Oiso Korean Restaurant: The Closest to Authentic Korean Flavors

Over the past year, Korean food has gradually become one of my go-to comfort meals. I probably eat it at least once a month now. While I’ve always had a soft spot for Korean chicken, my journey with other Korean dishes is still very much unfolding.

So when a good friend of mine, who’s really into Korean culture, told me about Oiso Korean Traditional Cuisine & Cafe, I was curious. She said it was one of the few places around that served Korean food with that real-deal taste. Not fusion, not overly sweetened or watered down for local palates. Just straightforward, homestyle Korean comfort food, and I knew I had to give it a try.

✅ What Is Oiso Korean Traditional Cuisine & Cafe

Oiso Korean Traditional Cuisine & Cafe is a casual restaurant that focuses on serving honest, everyday Korean comfort food—no frills, no gimmicks, just authentic flavors done right. It’s the kind of place that reminds you of a simple home-cooked meal in Korea, where the food speaks louder than the decor.

Originally started with the aim of introducing Malaysians to traditional Korean dishes, Oiso has since expanded across various malls and locations throughout the country. The menu offers a wide variety of options, from grilled meats to hearty stews, spicy stir-fries, tteokbokki, noodles, rice bowls, and more—so there’s a little something for everyone.

Every main dish comes as a complete set: a serving of fluffy white rice, a bowl of light, comforting clear soup, and three refillable Korean-style side dishes (banchan)—usually including kimchi, pickled radish, and stir-fried vegetables. This full-set experience gives it that homestyle Korean feel, where meals are meant to be shared and enjoyed in layers.

You won’t find fusion twists or overly styled plating here. The vibe is simple and unpretentious, but what makes Oiso stand out is its consistent focus on bold, balanced flavors that taste like they came straight from a Korean mom’s kitchen.

📍First Visit: I Went For The Spicy Grilled Chicken BBQ

On my first visit to Oiso (Alamanda outlet), I decided to play it safe and went with the Spicy Grilled Chicken BBQ—something I knew I’d absolutely love.

The chicken came sizzling hot, coated in a spicy-sweet marinade that was rich and full of depth without being overwhelming. It had just the right kick, with hints of garlic and chili balancing the sweetness. The meat was tender, juicy, and perfectly cooked.

What made the meal even more satisfying was the set format. Alongside the main dish, I got:

A bowl of warm, steamed white rice
Light, clear soup to balance the spiciness
Three classic Korean side dishes (banchan): kimchi, pickled radish, and sautéed veggies

It honestly felt like a mini buffet on my tray. The portions were generous, and the presentation was clean and inviting.

💡 Bonus: The side dishes are refillable—no need to order extra, just ask nicely. 🥹

My friend ordered the fried seaweed rolls, and I took a bite out of curiosity. I expected to be kind of “meh” about it—but surprisingly, I really enjoyed it! They were crispy, not too oily, and the seaweed flavor was mild and pleasant. The dipping sauce—a light soy-based mix—tied it all together beautifully.

📍Second Visit: Getting Bolder with Tteokbokki Noodles

For my second visit (this time at the IOI City Mall outlet), I went with my partner for lunch. Feeling a bit more adventurous, I decided to try the Tteokbokki Noodles, while my partner went for the Chicken Kimchi Stew.

I’d never had tteokbokki before, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. The dish came with chewy rice cakes and thick, toothy noodles, all coated in a bold, spicy-sweet gochujang-based sauce. It was rich, flavorful, and super addictive—but also spicy enough to make my nose run and my eyes water halfway through. 😂 I couldn’t finish it, but honestly, no regrets—it was worth every bite.

My partner’s kimchi stew, though, totally stole the spotlight. I’m usually not big on kimchi (I know, shocking), but this stew was on another level—rich, warm, and savory with a deep umami flavor that balanced out the kimchi’s usual tang. I kept “tasting” it from his bowl and low-key wished I had ordered it myself.

✅ What I Love About Oiso

1. Set Meals Done Right

Every meal is a proper Korean-style set, meaning you get:

Steamed white rice
A bowl of light soup
3 banchan (side dishes) that change slightly day to day

This makes the meal feel complete and well-rounded—and the fact that the side dishes are refillable? Always a win.

2. Authentic Flavors

The best part? The food here tastes like something you’d find in a Korean home kitchen. No overly sweet sauces or toned-down flavors. Just honest, bold, spicy-salty-savory comfort food. From the fiery tteokbokki to the soulful kimchi jjigae, the flavors are true to their roots.

3. Cozy, No-Fuss Ambience

Oiso isn’t fancy. It’s not the type of restaurant with neon signs or K-pop blaring from the speakers. But it’s warm, simple, and welcoming—perfect for casual catch-ups, lunch dates, or even solo meals when you just want something real and comforting.

✅ What’s On The Menu?

For anyone looking to get a taste of Korean cuisine, Oiso offers a wide variety of dishes that can suit many different tastes. Whether you’re a first-timer or already familiar with Korean food, there’s something here for everyone.

If you’re looking for a safe and satisfying choice, any of the chicken dishes are a great place to start—they’re easy to enjoy. But I’d definitely recommend that you explore beyond the usual.

From what I’ve tried, the flavors are bold but not overwhelming—just the right mix of spice and comfort. I think they’d appeal to a lot of people, especially those of us who already love Asian-style cooking. Of course, I can’t speak for those who’ve actually been to Korea (they might have their own take), but personally, I feel like Oiso does a great job capturing that authentic Korean taste—rich, spicy, savory, and deeply comforting.

And if you’re wondering whether the food is halal—yes, it is! That makes it even more accessible for everyone to enjoy without worry. The price range is also pretty reasonable, with most dishes falling between RM24–RM40, depending on what you order.

Final Thoughts: Would I Go Back?

Without hesitation, yes.

What keeps me coming back is not just the food, but the experience: the comforting warmth of each dish, the generous portions, the homestyle feel, and that unmistakable hit of real Korean flavor.

If you’re just getting into Korean food and want to go beyond chicken wings and ramyeon, Oiso is a fantastic gateway. And if you’re already a fan of Korean cuisine, it might just become your new go-to spot.

I know I’ll be back. Maybe next time, I’ll even order something with actual kimchi on purpose. 😅

Until my next visit.
Xx, Hani. 🍜

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