When I first came to Toronto over 20 years ago, it was almost impossible to find a proper Korean-style Chinese restaurant.
Jjajangmyeon(짜장면)? Jjamppong(짬뽕)? Tangsooyook(탕수육)? They were comfort foods from home, but only available in my memories.
Things have changed.
These days, Korean-Chinese restaurants are popping up all over the city—especially in North York, where many Koreans live. And I must say, it’s been delicious discovering them.
🥇 My Go-To Spots: Beijing Sung & Iryewon
When I crave jjajangmyeon, I usually go to either Beijing Sung (북경성) or Iryewon (자금성).
There’s a fun story behind these two restaurants. I heard that the chef who used to work at Beijing Sung eventually opened Iryewon. They’re just across Steeles Avenue from each other.
Both are great—and I honestly like them both.
In a January 2024 Facebook poll in a Korean community group, Iryewon got slightly more votes as the best jjajangmyeon spot. But Beijing Sung still has a loyal fanbase!
🍥 A Fun Fact About Korean Jjajang Culture
Here’s something many non-Koreans don’t know:
Whenever Koreans order jjajangmyeon, we almost always debate whether we should get jjamppong instead.
That’s why many Korean-Chinese restaurants offer a “half-and-half” bowl—half jjajang, half jjamppong. Sometimes it’s even served in a special divided bowl!
And then there’s tangsooyook—deep-fried pork or chicken served with a sweet-and-sour sauce. It’s a must-have side dish.
Now here’s the fun part:
If you like pouring the sauce over your tangsooyook: You’re on Team Boomuk (부먹)
If you prefer dipping each bite into the sauce: You’re on Team Jjikmuk (찍먹)
It’s a real debate in Korea—just like jjajang vs jjamppong!
My son actually thought tangsooyook came for free with jjajangmyeon because we ordered it together every time. 😄
📍 Other Korean-Chinese Restaurants to Try
If you’re exploring more places, here are a few popular ones in the Toronto area:
🧱 The Great Wall (Man ri jang sung / 만리장성) A solid classic with well-rounded dishes and decent tangsooyook.
🌶 Sunny Dragon Restaurant (해룡반점) Their jjamppong is spicy, flavorful, and full of vegetables.
🍜 Baik’s Noodle North York (홍콩반점) A Baek Jong-won franchise with chewy noodles, hearty portions, and well-balanced flavors.
🏮 Poong Moon (풍문) A newer restaurant in North York—popular with both Korean and non-Korean diners.
🏙 Gyodong Restaurant (교동반점) Located downtown, this place has great jjajang and jjamppong, plus self-serve coffee, rice, and even mouthwash and toothpicks!
💬 Final Thoughts
It’s amazing how many Korean-Chinese restaurants we can enjoy in Toronto today. More than just a taste of Korea, these places bring a sense of home and nostalgia.
Have you tried any of these spots? Or do you have a hidden gem to recommend? Let me know—I’m always hungry for more. 😊
