guests can then enjoy grilling their favorite meats right at their tables, including select wagyu beef, shrimp, chicken, pork, and bulgogi, all while vibrant K-pop music fills the air. Meals are complemented by an endless array of small side dishes known as banchan, and the staff can even whip up fried rice right on the grill for you. For a fun night out, continue the festivities at Honey Pig Karaoke, where you can sing your heart out in a private room. Be advised that weekends can see long wait times of over an hour. Additionally, a second location, Honey Pig Hot Pot & BBQ, in Normandy Plaza, features a generous 50-item all-you-can-eat buffet featuring seafood, meats, and vegetables. 10045 Baltimore National Pike
Uma Uma RamenÂ
Specializing in ramen, Uma Uma Ramen offers a delicious soup topped with fresh green onions, soft-boiled eggs, bean sprouts, and dried seafood made with their own house-made noodles. Diners can choose from various protein options and a spicy level ranging from 1 to 5 to customize the heat to their liking. Popular selections also include chicken, shrimp, and beef yakitori drizzled with teriyaki sauce. 9380 Baltimore National Pike
Kim Bob Na Ra
This family-operated restaurant has become known for its Korean comfort food offerings. They serve freshly prepared kimbap, seaweed rice rolls with a variety of fillings, sizzling bibimbap rice bowls, and hearty kimchi stews. Additionally, they offer a selection of traditional noodle dishes, from spicy ramens and tempura udon to refreshing cold noodles like Mul Naengmyeon, made from buckwheat and served in chilled beef broth. Their menu also features Boonsik, classic Korean street snacks including Ddukbokki, a spicy dish of rice cakes and fish cakes with vegetables, along with fried dumplings and chicken katsu, crispy fried chicken cutlets served with rice and fresh salad. 9339 Baltimore National Pike
Shilla Bakery
Known for its unique flavor profiles, Shilla Bakery serves an array of delightful cakes including flavors like blueberry yogurt, mango fresh cream, and green tea chiffon. Their whimsical animal-shaped cakes—ranging from pandas to bears and filled with chocolate buttercream and strawberry jam—are sure to be a hit at any gathering. For those looking for something different, try their unconventional treats such as tapioca bread, green bean buns, and honey dew roll cakes. 9339 Baltimore National Pike
ChoSun Hwaro
As a well-loved family-friendly Korean BBQ destination, ChoSun Hwaro spans two stories and features individual stove-top gas grills at each table, allowing guests to take charge of their grilling experience. Savor premium cuts of meat like prime rib-eye and brisket, cooked to your preference, alongside an abundant selection of banchan, including kimchi, pickled radishes, rice, seaweed, and much more. Beyond the BBQ offerings, the menu also includes bibimbap (seafood and vegetable options), cold noodles, and savory kimchi and seafood pancakes. 9445 Baltimore National Pike
Tiger SugarÂ
For a refreshing break, Tiger Sugar offers delicious brown sugar boba topped with exciting additions such as coffee jelly, matcha, mochi, red bean, and toro pudding. Alternatively, refresh yourself with a golden oolong tea paired with brown sugar boba, a black tea latte featuring cream mousse, or a mango oolong tea combined with mango jelly and aloe. The possibilities for drinks are endless. 9338 Baltimore National Pike
