Welcome to Bento Bab
Welcome to Bento Bab, a hidden gem of Korean cuisine nestled in Aldgate East, London. Our story is rooted in the desire to bring authentic, flavorful dishes to a cozy spot where every meal is a celebration. At Bento Bab, each bibim offers a delightful fusion of textures and spices, from the crispy Chicken Katsu to the vibrant vegetarian Kimchi & Tofu. Our menu reflects a love for traditional Korean street food, enhanced by a warm atmosphere and attentive service, ensuring every visit feels special. Join us for a fast, flavorful escape that invites both locals and travelers to discover the essence of Korea in every bite.
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12 Hooper Street Aldgate East, London E1 8BP, United Kingdom Hotline: +44 20 7998 8680
Welcome to Bento Bab, a delightful gem nestled in the heart of Aldgate East, London. This cozy Korean restaurant is not just a dining spot; it’s a culinary experience steeped in tradition and innovation. Known for its vibrant flavors and warm atmosphere, Bento Bab has quickly garnered attention from food lovers and casual diners alike.
At Bento Bab, the menu showcases a tantalizing array of options, offering a harmonious blend of classic dishes and contemporary twists. The star of the show is undoubtedly their Bibim selection, ideal for those craving the comforting embrace of Korean flavors. Diners can indulge in mouthwatering choices such as:
- Sweet Chilli Chicken Bibim - Deep-fried chicken bathed in a Korean-style sweet chili sauce, accompanied by fresh vegetables for a balance of crunch and flavor. (£12.50)
- Kimchi & Tofu [V] Bibim - A spicy delight featuring Korean fermented cabbage and tofu, perfect for a vegetarian palate. (£12.50)
- Pork BBQ [Spicy] Bibim - Tender pork marinated in a robust BBQ sauce, sure to satisfy meat lovers. (£12.50)
Beyond the Bibim, the restaurant also excels in starters that showcase the vibrant street food culture of Korea. Consider trying their Seafood Pancake or Vegetable Dumplings, both praised for their crisp textures and delightful fillings. The Toppoki—a spicy rice cake dish—is a must-try for those looking to explore bold and exciting flavors.
A glowing review from customer Anne B. captures the essence of Bento Bab: “The kind staff was so attentive. Really enjoyed our experience. This meal stands out within our trip to London.” Indeed, the service here is warm, purposefully tailored to ensure every diner feels valued and engaged.
Bento Bab’s compact setting—complete with only a few seats—creates a casual and intimate atmosphere, perfect for a quick meal or a cozy dining experience with a loved one. While some patrons mention it can get busy, the fast service means you won’t be left waiting long, even during peak hours. Customer Briana N. reflects on this: “Expect to wait in line because this place is busy! But my favorite was the odeng tang… it’s just so homey, perfect for a cold night.”
Whether you’re a local or visiting London, Bento Bab stands out as a must-visit spot for authentic Korean flavors. From the comforting warmth of their Kimchi Jjigae to the satisfyingly crispy textures of their various Bibims and buns, every dish is a celebration of Korea’s rich culinary heritage. So why wait? Dive into the delightful world of Korean cuisine at Bento Bab, where every bite is a moment to savor.
The kind staff was so attentive. Really enjoyed our experience. This meal stands out within our trip to London.
Went with my family for lunch after a morning at the Tower of London. When other reviewers said small, they meant it. Theres 5 seats. My mom and I got fried chicken. The batter was crispy, and the sauce was tasty. My dad got the chicken k-ramen. It was really different from anything he's had before, but he liked it. Service was quick, lots of beverage choices. Would go back and try some of the other food options if we were in the area for longer.
I love the bento images that can appatise without overpowering me to the point of so hungry and not happy until I'm full up.
Yummy and easy to get to from my hotel It is a nice casual place with fast service. Online ordering was nice.
Expect to wait in line because this place is busy! That being said, the less people you come with, the easier it is to get a seat. I just came with my boyfriend and we were able to get seated before a larger group because the tables inside are not very big. We got the beef gimbap which was delicious while being on the sweeter side. But my favorite was the odeng tang. Although steaming hot, I couldn't stop myself from reaching for the spoon. It's not spicy but it definitely has a kick to it, and it's just so homey, perfect for a cold night. I also really loved that they had so many different types of fish cakes inside, it made it really fun to eat.
Easy, fast and delicious store for your last minute rush for some solid food food near Aldgate East station. The food is a little sweeter and saltier than my usual liking but I imagine it's just right for the younger crowd and those who have a beer with these delicious Korean street foods!
While food itself was good, out of the five times I came to this restaurant, it was only open once on its provided hours.
On the second night in London, my gf from hs and I decided to check this cute Korean pub before exploring the city of London. To our surprise, we really like the food here . It was cheap and delicious. There's only a few seats and bar like table ls at this restaurant so it's not really suitable for larger parties. It's more for a quick on the go meal and togo etc, This place is known for the Korean buns. I highly recommend the chicken buns over the beef as the chicken flavored one is finished with a crispy texture and it is marinated just right ! I also got their Kim chi hot soup served with rice but there's no meat in this dish :( my friend got the crispy chicken bowl which was also very good
When you enter, you're immediately greeted by the staff. They were very friendly and helpful. The service was also really fast. I had the Sweet Chili Chicken and Soy Garlic Chicken korean burgers. Both were really good and were only £6 together. It's a neat little spot and I definitely recommend checking it out.