Korean food has slowly become one of my favourite comfort foods over the years, to the point where I find myself craving it at least once a month.
Like many people, my journey started with Korean fried chicken. It’s hard not to fall in love with it…
But the more I explored Korean cuisine, the more I realised there was so much more to discover beyond those crispy chicken. Every new dish introduced me to different flavours, textures, and combinations that made me appreciate Korean food even more.
That’s probably what I enjoy most about exploring different cuisines. Just when I think I’ve found my favourites, something unexpected comes along and completely changes my mind.
So when a good friend of mine, who’s really into Korean culture, recommended Oiso Korean Traditional Cuisine & Cafe, I was immediately intrigued. She described it as one of the few places where the food stays true to their roots.
Needless to say, I didn’t need much convincing.
✅ About Oiso Korean Traditional Cuisine & Cafe
Oiso Korean Traditional Cuisine & Cafe is a Korean restaurant that focuses on traditional dishes inspired by everyday Korean meals. Even its name, Oiso, means “welcome” in a southern Korean dialect, which perfectly reflects the warm and inviting homestyle Korean dining experience the restaurant hopes to create.
What I appreciate about Oiso is that it does not try to reinvent Korean cuisine with unnecessary twists. Instead, it keeps the focus on familiar Korean recipes and flavours, allowing diners to enjoy the dishes the way they are traditionally meant to be experienced.
One thing that makes dining at Oiso stand out is that most main dishes are served as a complete Korean-style set. Each meal comes with:
- Steamed white rice
- A bowl of light clear soup
- 3 Korean side dishes (banchan), usually including kimchi, pickled radish, and stir-fried vegetables
My favourite part of the meal was the refillable banchan. They might seem like a small addition, but having different side dishes to enjoy alongside the main course made every meal feel more complete and satisfying.
For Malaysian diners, Oiso is a pork-free restaurant that offers a halal-friendly dining experience. If you specifically require official halal certification, it’s always a good idea to check directly with the outlet before visiting.
✅ First Impression
My first visit to Oiso was at the Alamanda outlet. From the outside, the restaurant immediately caught my attention with its polished and classy appearance. The interior had a thoughtfully designed layout, warm lighting, and an elegant touch that made it feel like a slightly more premium dining spot.
But despite its refined look, Oiso never felt overly formal or intimidating. The warm tones, comfortable seating, and relaxed atmosphere made the space feel inviting rather than exclusive.
I really enjoyed that balance. It had the charm and presentation of a more refined restaurant, while still feeling like somewhere you could casually enjoy lunch with friends, have a family meal, or even dine alone when you are craving Korean food.
While the Alamanda outlet gave a more elegant first impression, the IOI outlet felt a little more casual and approachable, making it even easier to imagine dropping by for a relaxed meal.
It is not the type of Korean restaurant that relies on flashy decorations or loud K-pop themes. Instead, Oiso creates a calm and comfortable environment where the food remains the main focus.
✅ What’s On The Menu and What We Ordered
Since I have visited Oiso twice, I had the chance to try several dishes from their menu and explore beyond my usual Korean food choices.
Oiso offers a wide selection of Korean favourites, from grilled dishes and hearty stews to noodles, rice dishes, tteokbokki, and other classic Korean meals. Whether you are someone who already loves Korean food or are still exploring the cuisine, there are plenty of options to choose from.
You can check out their full menu [here]. Here are the dishes I have tried so far:
- Spicy Grilled Chicken BBQ
During my first visit to the Alamanda outlet, I decided to go with the Spicy Grilled Chicken BBQ.
I chose this because I already knew it was something I would enjoy. Chicken dishes are usually my safest choice whenever I visit a Korean restaurant for the first time.
The chicken arrived sizzling hot with a spicy-sweet glaze that was packed with flavour. The seasoning had a nice balance of garlic, chilli, and sweetness without becoming overwhelming, while the meat itself was tender, juicy, and cooked perfectly.
- Fried Seaweed Rolls
My friend ordered the fried seaweed rolls, and of course I had to try some.
I honestly did not expect much because it was not something I would normally order myself. Surprisingly, this became one of the dishes that impressed me.
The rolls were crispy without being too oily, and the seaweed flavour was mild and enjoyable. Combined with the dipping sauce, it became a simple but addictive side dish. As someone who normally doesn’t enjoy seaweed, I was honestly surprised by how much I liked it.
- Spicy Rice Cake Noodles (Tteokbokki)
During my second visit to Oiso, this time at the IOI City Mall outlet, I decided to step outside my comfort zone and try something completely new.
I ordered the Spicy Rice Cake Noodles (Tteokbokki), which was actually my first time trying this popular Korean dish.
The dish came with soft yet bouncy rice cakes and thick noodles with a satisfying chewy texture, all coated in a rich, spicy-sweet gochujang sauce. I really enjoyed the combination of textures, especially the contrast between the rice cakes and the hearty noodles that made every bite more enjoyable.
The flavour was bold, savoury, and surprisingly addictive. The only thing I underestimated was the spice level. 😂
Halfway through the meal, my nose was running and my eyes were watering, but I kept going because the flavour was genuinely good.
I couldn’t finish the entire portion, but I still enjoyed the experience of trying something completely new.
- Chicken Kimchi Stew
My partner ordered the Chicken Kimchi Stew, and surprisingly, this became my favourite dish from our second visit.
I have never been the biggest fan of kimchi, so I honestly did not expect much.
But this stew completely changed my opinion.
It was warm, comforting, and full of savoury flavours. The tanginess of the kimchi was balanced nicely with the rich broth, creating a dish that felt perfect for a hearty meal.
I kept stealing bites from my partner’s bowl and secretly wished I had ordered it myself.
This is definitely something I would consider ordering on my next visit.
✅ Is Oiso Worth The Price?
With most dishes priced between RM24 to RM40, I think Oiso offers a reasonable price point for the overall dining experience.
While Korean restaurants can sometimes become quite expensive depending on the dishes you order, I think Oiso gets the balance right when it comes to price, portions, and what you receive with each meal. You are not just paying for the main dish. You are getting a complete Korean-style meal with satisfying portions and a dining experience that feels well thought out.
The portions are generous enough for a fulfilling lunch or dinner, and the quality of the food feels consistent with what you would hope for from a Korean restaurant. I also think the restaurant’s ambience adds value to the overall experience. With its comfortable setting and polished interior, Oiso feels suitable for different occasions.
For those who are looking to explore Korean cuisine without spending too much, Oiso is a good option to consider. It offers the kind of traditional Korean home cooking experience that makes you leave feeling satisfied without feeling like you have overspent.
✅ Location & Opening Hours
I’ve visited both the Alamanda Shopping Centre and IOI City Mall outlets. Since they’re located in shopping mall, parking is generally convenient with plenty of spaces available, although it can get a little busier during weekends and peak dining hours.
🕒 Opening Hours
Daily: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Oiso also has several other outlets across the Klang Valley, including:
- LaLaport BBCC,
- 3 Damansara,
- The Sphere Bangsar South,
- AEON Mall Rawang
✅ Would I Visit Oiso Again?
Absolutely.
Looking back, I am really glad my friend introduced me to Oiso because it is not a place I would have discovered on my own.
What I enjoyed most about my visits was the chance to explore Korean dishes beyond the ones I already knew and loved. While the spicy grilled chicken BBQ was exactly the kind of dish I expected to enjoy, the kimchi stew and fried seaweed rolls were pleasant surprises that reminded me why trying something new is always worth it.
Sometimes the best food discoveries are not the dishes you already know you will love, but the ones that quietly change your mind along the way.
There are still plenty of dishes on the menu that I have yet to try, so I know this will not be my last visit.
And who knows?
Maybe one day I will become someone who orders kimchi on purpose. 😂
Wanderhoney Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.5/5
Love,
Auri 🌻
