Hong's Kitchen - Korean Food

Hong's Kitchen brings authentic Korean culinary traditions to the heart of Aarau, Aargau. As the city's first and only Korean restaurant, we offer a focused menu built around fresh ingredients, traditional techniques, and the bold, balanced flavors that define Korean cuisine. Our chef, who previously honed his craft at DaOn in Baden, is dedicated to delivering quality in every dish, whether you visit for a quick lunch or a relaxed evening meal. The modern, comfortable setting on Bahnhofstrasse makes it easy to enjoy a genuine taste of Korea without leaving Switzerland.

Our restaurant is known for a small, carefully curated menu that allows the kitchen to focus on freshness and precision. Every dish is prepared with attention to detail, from the perfectly fermented house-made kimchi to the sizzling hot stone bowls. We welcome diners for lunch and early dinner service Monday through Friday, and we offer both dine-in and takeaway options so you can enjoy our food wherever you are. Delivery is also available through partner platforms, making Korean comfort food accessible across the Aarau region.

Signature Dishes & Core Menu

The menu at Hong's Kitchen is built around a few standout items that keep our guests coming back. Each dish is designed to deliver deep, layered tastes and satisfying textures, using ingredients sourced for quality and flavor.

• Bulgogi (불고기): Thinly sliced marinated beef grilled to bring out its natural sweetness and tenderness. Served sizzling with a side of steamed rice and fresh vegetables, this is a classic favorite that appeals to first-time guests and long-time fans of Korean food alike.
• Dakgangjeong (닭강정): Crispy fried chicken coated in a sweet, spicy, and sticky glaze. The sauce balances heat with just the right amount of sweetness, and the exterior stays crunchy even after saucing. It is a popular choice for sharing, though many guests order a portion just for themselves.
• Bibimbap: A colorful bowl of steamed rice topped with seasonal vegetables, a fried egg, and your choice of beef or tofu. We serve it with our spicy gochujang sauce on the side so you can adjust the heat to your taste. The hot stone pot version creates a crispy golden crust of rice at the bottom, adding a satisfying crunch to every bite.
• Mandu: Handmade Korean dumplings filled with a savory mixture of minced meat, tofu, and scallions. They are steamed or pan-fried to order and served with a tangy dipping sauce. Light and flavorful, they make an excellent starter or a light meal.

Sourcing & Ingredient Philosophy

We believe that great Korean food starts with great ingredients, so we take a careful approach to sourcing everything that goes into our kitchen. Our sauces, pastes, and marinades are made in-house from authentic Korean recipes, using imported gochugaru (chili flakes), doenjang, and ganjang for true, uncompromising taste. We ferment our own kimchi using napa cabbage sourced as locally as possible, ensuring that the final product develops the right balance of funky, sour, and spicy notes that defines good kimchi. Fresh vegetables, premium cuts of meat, and other perishable items are delivered frequently to maintain the quality our regulars expect. The small menu lets us keep a tight focus on freshness—nothing sits around, and every order is prepared when you place it.

Why Customers Choose Hong's Kitchen in Aarau

With over 290 reviews and a strong rating, our guests tell us they appreciate several things that make the experience special. While the menu is compact, the quality and consistency set us apart from other dining options in the area. Here are some of the key reasons people recommend us:

• Authentic, focused flavors: We do not dilute or adjust the core taste profiles to cater to a generic palate. If you love real Korean cooking—savory, spicy, fermented, and slightly sweet—you will find it here.
• Friendly, attentive service: Guests frequently mention the warm and welcoming team who are happy to explain the menu, suggest pairings, and make sure you have everything you need. Even during busy service, the staff remains professional and personable.
• Great value for quality: Our price range sits around 20–30 CHF per person, offering an affordable way to enjoy carefully made Korean specialties. The portions are generous, and the depth of flavor in each dish exceeds what you might expect at this price point.
• Modern yet comfortable atmosphere: The interior is clean, contemporary, and designed to make you feel at ease whether you are dining alone, with a partner, or in a small group. It is polished enough for a date night but relaxed enough for a casual midweek meal.

Dining Options & Convenience

We understand that our guests have different needs depending on the day, the time, and their schedule. To accommodate that, we provide several ways to experience our food.

• Dine-in: Our dining room is open during lunch (11:30–14:00) and dinner (17:30–21:30) Monday through Friday. Advance reservation is recommended, especially for evening service, as seating is limited and fills up quickly. You can reserve directly through our website.
• Takeaway (Zum Mitnehmen): Place your order by phone or online and pick it up at Bahnhofstrasse 96. This is a popular option for lunches during work breaks or for enjoying Korean food at home after a long day. Our packaging keeps hot food hot and crispy items from steaming.
• Delivery (Lieferdienst): We partner with online delivery platforms so you can have our dishes brought to your doorstep across Aarau. The full menu is available for delivery during operating hours, making it easy to enjoy Dakgangjeong or Bibimbap wherever you are.

Special Orders, Catering & Private Events

Beyond our regular sit-down and takeaway services, we are open to catering and special requests. If you are planning a gathering, office event, or a private celebration and want to serve authentic Korean food, we can work with you on a menu and service format. We offer tailored catering packages featuring our signature beef, chicken, and vegetarian dishes, with options to scale portions up or down according to your guest count. Our team handles preparation, packaging, and delivery logistics within the Aarau area, so you can focus on your event. For larger bookings or private dining, please contact us by phone or email to discuss availability and pricing. We recommend reaching out at least a week in advance so we can arrange the details properly.

Location, Hours & Directions

You can find us at Bahnhofstrasse 96, 5000 Aarau, right in the city center and close to the Aarau train station. The central location makes us an easy stop whether you are commuting, shopping, or spending the afternoon in the old town. Public transport, bicycle, and pedestrian access are excellent, and there are parking options nearby for those arriving by car.

Opening hours: Monday – Friday, 11:30–14:00 and 17:30–21:30. We are closed on Saturday and Sunday. Please check our website or call ahead for public holiday schedules, as hours may vary.

For quick access, use the Google Maps link on our site, or search "Hong's Kitchen Korean Food" to pull up directions, phone, and reservation options instantly. If you prefer personal assistance, our team is happy to guide you to the restaurant and help with transport advice when you call.

Reservations & Contact

Making a reservation is straightforward and highly encouraged, especially later in the week. You can book instantly through our online reservation system on the official website, or call +41 77 268 06 14 during business hours. We keep a few tables for walk-in guests, but availability is not guaranteed. For catering inquiries, dietary questions, or special requests, the easiest way to reach us is via email at hongskitchen.ch@gmail.com. We monitor messages regularly and typically reply within a few hours during the work week.

Questions Visitors Ask

Below you can find answers to some of the most common questions we receive—covering food types, dietary needs, ordering, and more.