Convoy is driving the Korean food boom in San Diego
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Friend's House in Convoy serves delicious spicy rice cakes, a popular Korean street food. Photo: Kate Murphy/Axios
Korean food — ranging from the fine cuisine that wins James Beard awards to the gooey corn dog cheese pulls trending on TikTok — is surging in popularity across the U.S.
Why it matters: In San Diego, there's no better place to experience that boom than Convoy Street, where a new generation of restaurateurs is fueling the revitalization of the Pan Asian Cultural District.
By the numbers: In 2024, the number of Korean restaurants in the U.S. increased 10%, per market research firm Circana.
- Fast food chains offering Korean fried chicken and corn dogs are up about 15% each from last year.
- Korean fine dining is also taking off.
Dig in: San Diego's growing Korean food scene includes new and longstanding restaurants like DalBam Moon Night, Friend's House, Grandma Tofu and Korean BBQ, and Cross Street Chicken and Beer, which are all owned by extended family members.
- Popular chains like Yuk Dae Jang, Paik's Noodle, Two Hands Corn Dogs, Pelicana Chicken, have also landed in the Convoy neighborhood.
- Grill your own meats, from bulgogi to wagyu, at DJK, Champs, Sot BBQ or Song Hak.
- For late night eats, soju drinks and karaoke, check out ZZAN or Min Sok Chon.
- Locals also love the cuisine at Korean supermarket H Mart's food court, and Zion Market has plans for a rooftop food hall.
What they're saying: "It's cool to see this generational growth of Korean business owners alongside the traditional restaurants started by their parents and grandparents," Convoy special events director Lauren Garces said.
Zoom in: The family-owned Friend's House, which opened in 2005, serves up authentic homestyle dishes and street food in hearty portions.
- The casual space is designed like a Korean village with a covered patio.
Best bites: The chewy, fluffy tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) with veggies, fishcake and sausage soaked in a chili sauce are a must-order.
- The simmering pot of geh jjigae (spicy crab soup) packs some heat with full crustaceans and chunks of tofu in a savory broth. It might be San Diego's best soup.
- The BBQ short ribs served on the bone were tender, sweet and charred just enough.
What's next: Check out local restaurants, breweries and businesses at Convoy's Community Market and Block Party on Aug. 10.