Ilang — Restaurant in Paris

OMG, never thought I'd find one of the best down-to-earth home-cooked Korean meals I've ever had in Paris.

I'm Korean and I've lived in Korea and Los Angeles for the most of my life. A number of people in my family are excellent cooks of Korean food, some are bona fide chefs who own popular restaurants in Korea. All this to say that I know what good Korean food tastes like.

I had been disappointed with the Korean food scene in Los Angeles since the pandemic and stopped eating out in Los Angeles. I usually eat Korean food at home or in Las Vegas (good Korean food scene) or on my annual trip to Korea.

I landed in Paris today and was craving Korean food after days of mediocre airport lounge and hotel foods. Initially, I wanted to have a good bowl of pho (which is also hard to find in Southern California these days), thinking I'd have a better chance of finding a good pho restaurant than a Korean restaurant. On the way to a Google recommended pho spot, I happened to pass by Ilang.

Before entering I checked out their very extensive and varied menu, which I usually find as a sign of a mediocre restaurant. But I was too hungry and tired to walk further so I entered the restaurant. The place was bustling with many enthusiastic customers of different demographics - a family of tourists from Korea, French people of all ethnicities, etc... I took it as a good sign. I was greeted by a pleasant wait staff and was seated right away.

I ordered a beef bibimbop and kimchi jjigae and googled Ilang while waiting for the food. I found that this place was touted as a legit Korean food spot in Paris, possibly the best in France, by many Korean tourists. And I agree with them.

From the banchans to the main dishes, everything was authentic, not some cheap imitation of Korean food. Everything was seasoned perfectly and with traditional Korean condiments, like sesame oil. Also, everything tasted very homemade - nothing was too sweet, salty, or spicy - the way your health conscious Korean mother/grandma would make.

I was very happy with the meal and will be...

Ilang was a super pleasant discovery I did on a scorcher summer day (~40ºC) in Paris close to the majestic Place Vendôme. With a 5 min walk taking the worldwide famous jewellers street “Rue de la Paix” where Cartier opened its shop in 1898 and then heading right in Rue Daunou you arrive at this lively canteen serving fried chicken, spicy pork and kimchi over 2 floors. I was especially happy to see it open since in Mid August most of the restaurants are closed and the city is basically empty of Parisians. Me and my friend took a 8pcs Ganjang Chicken Grand with soy sauce (12.50€) and 1 Bibimbap Poulet (15.50€) with a cola zero each (3.90€ pp). Considering the central location, the pleasant fresh indoor seating with AC, the competitive prices and the tasteful food I consider Ilang a great choice for all tourists and locals looking for a delicious lunch break. The restaurant accepts company...

Food quality: 5/5 From just the honey garlic fried chicken, I can tell that real ingredients were used and not just pre-made sauce on top of fast food chicken - and it makes a world of a difference. Other dishes were also very fresh.

Portion size: enough to get you full!

Taste: 4.5/5 this would be subjective for sure, but I really liked most of my dishes! I personally find having spicy dishes with too much kimchee to upset my stomach a little

Ambiance: 5/5 (I wish the street view was more scenic but the indoor ambiance was over the top so overall I'm happy! The restaurant is surprisingly quite with so many people, which I appreciate)

Service: 5/5 efficient and gentle

Tips(?) If you are new to Korean food, you can never go wrong with bibimbap and fried chicken. Orangia soda is the best orange soda I've tasted in France! Also, every order comes with a free appetizer with 3 kinds...