Hankki London: Affordable Korean BBQ and Fried Chicken in Chinatown London

Looking for classic fried chicken and affordable K-BBQ in London? If the sound of sizzling meat on a tabletop grill, crunchy golden or perhaps charcoal chicken, and vibrant neon lights gets your attention, then Hankki in Chinatown should be on your radar.

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From tender soy-marinated short ribs to the much-talked-about Black Pink Fried Chicken (highly recommended from Google reviews), Hankki serves up a mix of traditional Korean flavours with a modern, fun twist. The menu has a great balance between comfort and creativity, you’ll find classic dishes like tteokbokki and kimchi, but also unique dishes that set Hankki apart from other Korean spots in London.

Background About the Hankki

You’ll find Hankki right in the heart of Chinatown, London, at 7 Wardour Street. It’s tucked just by the iconic Chinatown gate, across from the M&M’s store, which makes it one of the easiest places to find (and an even easier spot to wander into when those Korean BBQ cravings hit).

Step inside and you’re immediately greeted by that Korean neon glow of bright lights, and a lively buzz that feels straight out of a Seoul side street. It’s got that mix of trendy and relaxed that makes you want to stay awhile. The vibe is friendly and upbeat but not chaotic, so it feels just as comfortable for a catch-up with friends as it does for a laid-back date night.

You have the option to go all in with the full Korean BBQ experience, grilling meats right at your table, or keep things simple with favourites like fried chicken, tteokbokki, or rice bowls.

What is the Experience like at Hankki?

Walking into Hankki feels a bit like stepping out of London and straight into downtown Seoul. The moment you push open the door, you’re greeted by a wash of neon lights, and an upbeat K-pop playlist that instantly sets the mood.

The staff are warm and welcoming, quick with a smile and happy to help if you’re new to Korean BBQ. There’s an easy-going energy to the place, you never feel rushed, but everything runs smoothly.

If you’re heading there with a large group, I’d definitely recommend booking ahead, especially on weekends or during dinner hours. But if it’s just you and a friend (or a date), walk-ins are usually fine, and you won’t be waiting long for a table. There’s also free Wi-Fi, which is always handy if you’re planning to share your food photos or just need to sneak in a social scroll between bites.

The layout is well-designed, with BBQ grills built right into the tables and enough space between each setup that you’re not bumping elbows with the next group. It’s comfortable, social, and a bit interactive exactly what you’d want from a Korean BBQ experience.

What is the Food like at Hankki?

Hankki’s menu is both affordable and diverse, with a mix of BBQ meats, classic Korean comfort dishes, and modern favourites. Here’s what I tried and what stood out most:

Korean BBQ – Soy Short Rib (£12.40) and Pork Belly (£9.90)

The soy short rib was a standout, tender, juicy, and marinated just enough to infuse deep umami without overpowering the meat. It cooked beautifully on the grill, and each bite had that satisfying combination of soft, tender and not chewy at all. The pork belly, on the other hand, came in thinner slices than I’m used to compared to back home in Australia, but it still was good. It crisped up nicely on the grill and paired perfectly with ssamjang (Korean BBQ paste).

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Small Sides (£12 for three or £4.50 each)

There are six different side dishes on the menu, but we went for the classics, kimchi, cucumber salad, and radish pickles. All three are refreshing and do a great job of cutting through the richness of the BBQ meats. I’d definitely recommend getting the trio to share. They might seem simple, but the balance of spice, acidity, and crunch really ties the whole meal together.

Coming from Australia, I’m used to K-BBQ spots offering sides complimentary, so it was interesting to see that many places in London charge for them. Still, at Hankki, they’re well worth adding if you want a refreshing touch after the grilled meats.

Black Pink Fried Chicken (£15.50)

This dish has become somewhat of a cult favourite from reading all the glowing Google reviews, I knew I had to try it, and after tasting it myself, I can see exactly why. The chicken has a striking charcoal-black coating that immediately catches your eye. Don’t worry, it’s not burnt, that’s just part of its unique look of the dish. It’s as juicy as any good fried chicken should be, but when you dip it into the vibrant pink dragon fruit sauce, it takes things to another level. The sauce adds a pop of colour and a subtle sweetness that perfectly balances the savoury crunch of the chicken. It’s crispy, juicy, and unlike any fried chicken you’ll find elsewhere in London. Definitely one of my top picks with a playful in presentation, but seriously good in flavour.

Chicken Wings in Four Sauces (£16.80)

If you love variety, this platter is for you. You get four flavours. mustard, soy, sweet, and sweet chili which means something for every palate. It’s a good dish to share with friends, especially if you can’t decide on just one flavour.

Tteokbokki and Fish Cakes with Cheese (£11.80 + £3 for cheese)

A comforting classic, the tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) were chewy and coated in a rich gochujang-based sauce, with fish cakes adding extra texture. I opted for the extra cheese, which melted perfectly and gave that satisfying cheese pull moment because honestly, when there’s an option for extra cheese, it’s always a yes from me.

You can stick with classic flavours or go for something unique like the Black Pink Fried Chicken either way, you’ll leave satisfied.

What is the Price like at Hankki?

For central London, Hankki’s pricing feels like a breath of fresh air. Most dishes fall between £10 to £20, which is quite reasonable given the quality, portion sizes, and the fact that you’re dining in one of the most popular food precincts in the city.

The BBQ meats are affordably priced, and even with a few sides and a drink, the total bill doesn’t climb uncomfortably high. It’s great value for both students and working professionals who want to enjoy a Korean feast without spending a fortune.

They accept both card and cash, and the service feels casual but attentive.

Final Thoughts

Hankki is the perfect middle ground between casual comfort and Korean authenticity. It’s not trying to be overly fancy or traditional, it’s just good, flavourful food served in a lively, welcoming atmosphere. The neon lights and K-pop tunes make it a fun experience.

Perfect for a midweek dinner with friends, a quick bite before a show, or a weekend feast with a group. The Black Pink Fried Chicken, Soy Short Rib, and Tteokbokki with Cheese are absolute must-tries.

If you’re craving a taste of Seoul in the middle of London, Hankki should be on your list. It’s affordable, fun, and full of personality, a place where good food and good vibes come together seamlessly.

Highlights and Details

Location & Info

Address: Hankki, 7 Wardour St, Chinatown, London W1D 6PE
Opening Hours: Sun–Thu (12–10:30 pm), Fri–Sat (12–11 pm)
Price Range: £15–£20 per person
Accepts card and cash payments
Free Wi-Fi available

Experience

Lively Korean neon light atmosphere
Friendly staff and efficient service
Ideal for both walk-ins and reservations
Great for groups; reservations recommended for larger parties
Centrally located near Leicester Square, easy to access by tube

Tips

Reserve online for groups or peak hours
Walk-ins fine for smaller groups
Option for BBQ dining or classic Korean meals
Great value for central London
Recommended dishes: soy short rib, Black Pink Fried Chicken, tteokbokki with cheese, fried chicken in four flavours

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