Our absolute favorite vegan place in Seoul. We loved everything, especially the soba noodles. Calm, reflective ambiance. Such a relief to be guaranteed a vegan meal -- and for it to be so delicious! Not everywhere that uses the word "vegan" is actually vegan (sometimes they mean vegetarian), so thank you to this place for explicitly writing no dairy, no eggs, no honey, etc.
Overview
The menu at Vegan Insa is a celebration of vibrant, fresh ingredients. From hearty bowls of bibimbap to mouth-watering mock meat dishes, each meal is prepared with care and creativity. One of the standout offerings is their tofu stew, which packs a punch with spicy kimchi, seasoned perfectly to balance out the tofu's smooth texture. Another must-try is their vegan version of bulgogi, where plant-based ingredients are marinated and grilled to perfection, mimicking the classic Korean flavors in a surprisingly satisfying way.
In terms of variety, Vegan Insa does an excellent job of catering to different tastes. Whether you're in the mood for something light like a cold noodle dish or something comforting like a hot pot, you'll find options that hit the spot. Their seasonal dishes also showcase the restaurant's commitment to fresh ingredients, with some menu items changing depending on what's in season. This not only keeps the menu exciting but also supports local farmers and sustainability.
The atmosphere at Vegan Insa adds another layer to the experience. The warm, welcoming decor gives the space a relaxed vibe, making it an ideal spot for both casual hangouts with friends or more intimate meals with family. It's clear that the owners put thought into creating a space that’s as inviting as the food they serve. Staff members are friendly and attentive, always ready to guide you through the menu or offer recommendations based on your preferences.
Many visitors rave about the restaurant’s commitment to quality and authenticity. One reviewer shared that they were impressed by how closely the vegan versions of traditional Korean dishes mirrored the flavors of the originals. It's a testament to the expertise of the chefs, who go above and beyond to ensure every dish is crafted with precision. Whether you're a long-time vegan or new to plant-based eating, the flavors at Vegan Insa will satisfy your cravings without compromising on taste.
For those who are environmentally conscious, Vegan Insa is also a great choice. The restaurant actively supports sustainability practices, with many dishes featuring locally-sourced, organic ingredients. This commitment to eco-friendly dining is reflected not only in the menu but also in their choice of packaging, ensuring a minimal environmental impact.
In terms of pricing, Vegan Insa is surprisingly affordable considering the high quality of the food. Most dishes range from moderate to slightly above average prices, but the portions are generous, making it a worthwhile investment for a fulfilling meal. Plus, the restaurant often runs special promotions, so it's worth checking out their social media pages for updates on deals or seasonal events.
With its impressive menu, top-notch service, and commitment to sustainability, Vegan Insa has earned its reputation as one of the best vegan spots in the city. If you find yourself in the Jongno District, this cozy restaurant is definitely worth a visit for a unique and satisfying dining experience.
Good to know
Service options
✓ Outdoor seating ✓ Takeaway ✓ Dine-inPopular for
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Solo diningAccessibility
✓ Wheelchair-accessible car park ✓ Wheelchair-accessible entrance ✓ Wheelchair-accessible seatingOfferings
✓ Coffee ✓ Quick bite ✓ Small plates ✓ Vegan options ✓ Vegetarian optionsDining options
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Seating ✓ Table serviceAmenities
✓ ToiletAtmosphere
✓ Casual ✓ Cosy ✓ Quiet ✓ TrendyCrowd
✓ Groups ✓ Tourists ✓ University studentsPlanning
✓ Accepts reservationsPayments
✓ Credit cards ✓ Debit cards ✓ NFC mobile paymentsChildren
✓ Good for kidsPhotos
Location
Reviews
The most amazing place so far in Seoul for Vegan food in ikseon-dong area. This place has plenty of vegan options and we tried buckwheat noodles and vegan korean fried chicken. Both of it were delicious. Would love to come here again while on Seoul.
It is near Unhyeongung, via small roads. Still quite accessible by foot. I ordered a vegan bulgogi rice, tteokbokki and spicy vegan chicken. Each plate came out with concern from the staff ... and I was also unsure of myself. Each plate is one meal for 1 person, and I had to request a takeaway for the vegan chicken. But absolutely tasty, and worth ordering with a group of people! The staff were quite warm (maybe because I overestimated my appetite) and the place is cosy, and near some snack stores.
what a gem!!! amazing food, kind owner (who speaks english), and great ambience. the chefs feed the sparrows in the garden and i got to watch them eat while i had their amazing bibimbap!! the pumpkin rice drink was too sweet for me but is a traditional korean bev you may like. i spent almost two hours here because the customer next to me and the owner and i had a great conversation. really great vibes. they have an intimate seating area for parties of 6 and the location is not far from the craft museum. highly recommend
I have tried out two other vegan restaurants in Seoul and this was my fave. Wide range of vegan Korean food and it was so tasty (also huge portion but you can always ask for takeaway box) and very cozy vibes too - felt so relaxing! Recommend it even if you are not around the area worth travelling to!
Absolutely delicious!!! The food is very very tasty. The place is beautiful. The process are fine. The service is very fast. A must for vegetarians/vegans in Seoul!! And also meat eaters :P The dishes are brilliant
The best vegan food in Seoul! Try to spicy buckwheat noodles and crazy delicious vegan egg. Everything was so fresh! The egg was had a lot of flavour and resembled a regular fried egg so much.