I’ve wandered all across Busan searching for the best vegan and vegetarian food. In the last 5 months, I’ve either been teaching English at my hagwon or getting lost trying to find a good veggie burger. I finally feel confident to introduce to you, my Top 8 Vegan + Vegetarian Spots in Busan. It includes restaurants you can find on Happy Cow (with my personal recommendations and tips), some local spots I’ve discovered on my own, and Korean food that can be easily veganized (or accidental Korean vegan foods.)
I’ll keep the intro short, because I know you came here for the food. <3
1. Home Bistro & Cafe
Home is my home away from home. It’s tucked away in an alleyway, housed with Latin American decor and a cute pup that greets you at the door. It’s family-owned and ran by a brother-sister, two vegan Busan locals. Their vegan menu is simple and tasty, everything made from scratch.
What to order:
BBQ Kung Fu Boy and Forest Burger are my top 2 favorite entrees. I also love the cheesecake and brownie for dessert. Their menu changes often, look out for seasonal favorites. I also recommend indulging in some organic wine or beer (because where can you find organic wine and beer in Korea?!)
How to get there:
It’s located between the Haeundae stop and Jung-dong stop on line 2 (green line.) If you get off on Haeundae stop, take exit 2 and walk to Home Bistro. If you get off at Jung-dong stop, take exit 9. (map pictured below) I got lost the first two times. Make sure to use Google Maps for help. Take a right into the alley (pictured below). It’s across from a flower shop.
Menu:
2. April and May 45 Cafe
April May Cafe is a tiny cafe filled with baked goods, fresh bread, and killer sweets. You can stop in for some baked goods to go. But, if you’re in the mood for a made-from-scratch, best-thing-you’ve-ever-tasted vegan brunch or dinner, call ahead and set a reservation!
What to order:
I love the (set) brunch menu. Also, do not leave without getting a cinnamon roll for dessert! If you have the extra change, take some bread to go! It is phenomenal.
How to get there:
Get off at the Suyeong stop (line 2, green) exit 1 and walk 15 minutes to April May Cafe (map below.) It’s located in an alleyway.
Tips before you go:
Text 01049193104 to reserve a spot for brunch or dinner (note: the owner asked for a deposit for the reservation, but I declined and it was fine. Also, it says to reserve a day prior, but I reserved just a few hours prior. They are pretty flexible!)
Menu:
3. Milhanjum (Moo Moo Burger)
Milhanjum is a cute cafe and restaurant with an array of vegan treats, espresso drinks, and veggie burgers. It was formerly known as Moo Moo Burger, but recently closed (end of 2019) and combined businesses with Milhanjum Cafe.
What to order:
The moo moo burger is my top choice (but you could try every single burger, they are small and all delicious!) I also recommend grabbing a vegan brownie to go.
How to get there:
It’s located RIGHT outside Jungang station (line 2, exit 11). Once you exit, you should see the cafe right in front of you. Click here for the exact address and current hours!
Tips before you go:
The portions aren’t very big. I found that it was more cost effective (and filling) to order two burgers versus ordering the meal (fries + smoothie). The fries portion is VERY small. The first time I went, I ordered the meal then went back and ordered another burger. (lol)
Menu:
4. Vegenarang
Vegenarang is an all-vegan restaurant serving Temple style foods with ocean views. The location is perfect. The journey to get to the restaurant added to the experience.
What to order:
I recommend getting the lotus set, avocado rolls, or black bean cutlets.
How to get there:
You can take line 2 (green) and get off at the Millak stop, exit 1 and walk from there along the river walk. (picture below)
Menu:
Click here for an updated menu.
5. Korean BBQ (국가대표 좌동점)
Korean BBQ is famous worldwide and is a must-do experience while in Korea. Luckily for us, there are plenty of options for vegans and vegetarians. My favorite Korean BBQ place is located right next to Jwadong Traditional Market. (see below for instructions on how to get there) But, you can have similar experiences at other Korean BBQ restaurants.
What to order:
I love this specific Korean BBQ place, because you go up and grab the food yourself. It’s perfect for vegans/vegetarians, because you don’t have to explain to anyone your dietary restrictions. *woot woot* They have the rice cakes, meat, and beer in the fridge for you to serve yourself. To the right of the fridge, they have a buffet of veggies, kimchi, sauces, and everything else you may want/need.
Tips before you go:
I love to make lettuce wraps (first layer lettuce, second layer pickled radish) stuffed with mushrooms, rice cakes, kimchi, and sprouts. I then dip the lettuce wrap into the ssamjang sauce (tan colored bean paste sauce). It’s bomb.
How to get there:
You can search 국가대표 좌동점 on Google Maps. It’s located just outside of the Jwadong Traditional Market. Take line 2 (green), get off at Jangsan, exit 4 and walk from there. (walking directions below)
6. Hello India Al-waha
Hello India Al-waha is an Indian and Lebanese restaurant with a menu packed with veggie options. They have a page dedicated to vegetarian curries and vegan options scattered throughout. Hello India Al-waha is located on the Haeundae strip where the night life never sleeps. It’s a perfect spot to grab food before a night out. Grab a seat by the window and enjoy an evening of people watching and delicious flavors.
Note: Beyond the food, I love this restaurant for their customer service. The employees go above and beyond to make you feel welcome (especially if you are a local.) It’s hard to find restaurants like this in Busan.
What to order:
Samosas, aloo gobi vegetable curry, and garlic naan is my go-to meal!
How to get there:
It’s on the Haeundae strip, you can take line 2 (green) and get off at the Haeundae stop, exit 5. Hello India is about a block down on the left-hand side of the street.
Tips before you go:
It’s possible to share an entree, but in that case make sure to get 2 orders of naan bread.
7. Kimbap (K Colabo)
Kimbap is my go-to snack, easy lunch, or light dinner. You can get kimbap pretty much from anywhere. My favorite kimbap place is K Colabo Kimbap (super cheap chain restaurant). But honestly, you can get good kimbap from lots of places.
What to order:
Yache kimbap (vegetable kimbap) *make sure to ask for no crab, egg, or fish cake*
How to get there:
It’s located off the Jangsan stop exit 4, walk a couple blocks toward Jwadong Traditional Market. It’s on the right-hand side, next to KFC.
Tips for ordering in Korean:
Looking up Korean phrases can be overwhelming. I often use the app Learn Korean. It has an option to say the phrases out loud. I practice using that app or if I’m in a panic, I just point to the phrases. Click here for a great guide for Korean veggie words/phrases.
8. Los Amigos Mexicana Cantina
Formally known as Oscar’s Taco Shop, Los Amigos Mexicana Cantina is the best place in Busan for Mexican cuisine. Their menu is not vegan, but they have a couple delicious vegan options.
What to order:
Vegan California burrito is super tasty!
How to get there:
Get off Jung-dong line 2 (green) exit 2, follow the map below:
Need help packing? Check out Vegan Packing List + Resources and Tips for Moving to Busan
More vegan resources: How to Go Vegan in 2020 (tips and resources), Vegan City Guides
Any other restaurants or vegan food in Busan to add to the list? Comment below! Looking for a complete list of vegan restaurants in Busan? Check out Happy Cow for more options! xoxo
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3 Comments
Farah Al Zadjaly
July 15, 2020 at 2:48 pmThis is useful 🙂
Courtney
July 15, 2020 at 2:51 pmYay!! I’m happy you found it useful, cheers!
Lucy
October 30, 2020 at 9:12 amHey Courtney! Wonderful list!
Just an awkward question – but do you know what ingredients are used to make the LOOLOL burger? I moved back to Canada a couple of years ago and surprisingly, this is one of the key things I miss in Korea…