How to use this list: Busan is spread out, so choose food stops that fit your day's route instead of crossing the city for every meal. These are editorial recommendations, not paid placements. Opening hours, prices and menus can change; check the current map listing before travelling.

Hoho Chicken House: curry chicken near Pusan National University

Neighborhood: Jangjeon-dong, Geumjeong-gu · Best for: a distinctive Korean chicken meal around the university area.

Hoho Chicken House (호호닭집) is a local-style chicken spot near Pusan National University, known for its curry-seasoned chicken. If you want to try something different from standard fried or sweet-spicy Korean chicken, the curry version is the reason to put it on your list. A half-and-half order can be useful if you want to compare curry chicken with the classic fried version; confirm the current menu and portion options before ordering.

Address: 68 Geumgang-ro 335beon-gil, Geumjeong-gu, Busan.

Find Hoho Chicken House on Google Maps ↗

Huimang Tongdak: old-school fried chicken in Dongnae

Neighborhood: Dongnae · Best for: traditional Korean-style whole fried chicken and a long-running local chicken-house atmosphere.

Huimang Tongdak (희망통닭) is a long-established Dongnae chicken restaurant often associated with old-school tongdak rather than modern franchise-style chicken. It is a good option for visitors curious about a more traditional Korean fried-chicken meal. Check whether you want fried chicken, seasoned chicken or the roasted-style option, and ask about the current serving size before ordering.

Address: 94 Myeongnyun-ro 98beon-gil, Dongnae-gu, Busan.

Open Huimang Tongdak in Naver Map ↗

Dongnae Market: tteokbokki and casual market snacks

Neighborhood: Dongnae Market · Best for: an informal snack stop while exploring a traditional market.

For tteokbokki (rice cakes in a spicy-sweet sauce), you do not necessarily need to hunt down one famous shop. The local recommendation here is to browse the market, see which stalls look appealing and enjoy a small snack as part of the market experience. Stall names, opening times and menus can vary, so treat this as a food-area recommendation rather than a promise about one specific vendor.

Visitor tip: If you are sensitive to spice, ask whether the sauce is spicy before ordering. For allergies, check ingredients carefully; fish cake and shared sauces may contain seafood or other allergens.

Find Dongnae Market on Google Maps ↗

Lee Jae Mo Pizza: a famous Busan pizza stop

Best for: visitors who want to try one of Busan's best-known pizza restaurants.

Lee Jae Mo Pizza (이재모피자) is a familiar name on Busan food lists, especially for its cheese-forward pizzas. Its popularity means waiting may be part of the experience, so check which branch fits your itinerary and review current queue arrangements before setting out. This is the famous-name pick in our list; the smaller neighborhood spots offer a different side of local food culture.

Find Lee Jae Mo Pizza on Google Maps ↗

Geumsubokguk: try Korean pufferfish soup

Neighborhood: Haeundae · Best for: travellers interested in a seafood-based Korean meal beyond barbecue and fried chicken.

Geumsubokguk (금수복국) is a well-known Busan restaurant specializing in bokguk, Korean pufferfish soup. It offers a different experience from the city's casual snack and chicken spots. If you are new to the dish, ask staff to explain the broth options and spice level, and confirm the menu and prices before ordering.

Find Geumsubokguk on Google Maps ↗

Gijang Kkeutjip: abalone porridge on the northeast coast

Neighborhood: Jukseong, Gijang · Best for: a planned seafood meal during a Gijang coastal day.

Gijang Kkeutjip Jukseong Main Branch (기장끝집 죽성본점) is a local editor's recommendation for abalone porridge served as part of a set-style meal with Korean side dishes. It is outside the central sightseeing circuit, so plan the trip around Gijang rather than squeezing it between distant attractions. Check minimum servings, break time and queue arrangements before leaving.

Read our practical Gijang Kkeutjip guide → · Open Naver Map ↗

Gaemi-jip in Beomil-dong: Busan-style nakgopsae

Neighborhood: Beomil-dong · Best for: a spicy, savory seafood-and-offal hot pot with rice.

Gaemi-jip (개미집) is a well-known name for nakgopsae, a Busan dish combining nakji (small octopus), gopchang (beef intestines) and saeu (shrimp) in a spicy sauce. The Beomil-dong location is a useful option for travellers who want to try this local specialty. Ask staff about spice levels and what is included in the serving; recipes and menus can differ by branch.

Find Gaemi-jip in Beomil-dong on Google Maps ↗

60-Year-Old Traditional Halmae Gukbap: a local queue in Beomil-dong

Neighborhood: Beomil-dong · Best for: a straightforward bowl of Korean pork soup rice.

60-Year-Old Traditional Halmae Gukbap (60년전통할매국밥) is a local favorite where people queue for gukbap, a comforting soup served with rice. For visitors, this is a chance to try an everyday Busan meal rather than a dish designed mainly for tourists. If you prefer to control seasoning, add salted shrimp, chili or other condiments gradually at the table.

Find 60-Year-Old Traditional Halmae Gukbap on Google Maps ↗

Milmyeon: Busan's signature cold noodle dish

Best for: a refreshing local noodle meal, especially in warm weather.

Milmyeon is a Busan-style wheat-noodle dish served cold in broth or with a spicy sauce. It is often compared with naengmyeon, but has its own texture and flavor profile. Locals debate their favorites, and these three long-known shops are often named among Busan's best-known milmyeon destinations.

Gaegeum Milmyeon (개금밀면)

A classic name associated with Busan milmyeon. It is worth considering if you want to try the dish at one of the city's established specialists.

Find Gaegeum Milmyeon on Google Maps ↗

Gaya Milmyeon (가야밀면)

Another well-known milmyeon stop to compare with other local shops. Check the branch location and current hours before planning your route.

Find Gaya Milmyeon on Google Maps ↗

Gukje Milmyeon (국제밀면)

A third name to put on a Busan milmyeon shortlist. If you are travelling with others, compare broth-style mul-milmyeon with spicy bibim-milmyeon based on your preference.

Find Gukje Milmyeon on Google Maps ↗

Plan your food stops by area

  • Pusan National University: explore our university-area food guide for Yamabento, Tonshou, Daegil Gochu Bulgogi and local chicken picks, including Hoho Chicken House.
  • Dongnae: Huimang Tongdak and casual snacks around Dongnae Market.
  • Beomil-dong: Gaemi-jip for nakgopsae and 60-Year-Old Traditional Halmae Gukbap.
  • Across Busan: compare Gaegum, Gaya and Gukje Milmyeon.
  • Haeundae: Geumsubokguk if you want to try pufferfish soup.
  • Central Busan: check the branch and queue for Lee Jae Mo Pizza that best fits your route.
  • Gijang: pair Gijang Kkeutjip with other northeast-coast stops.

For a broader area-by-area overview, read Where to Eat in Busan by Neighborhood. If this is your first visit, start with our three-day Busan itinerary and group meals with nearby sights.

Editorial note: Go2Busan is a Busan-based travel guide. This page combines local editorial recommendations and practical planning information; it does not imply that every listed restaurant has been personally visited by the page's author. Restaurant details can change. Verify current hours, menu, prices and queue arrangements before visiting.