Shades of International Cuisine in Gwangju: Indian, Indonesian, and Italian

By Dhivyaa S. P., Catherine Sasmita, and Chiara Sicca

Gwangju has always been known to be the home of extraordinary Korean dishes, but the city also hosts a variety of international cuisines. These establishments, old and new, help bring forth Gwangju’s colors as a culturally rich city, ready to emerge as a global hub. Our team of contributors has compiled a list to guide you in taking your first step in the exploration of diverse flavors and perspectives that Gwangju has to offer through the eyes of wanderers from India, Indonesia, and Italy.

India Yasijang

Nestled in the heart of the Sangmu district, India Yasijang offers an authentic North Indian culinary experience. The rich, colorful curtains and decor reminiscent of Indian culture set the stage, with standout features like a miniature Taj Mahal and a statue of Lord Ganesh adding to the exotic charm. Bollywood music can be heard, enhancing the vibrant atmosphere, and the restaurant boasts plenty of comfortable seating, ensuring a relaxing dining experience with the availability of stools for kids making it a family-friendly spot.

The service at India Yasijang is exceptional, with friendly staff who speak excellent Korean. During my birthday celebration here with my Korean teacher and a few friends, the staff kindly provided birthday attributes like hats and a sash, turning the occasion into one of my most memorable birthdays.

India Yasijang offers a wide variety of food and drinks, from crispy samosas to aromatic masala chai. Our meal included Chicken Biryani, Punjabi Chicken Tikka, and a set menu featuring naan, salad, chicken skewer with vegetables, and a curry of our choice. The portions were generous enough for the three of us, and we particularly enjoyed the Punjabi Chicken Tikka. A variety of vegetarian options is also available to cater to diverse dietary preferences.

While the prices are a bit steep compared to other Indian restaurants in Gwangju, especially from a student’s perspective, the quality and experience offered justify the cost. Overall, I highly recommend India Yasijang to anyone looking to immerse themselves in Indian culture and cuisine. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply in the mood for delicious North Indian food, this restaurant is sure to leave a lasting impression.

India Yasijang Open: Daily (11:30 a.m. – 09:30 p.m.) Address: 1st Floor, Sangmu-daero 867-beon-gil 28, Seo-gu, Gwangju Phone: 062-376-7052 Website: https://www.instagram.com/indoyasijang

Warteg Bahari

Lee Hana first opened the doors to this authentic Indonesian restaurant in 2015, providing the remedy to the Indonesian community’s homesickness through traditional dishes packed with authentic flavors. Her warm personality and the laid-back atmosphere make customers feel as if they are returning home after a long day.

“Warteg” in Indonesian is short for “warung Tegal,” a type of stall that proliferated in the 1960s, thanks to people from the city of Tegal in Central Java. Although the restaurant takes on a humble name, the array of dishes offered and the richness of the flavors are anything but modest.

The restaurant takes pride in its Sate Kambing Hotplate, where the tender and fragrant lamb skewers are served warm on top of a hotplate with delightful condiments. Other signatures include the fried Ayam Kalasan with crisps, roasted chicken dishes, such as the Ayam Bakar Bumbu Kalasan and Ayam Bakar Bumbu Taliwang, as well as the Indonesian favorite deep-fried catfish, Lele Goreng Crispy. What will most certainly transport you to the archipelago is the heat and savor of their sambal. As the cherry on top, imported Indonesian products such as condiments, snacks, and beverages are also available for visitors to purchase.

Warteg Bahari Address: 2nd Floor, Bia-dong 716-10, Gwangsan-gu Open: Monday–Friday: 3:00–11:00 p.m. // Saturday & Sunday: 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. Contact: 010-9298-2685

La Grosso

While pursuing my Korean language studies in Chonnam National University, I met an Italian compatriot who works as a pizza chef at the restaurant La Grosso. I don’t eat Italian food outside very often due to my preference for local cuisine, but one day I was missing the flavors of my home country and decided to give it a try.

La Grosso is an Italian restaurant offering traditional Italian food, situated in the Dongmyeong-dong area of Dong-gu. The ingredients used are of high quality and imported directly from Italy, and the dishes are prepared using authentic Italian techniques. The pizza is made in a traditional oven, which is quite rare to find here in Korea. For the first time, I savored a real Neapolitan pizza in Gwangju, and it was truly delicious. They offer a variety of mouth-watering pizzas, such as Margherita, Pistachio e Mortadella, and Prosciutto e Rucola, and if you prefer light bites, they offer a wide selection of pastas and antipasti. Another pleasant surprise was that after more than two years in Korea, I was thrilled to order a Spritz, a traditional aperitif from northern Italy that is both expensive and difficult to find here.

While the prices at La Grosso are higher than average, they are justified by the use of imported ingredients and the cozy, warm atmosphere of the restaurant. The staff is exceptionally kind, and I highly recommend this restaurant to anyone craving authentic Italian cuisine.

La Grosso Open: Daily 11:30 a.m. – 10: p.m. Address: 212-5 Dongmyeong-dong Dong-gu Contact: 0507-1319-2195