Tiny little Korean street food restaurant near old street. Lovely staff. Amazing buns. We shared all sorts of things and they were all pretty good. A little expensive but they pretty much had one staff member on per two/three tables. Wine list is super pricey and I would like to see some local beers. Whatever you do (unless you are vegetarian) order the pork buns. They are so flipping good. They come out in servings of two but you can order one extra if you are a three. The dumplings are tasty too but very small serving size. The kimchi is a good mild 'beginners' kimchi to start people on. Fried chicken looked nice and I loved the tofu with toasted seaweed but the others weren't so sold. Kimchi pancake also delicious. Rice with veg was a bit yawn so would skip that next time. There is often a line at this place but it moves super quick. Food comes out fast and aesthetically this place rocks. Lots of beautiful design to take in without trying too hard. So I will be back. read more

This Korean joint in the heart of Shoreditch always seems busy. I had: Plum Tea - Very nice. Very addictive. 8/10 Spicy Pork buns - Bit sloppy but good 7/10 Spicy chicken wings - Very good 8.5/10 Egg, Kimchi and Slaw - Good 7/10 Can't help but think it's not totally authentic (like in New Malden) but it's good. read more

This little restaurant made me fall in love with Korean food:) Their kinchi stew is out of this world. Same as their pork bab (the sauce is amazing) and spicy schrimps are the bomb. Extremely friendly staff. The korean pop music made the atmosphere even better! read more

One of the best places to eat in London whenever I feel down. Their food warms my heart :)

Today was the second time I'd been and I got the same thing I had before: the spicy pork noodle soup. Let me just say that for £8, that is a massive pot of soup... but soooo delicious. The servers and menu make things kind of confusing (i.e., my girlfriend ordered the spicy pork buns and he said, "do you want two portions?" which is what is on the menu -- 2 buns -- and she said, "how do you mean?" and he said, "do you want one portion or two?" and she said "are you saying I could get individual buns of different flavors?" and he said, "if you want two flavor buns, you need to pay full price for an order of two portions, but if you just want one bun, it's £3.90" -- so that was confusing. Just say yes if he asks if you want two portions.) but it's pretty straightforward otherwise. It's a tight squeeze in there, you'll get cozy with your neighbors when they get your butt in their face as you try to sit down, but hey, that's London, eh? I'll be back -- it's delicious! read more

Great Korean place for a bite early in the night as I hate waiting in line. We sat at the back table which means we're pretty ignored by the staff but despite having to ask for everything the food was really good. Especially great as I had plenty veggie options for myself and my friends loved the chicken wings etc. read more

On The Bab - Tofu! - Korean Near Me - London, XGL

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Reasonable prices and prompt service for a yummy bibimbap and dash water (like sparkling Hint). Tiny place, but I was dining solo, so nabbed a seat along the wall. If you're in a group expect a wait. read more

Good service, decent prices. Went there on a Friday but early side and place was just starting to get crowded. Loved the shrimp dumplings and Bi Bim Bop dish. read more

Last night we were craving Korean and decided to try OTB. There was a line in front so I thought this place must be good. Now, I've been spoiled rotten with amazing Korean restaurants in LA and the OC. Korean food is my favourite cuisine. I love the flavors and all the condiments. Listen, if you really know Korean food, most likely you will not like this place. Just saying. I ordered the Bibimbap without meat. I wish they had a veggie version with mushrooms. Btw, it did not come with kimchee, so I ordered a side of it. The entire dish came cold. The egg on top was chilled. The portion was big for me. I didn't finish it. The Mr ordered a medium portion of wings (12), half soy garlic and half sweet and spicy. He said the soy garlic was better. We also ordered an appetizer. It was a seaweed salad. It was good. The aloe punch was also nice. The staff and service were good. The buns looked yummy. I don't think I'll return. read more

Sorry to say I found this place very average, it also had a hectic atmosphere that wasn't very relaxing. The four of us were seated at a cramped table with not much room, and then the food didn't make up for this. We all had On the Bun, with chicken, and it really wasn't anything special. Maybe we just ordered the wrong thing, but I was also disappointed with the size of the portion. It wasn't what I was after and it was surprisingly expensive for the small buns we received. I'd say definitely try this place out to see what I'm talking about, and to also may be try their sweet buns, but I don't think I'll be going back unfortunately. read more

Food was delicious and was served quickly. I had the "on the rice" with beef which included rice, shredded cabbage with a mildly spicy sauce, and tasty bulgogi beef with cooked carrots and some other veggies. I also got a hot plum tea bc I saw it mentioned on here - sweet and tart, just the thing for an overcast day! read more

First time in korean restaurant. Pleasant interior, nice atmosphere and very fast service, probably too fast. My friends ordered straight away, but I have asked the waitress to wait for my choice. Unfortunately the food arrived in 2 minutes before she took the order from me. English level of the staff is really poor so I wouldn't count on their advise. 2 dishes arrived cold including beef buns and beef bibimbab. When we have asked about it, they told us 'yes it's cold' - why isn't it written in the menu? Not everyone is from Korea! Kimchi Bokeum Bab - kimchi bacon paella was quite tasty, though I can't say it about beef bibimbab. No dessert menu which is not acceptable for dessert lover like me. The prices are ok, the service charge is included which is funny to add when the staff isn't communicative at all. Too many restaurants to discover in London to choose this one again. read more

On The Bab - Kimchi Bokeum Bab - kimchi bacon paella - Korean Near Me - London, XGL

They were out of rice. ...Beef Bulgogi tasted like bad fish. Noodles weren't cooked through. Staff was very nice. Pickles were good.

Went in for a quick dinner around 6 on a Monday. I was seated immediately, but it looked like there would have been a short wait for parties larger than 2. Ordered the bibimbab for £7.50, adding (amazing!) beef for an extra £2. Overall a very quick, light, delicious meal. In and out in about 30 minutes. read more

On The Bab - Bibimbab with Beef - Korean Near Me - London, XGL

Great, but tiny, Korean street food restaurant near Old Street. I don't recommend showing up at conventional eating times; we always aim for something like 6:30pm on a weeknight in order to secure a table quickly, and even then we sometimes have to wait. (They don't take reservations.) Easier to get a table on the weekends, as its proximity to Shoreditch/the City means that its a popular post-work option for professionals in the area. There are a few fusion items on the menu, including the kimchi paella and kimchi arancina starter (fried Italian rice balls stuffed with kimchi and cheese). Also a fan of the soy/garlic fried chicken and, of course, the bi bim bab. Prices are very reasonable and the staff are always friendly. read more

The best Korean food around. the fried chicken is delicious! The Korean pancakes very good and the small arancini a pure delight! The best thing to do is to order several dishes to share with friends. Of course you may have to queue, but it is very quick and it is definitely worth it! read more

My starter and friends' orders were delicious and the waiter gave succinct and interesting insights into Korean eating and drinking culture. However my spicy tofu seafood soup was .. lots of weirdly textureless tofu and blergh. I guess I'm just bitter I ordered the wrong thing. The spirit selection (soju or soju) was limited and expensive. read more

Had the soft crab bao, korean fried chicken, and gyoza. Everything was tasty. 3.5 to a 4 star, would have been a 4 star if the price is not as steep for the amount of food you get. Recommend if you like good fried chicken read more

When my friend and I walked in and were able to get seated within five minutes on a busy Saturday night (at the window table!), I felt like I had won the lottery. When we tasted the food, I felt like I had gone to heaven. Here's the blow-by-blow: - Honey Yuzu tea: comes in a metal mug with a lid, and a cute wooden spoon. Sweet and tasty, with a light citrus kick coming from a healthy portion of yuzu at the bottom. - Kimchi mandu (dumplings): SO GOOD. Fried to perfection. I could eat three orders of this and be happy. - Kimchi jeon (pancakes): wonderfully crisp with a tender bite. Definitely more interesting if you eat it with the fresh scallion garnish. - Kimchi side: flavorful, not too spicy, could have used more of it! - Beef bulgolgi bibimbap (stuff on rice): excellent lean cuts of beef, well-marinated with a good texture. We were too full to eat all of the rice, but I polished off the deliciously crunchy pickled vegetables. - Japchae (glass noodles): perhaps the weakest link on a powerhouse roster of items, but still tasty. I would recommend reallocating the 4.90 toward other dishes. Like more mandu. - Spicy chicken bun: I wasn't expecting a bao-style sandwich, but boy, was I pleased with it! The two buns were huge, with a big bun-to-filling ratio (great for carb-loving me, a little much for my friend but she finished it in the end), and it was definitely the best value out of the items we tried. - When the bill came out to be just under £20 each, I was thrilled. Downsides: - It's not a place for lingering, as you would want other diners waiting for your table to experience OTB's delights ASAP. - Additionally, they ask you to wait outside the restaurant before you get your table. We were fine, but I'll bet it's not that charming if it's pouring or freezing. I hope I'm as lucky and get seated equally quickly next time I come, but this is food worth waiting for. read more

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It's really a 3.5 since the food is great and comes out crazy fast but this place is just too small! Four of us came all the way to London to visit a friend and they can only seat parties of 4 or less!? We ended up getting lucky and sitting at bar stools against the wall but that's not exactly conducive to socializing. They forgot our cocktails and took ages to bring the check, which is strange considering they only can have about 25 people in there and there was a crazy queue outside. But I get the hype- for the price the food is very very good!!! read more

Great place for quick Korean food fix in Shoreditch. It's tiny (and popular with the area hipsters) though so come early or prepare to wait in a short line. Run by Koreans and it's pretty authentic w modern edge. I've eaten here 3 times now on recent business trips as it's close to my office and one office mate in particular loves Korean food. Quick service, tasty Korean staples like bibimbap and bulgogi. Try the Korean fried chicken as an app or the spicy rice cakes (tukpoki). read more

I ordered the bulgogi beef noodle soup. The restaurant was absolutely slammed and the food took about 40 minutes to appear (I knew it would take a while and so toodled off to get a smoothie in the interim). Bulgogi beef is full of deliciousness and made for a great noodle soup - a little bit pricy (hence the loss of a star), but I guess that's down to location. Ordering 'on the bun' looked like better value. read more

I wasn't in London long, but this was the best meal I had while I was there. I literally didn't put my chopsticks down until my plate was clean. It was a great lunch, very satisfying - I'd definitely go back. read more

Excellent and quick Korean BBQ. Lunch only and no seating as it packed with people. Also they don't take American Express which is always a downer for me. That said will definitely go back! read more

This was an all around hit with my family. The food was fresh, fast and delicious. They played K pop and my teen was thrilled. The space is compact. They do a very lively takeaway business too. It fills up fast. The staff can be a bit more attentive but this is younger crowd so it's a bit more relaxed. read more

Food is excellent. Usually a queue outside but worth the wait. The pork and beef buns were incredible as was the fried chicken. Service was great too. Highly recommend. read more

Two days, two fantastic Asian meals. OTB has been open for a while now and is getting pretty busy - had to queue to get in on a Sunday night. I've been a little bit wary to this point as it seems to be pretty trendy from the outside, but make no mistake - this place is totally badass and, trendy as it may be, the place has a Korean matriarch who seems to oversee things. Us being us, we went a bit nuts, getting a bunch of things from the 'Small dishes' section (jap-chae, toppoki, Korean arancini), a 'small' dish of Korean fried chicken, and two spicy pork buns. I also had a honey yuzu tea which, like Cocoro's, is utterly delicious. The small dishes are pretty small, served in small metal canteens or enamel dishes. The toppoki (rice noodle cylinders with kimchi, fish sausage, and chilli sauce) was definitely the star here, definitely the best I've had in London. The other two dishes were good - the japchae was solid with nice crunchy veg. The fried chicken is really good and served with a nice heap of coleslaw - don't let the 'Small' label trick you, you get a decent whack of chicken for your £11.50. The sauce is excellent too (trumping Jubo in that regard I think), getting the balance right between sweet, hot, and sour. Then the buns. I have to give it to them, OTB make one of the best buns I've had to date (protip, the sauce is back loaded so it gets progressively tastier as you eat through). They're really generously stuffed with delicious pork, and even though I was dangerously full at this point, I couldn't help but stuff my fat face full of the drippy goodness. Awesome. All in all, I had an awesome experience. Trendy maybe, but there is authenticity leaking through the cracks. On top of that, the staff are really really nice. I was absolutely stuffed (around ~£18 a head) and will definitely be back soon. I'm sorry I ever doubted and judged you prematurely, OTB, you truly are the babbiest. read more

Loved the modern approach to Korean classics. All the right flavors in decent portions. My only complaint is that I paid for sides of kimchi which at any family style restaurant I wouldn't. Regardless the food was great. Nice ambiance as well. I noticed a lot of first timers, so if you're seasoned, offer them some recommendations. read more

i am so ridiculous because I walked into On The Bap, ate some good food, walked out and only now just realised that the name alludes and points to Korean baps! #fail. So, I will plan to go back and check the baps out (wahey!), but in the meantime.... I stumbled across OtB last week while actually trying to find this Vietnamese place nearby. My mate and I were starving and as he was over from NYC, I didnt wanna take him to a burger/bbq joint (although the following day we went to Byron...). Anyway, the venue is small so it was a little "cosy", and the authentic music was a little loud, but the service was good, and as I was feeling a little under the weather (not helped by the actual weather being sh1t), I ordered something a little more spicy. I wasnt disappointed and 45 mins later I was feeling sufficiently much warmer :) The menu overall looked good and there were a few things I recognised from other Korean restaurants as well as some other stuff that I hadnt heard of, that I would now like to try out. Like the baps. I shall return to sample the baps! read more

Love the Fried chicken the best!!! Just taste so good!!!!!! But the one with rice noodles was really not a good dish to choose. Besides, the bibibab tastes delicious as well. But still, rank the Fried chicken for no.1! read more

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went there after reading rave reviews on yelp. it was freezing out yet had to cue outside with no clear indication of how long the wait would be or explanation why they were taking long time to sit people in when i could clearly see two tables were available. finally got in and ordered bibimbop with beef and a small order of soy garlic chicken wings and have to say they were just ok, not as amazing as other reviews described. as korean i can assure you that bibimbop, or bibimbap if you insist, is practically impossible to screw up and the fact they didn't bother to cut long strips of beef into bite size showed that they were more concerned with how it looked. the wings were fine but again not worth waiting for half an hour in freezing temperature. read more

Best tteokbokki I've had (might be spelled in a different way on the menu). Good starter followed by the spicy pork and beef buns. The buns are good but the economics of charging more for having two different buns doesn't really make sense to me since they're not sliced "halfway", if you know what I mean. Happy to have tried it though. The bibimbap was okay. Would come back if I'm ever in London again. read more

Tiny space. Get the bibibap with spicy pork, the pork is delicious. The chicken wings are also nice - go spicy. Would come back here for food; however, service is rude. They did not want to be there and even them getting us a glass of water appeared to be a massive inconvenience for them. read more

Great sweet and spicy chicken and flawless buns - would give it 5 stars if it weren't no-reservations and if the service were a tad quicker.

Instant noodle for their soup noodle dish!!! I would be ashamed to serve that to my customers if I owned the restaurant. Sure, Korean instant noodle is tasty but why should I wait 40 mins outside the store for a £9 instant noodle dish if I could just have one at home??? I find the food there quite expensive too, 3 small dumplings for £4. No idea what the hype is about. Will not go back. read more

Stumbled upon this place while traveling. Loved it. Great food, cozy atmosphere & lots of energy.

I think 2.5 is closer...again I rant, why the f*** can't you look a bit happier when serving. Both the girls working looked so miserable I felt like it was a warning and I should walk out. I took a small amount of comfort in the couple of Koreans eating there and order kimchee jjigae, kimchee pancake, and risotto balls. The arancini was a nice surprise, I think more could be done for it, but pretty good in general. Pancake was nothing special and in fact served a bit cold. The soup again, not much going on but I use a deep pork broth when I make it at home so not fair to compare. I will go back a few more times to try other items on the menu. I'm still looking for a "home" Korean restaurant but after 3 years in London I don't think this places gets me any closer to that....a boy can still hope. read more

Personally I am a beer man but this place only serves cocktails! But we tried the vodka and kale cleanse one which is was surprisingly delicious and healthy! Sunday's are 2 4 1 so bring friends and make sure you know it's only cocktails read more

Love the Bibimbap here. However I have to say that it's not too authentic. Some flavours or dishes are quite westernised.. I was a bit disappointed by their revisitation of the number 1 street food in South Korea, Topokki. It wasn't that good, not spicy enough and served with some sort of fried vegetables on top to make it look nice. It's street food, in South Korea they serve it in plastic bags! read more

I ordered chicken dumplings for takeaway. The dumplings have good flavor but the skins were a bit gooey. Also, a order is 3 pieces. read more

On The Bab - Korean Near Me - London, XGL