Tried this restaurant for the first time. Loved the food. Came within 15 min of ordering. Kind staff, clean place, service is very good. Highly recommend, will definitely come back again.
Overview
If you’ve ever wandered through The Mall in Luton and caught the smoky, savory aroma drifting from the Market Hall, chances are you were close to K. Bob Korean Food at The Mall, 89-90 Market Hall, Luton LU1 2TA, United Kingdom. I’ve eaten my way through plenty of street food stalls and casual diners across Bedfordshire, but this spot genuinely surprised me. It’s compact, lively, and focused on what matters most: bold Korean flavors served fast and fresh.
The first time I visited, I went straight for the classic beef bibimbap. Watching it come together behind the counter felt like a small performance. Steamed rice layered with sautéed vegetables, marinated beef, a fried egg, and a generous spoonful of gochujang-Korea’s famous fermented chili paste-created a bowl that was colorful and aromatic. According to the Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation, fermented foods like gochujang and kimchi are staples of Korean cuisine and are widely recognized for their depth of flavor and probiotic qualities. You can taste that tradition here. The balance between sweet, spicy, and umami is not accidental; it reflects centuries of culinary refinement.
On another visit, I tried their Korean fried chicken, which deserves its own spotlight. Unlike typical fast-food versions, Korean fried chicken is double-fried, a method culinary experts often highlight for achieving extra crispiness without excess grease. The result? A thin, crackly crust with tender meat inside. Tossed in a sticky soy-garlic glaze, it hit that addictive sweet-salty note that keeps you reaching for one more piece. It’s easy to see why Korean fried chicken has gained global popularity, with food analysts noting its rapid expansion across Europe over the past decade.
The menu at K. Bob Korean Food is straightforward yet satisfying. You’ll find staples like bulgogi wraps, ramen, tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), and kimbap rolls. For anyone new to Korean cuisine, the staff are happy to explain dishes in plain language. They once walked a friend of mine through the difference between bulgogi and galbi, explaining the marinades and cooking techniques in detail. That kind of clarity builds trust. It’s not just about serving food; it’s about sharing culture.
Location-wise, being inside The Mall’s Market Hall makes it accessible and convenient. Whether you’re on a lunch break, shopping, or just passing through Luton town centre, it’s easy to pop in. Seating is casual, and the turnover is quick, which works well for busy afternoons. Still, if you prefer a quieter experience, going slightly before peak lunch hours makes a noticeable difference.
Reviews from local diners often highlight portion size and value for money. From my own experience, the servings are generous enough to leave you properly full. Considering the rising costs in the hospitality sector across the UK, that consistency matters. While this is not fine dining, it delivers authenticity at a price point that feels fair.
Nutritionally, Korean cuisine is often praised for its balance. Dishes typically combine carbohydrates, protein, and vegetables in a single bowl. Harvard Health Publishing has frequently pointed out that diets rich in vegetables and fermented foods can support overall well-being. Of course, some options-like fried chicken-are indulgent, so moderation is key. It’s worth noting that spice levels can vary; if you’re sensitive to heat, asking for mild is a smart move.
What stands out most to me is the confidence in flavor. There’s no attempt to overly westernize the dishes. The spice is real, the marinades are bold, and the kimchi has that unmistakable tang. In a town where quick bites often mean predictable sandwiches or chain takeaway, this place adds something different and memorable to the local food scene.
For anyone curious about Korean street food or craving something beyond the usual fast-food routine, this small Market Hall kitchen delivers genuine taste, friendly service, and a menu that keeps you coming back to explore more.
Good to know
Service options
✓ On-site services ✓ Takeaway ✓ Dine-inPopular for
✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Solo diningAccessibility
✓ Wheelchair-accessible car park ✓ Wheelchair-accessible entrance ✓ Wheelchair-accessible seating ✓ Wheelchair-accessible toiletOfferings
✓ Coffee ✓ Halal food ✓ Quick biteDining options
✓ Breakfast ✓ Lunch ✓ DinnerAmenities
✓ ToiletAtmosphere
✓ CasualCrowd
✓ Tourists ✓ University studentsPayments
✓ Credit cards ✓ NFC mobile payments ✓ Credit cardsPhotos
1 / 4
Location
Reviews
- No ratings yet 209 reviews
Very small restaurant in a courtyard. Incredibly clean and immaculate. One man out front and a few in the kitchen, only about 5 tables. Food was so so fresh and tasty and sensible prices - really recommend friendly and nice. Two veggie mains but as a veggie I was happy with what I got!
Based on the reviews, I was worried that I wouldn't be able to get a seat so I initially ordered for takeaway but then tables freed up so I was able to eat in! I got rabokki with extra cheese, dumplings (I can't remember if it was chicken or beef), and small size spicy kfc. It was soo good. The noodles in the rabokki were super good, and the sauce was sweet and spicy so I had to eat the dumplings and chicken for a bit to let it cool down but honestly, I went back to it after a few bites and braced the heat because it was that good. This restaurant was on my 'want to go' list for ages but it was over 2 hours away, but honestly? I'm super happy I made the time and the trip to go here! If I'm ever in the area, or I wake up super early to make the trip, I would definitely come back again. Bonus points as the staff were super nice and accommodating! Didn't know that there's a minimum spend to pay with card but the food was worth it to order more. Probably would have ordered more to take home but I didn't have enough time . Have permanently added this restaurant to my favourites! (Also I wish I came earlier when they still had the kimbap, there's nothing like it in my area )
I love Kbob so much, their food is always amazing and delicious, the staff are lovely and the atmosphere is amazing <3
Absolutely loved this place, will definitely be coming again very soon. The man that owns the restaurant is a real sweetheart, he puts time and effort into the food and is really nice to the customers, delicious food for a good price. Today was my first time trying Korean food and i must say it was so good, I loved it. The food took a reasonable time and it was really worth it, The owner/chef tries his hardest to get to everyone in order and on time, he really deserves the world
Me and my friend have been coming to Kbob for 4 years now with myself having eaten here almost a hundred times and we both totally love it (My friend actually now travels to Luton just to eat here) Staff are always very kind, the food is incredibly delicious with well sized portions and reasonable pricing. Whenever i come they have quite a few customers in and out and unlike other places in Luton town the restaurant is totally spick and span. You can really feel the love they have for the restaurant from the food to the decor and greeting of customers. Can’t recommend it enough! ( p.s I miss the gimbap and kimchi fried rice)
I’ve been to K. Bob Korean Food a few times, and it’s always a great experience. The food is fantastic, with a wide variety of authentic Korean dishes to choose from. I especially like going there because everything on the menu is halal , which is a big plus for me as there aren’t many halal Korean restaurants around. The prices have gone a bit more expensive , but the quality of the food makes it worth it. The shop has a lovely Korean vibe ????????, and the aesthetics are really nice—it adds to the whole experience. Overall, I’ve been very pleased every time I’ve visited and would highly recommend it!
I usually come here with my friends and we all absolutely adore the food! The man at the till is so kind and attentive and customer service is always good! Food is always served hot, and doesn’t take that long to arrive either! My personal favourites have to be the Korean fried chicken (which I am craving right now its 12am and I can’t order ) and the fried dumplings, which are both always so crisp and absolutely delicious. Another thing I appreciate about this place is that it’s fully halal. I have no complaints from this place at all I would definitely recommend anybody to come here! The only thing I wish Kbob did was deliveries I understand it might be hard due to the fact there are very few people in the store but I hope that one day there will be a delivery option available because the food is worth remembering!!!