Korean keto guide
Navigable
Keto friendliness
Korean cuisine can be adapted to keto with careful menu selection and specific modifications, focusing on protein-rich dishes and avoiding starch and sugar.
Top ingredients
Excellent traditional keto ingredients include grilled meats like samgyeopsal (pork belly) and unmarinated beef, kimchi (in moderation), eggs, and some fresh leafy green banchan.
Danger zones
The primary carb traps are ubiquitous rice, noodles, sugary marinades (e.g., bulgogi, galbi), gochujang-based sauces, and many banchan that contain hidden sugars or starches.
Best for
This cuisine is best for experienced keto dieters comfortable with assertive ordering and those prioritizing high protein and savory, unmarinated grilled meats.
What to drink
Drinks you will see at Korean restaurants, cafés and stalls, rated the same way as the food.
Order these
- KetoBarley Tea boricha (보리차) · 0g net carbs as usually served
- KetoCorn Tea oksusu-cha (옥수수차) · 0g net carbs as usually served
- Ask firstScorched Rice Water sungnyung (숭늉) · 6g net carbs as usually servedDrink the liquid and leave the softened rice.
- Ask firstGinseng Tea insam-cha (인삼차) · 10g net carbs as usually servedAsk for it without honey, or with honey on the side.
Skip these
- SkipFive-Flavor Berry Tea omija-cha (오미자차) · 20g net carbs as usually servedSkip this, order boricha instead.
- SkipGinger Tea saenggang-cha (생강차) · 20g net carbs as usually servedSkip this, order boricha or hot green tea instead.
- SkipWhipped Coffee dalgona keopi (달고나 커피) · 20g net carbs as usually servedSkip this, order iced americano with cream instead.
- SkipSweet Rice Punch sikhye (식혜) · 21g net carbs as usually servedSkip this, order boricha instead.
- SkipCinnamon Punch sujeonggwa (수정과) · 25g net carbs as usually servedSkip this, order boricha instead.
- SkipGreen Plum Drink maesil-cha (매실차) · 25g net carbs as usually servedSkip this, order boricha instead.
- SkipJujube Tea daechu-cha (대추차) · 25g net carbs as usually servedSkip this, order boricha instead.
- SkipKorean Cider saida (사이다) · 27g net carbs as usually servedSkip this, order sparkling water ('tansansu') instead.
- SkipCitron Tea yuja-cha (유자차) · 30g net carbs as usually servedSkip this, order boricha or hot green tea instead.
- SkipMultigrain Latte misutgaru (미숫가루) · 30g net carbs as usually servedSkip this, order iced americano instead.
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Questions people ask
What can I eat at a Korean restaurant on keto?
Good orders that are keto as served include Ggongchi Gui (0g net carbs), Godeungeo Gui (1g net carbs), Myeongran Jeot (1g net carbs), Gosari Namul (2g net carbs), Grilled Pen Shell (2g net carbs) and Grilled Pork Neck (2g net carbs). Of the 402 Korean dishes in this guide, 146 are keto as served.
Is Korean food keto-friendly?
Keto Atlas rates Korean food "Navigable" for keto. Korean cuisine can be adapted to keto with careful menu selection and specific modifications, focusing on protein-rich dishes and avoiding starch and sugar.
What Korean dishes should I avoid on keto?
The primary carb traps are ubiquitous rice, noodles, sugary marinades (e.g., bulgogi, galbi), gochujang-based sauces, and many banchan that contain hidden sugars or starches. Dishes to skip include Maeun Galbijjim (21g) and Galbi Jjim (18g).
How do I order Korean food keto-style?
Many dishes become keto with one small request. For Deunggalbi: say "For Deunggalbi, I'd like 'sogeum gui' or plain, unmarinated ribs with just salt and pepper. No sweet glazes or sauces." For Doraji Namul: say "For Doraji Namul, please ensure no sugar is added."
What can I drink at a Korean restaurant on keto?
Keto-friendly as served: Barley Tea and Corn Tea. Fine with a small request (usually no sugar or syrup): Scorched Rice Water and Ginseng Tea. Skip sugary drinks such as Five-Flavor Berry Tea, Ginger Tea and Whipped Coffee.