If you’re looking to experience South Korean culture and food in Lagos, particularly on the mainland, we found the Huahan Korean Restaurant tucked in an enclosed street in Ikeja GRA. It is owned by a Korean catering chain called the Nigerian Huahan Catering International Chain Brand.
This restaurant chain also owns Alice Garden and Viva Tea Flowers Lagos, two other Korean restaurants.
Viva Tea Flowers Lagos was our first choice for a Korean tea and café experience, but we were informed that the shop has closed and merged with Huahan Restaurant.
Finding a Korean restaurant in Lagos is one thing, but finding one that prepares authentic meals is another matter altogether.
We decided to see how Huahan Restaurant scores on our 13-point rating criteria.
- Menu variety – 8/10
- Food Quality – 9/10
- Service – 8/10
- Ambience – 9/10
- Value for money – 8/10
- Hygiene standards – 8/10
- Location – 7/10
- Consistency – 7/10
- Innovation – 6/10
- Sustainability – 6/10
- Waiting time – 7/10
- Online presence – 8/10
- Special features – 6/10
If you agree or disagree with our ratings and would like to provide your own review, head over to our review form, leave your review for all 13 criteria and an Ikeja Record editor will be in touch. To maintain the integrity of our evaluation system, we do not accept or publish reviews from persons directly associated with the restaurants they are reviewing, including (but not limited to) owners, investors, and staff.
Menu Variety
Huahan’s menu offers a variety of traditional Korean dishes, including main dishes like Samgyeopsal, Tteokbokki, Bibimbap, and Sundubu Jjigae.
They also serve a few Chinese rice dishes, such as Chinese fried rice and egg fried rice.
You’ll find Korean appetisers and side dishes like Kimchi, pancakes made with green onions and seafood or vegetables, and a variety of small side dishes, typically including pickled vegetables, salads, and marinated tofu.
If you enjoy grilled meats, the restaurant offers an assortment of BBQ options, including beef, pork, and chicken.
Vegetarians and vegans will also find suitable choices on the menu, such as vegetable bibimbap, tofu stew, and a variety of plant-based side dishes.
Food Quality
For our meal, we ordered steamed chicken dumplings and chicken spring rolls. For dessert, we tried their famous dog cake, accompanied by lemon tea and milk tea chocolate.
The dumplings had a balanced flavour profile, with the chicken filling well-seasoned using traditional Korean spices. The wrappers were thin yet sturdy, allowing the filling’s flavour to stand out without being overpowered by the dough. The chicken was juicy and tender, and the dumplings were served with two dipping sauces—a soy sauce and a peppered sauce. The soy sauce added an extra layer of umami to each bite.
The chicken spring rolls were unlike the typical Nigerian versions. These had a crispy exterior that contrasted nicely with the savoury chicken and vegetable filling inside. The flavours were light but flavourful, with the vegetables retaining their crunch, complementing the tender chicken.
The presentation was excellent, with the dishes served in ceramic, seashell-shaped mini bowls, which we loved.
The dog cake dessert was shaped like a pug dog lying on its belly. Despite the name, it turned out to be a mousse ice cream cake rather than a traditional cake. It was a chocolate variant and tasted delicious.
The chocolate milk tea boba had a rich, creamy flavour with just the right amount of sweetness. The tea was smooth, milky, and chocolatey, while the boba pearls added a chewy texture that complemented the drink. The tea was brewed fresh, and the boba pearls were cooked to the perfect consistency, being soft yet chewy.
The lemon tea was cold and refreshing, with a bright, tangy flavour. It struck a balance between the citrusy zest of lemon and the subtle bitterness of tea, making it a perfect thirst-quencher.
Both drinks were served in cute teddy bear-shaped bottles with a wide straw, perfect for sipping up the boba pearls.
@ikejarecord If you want to experience South Korea in Lagos, we found the perfect spot for you! We found this hidden gem @huahan_lagos at 45c Sobo Arobiodu Street, Ikeja G.R.A. This Korean restaurant is perfect for family gatherings, dates, brunch, or dinner with friends. Their meals are delicious, and they have a hotpot station on their tables for grilled meals and hot dishes. The service here is great also. #koreanrestaurantsinlagos #koreanrestaurantsinikeja #huahanrestaurantlagos #koreanfoodinlagos #koreanfoodsinnigeria #restaurantinlagos #koreanfoodreview ♬ Simple notification sound _02 – MATSU
Service
The staff here were warm and approachable, welcoming guests with smiles as they arrived. They were knowledgeable about the menu, which helped streamline the ordering process and ensured that special requests or dietary needs were handled smoothly.
We were assigned a waiter as soon as we chose a table. Our attendant was attentive without being intrusive, making us feel comfortable and valued.
The service at Huahan Korean Restaurant was prompt and well-organised. Our orders were taken quickly, and the food was served within the expected time.
The staff also maintained a high standard of professionalism throughout the dining experience.
Ambience
The restaurant’s interior design reflected a blend of modern and traditional Korean aesthetics. We noticed dark green walls that complement the greenery and bright-coloured flowers throughout the space.
The decor featured subtle Korean art and elements like hanbok-inspired patterns, the Korean flag, and Korean alphabets on the doors. There was also a section of the dining area where pictures of K-pop artists and K-drama actors were displayed on the walls.
The seating arrangement was both comfortable and practical, with a mix of booths and tables catering to different group sizes. The lighting was soft yet sufficient, creating a cosy and inviting atmosphere.
The ambiance at Huahan Korean Restaurant was relaxed and welcoming. The space was designed to be family-friendly while also suitable for more intimate dining experiences.
There’s a gentle hum of conversation from other diners, enhanced by soft background music that adds to the overall atmosphere without being overwhelming. The combination of friendly service, appealing decor, and comfortable seating makes it an ideal spot for both casual meals and special occasions.
Value for Money
While the prices at Huahan were not the cheapest, they were reasonable given the quality of the food and service. Dumplings and spring rolls each cost N1,800, while boba and tea drinks were priced up to N4,900 each.
Considering the freshness of the ingredients, the authenticity of the cuisine, and the quality of service, the prices were fair. We paid for a comprehensive experience that included not just the food but also the ambiance and service.
Huahan Korean Restaurant struck a good balance between food quality, service, and pricing.
Hygiene Standards
Although the kitchen was not visible to us, the overall cleanliness of the restaurant suggests it is well-maintained.
The dining area was kept very clean and orderly. Tables were promptly cleared and wiped down after each guest, and the floors were regularly swept to remove any debris.
The restaurant’s attention to detail in maintaining a clean dining space enhanced the overall pleasant atmosphere and assured guests of the establishment’s cleanliness standards.
The restrooms were also regularly cleaned and stocked, reflecting the restaurant’s commitment to providing a sanitary and pleasant environment.
Location
The restaurant was located at 45c Sobo Arobiodu Street, Ikeja G.R.A.
Due to its location on a closed street, it was not easy to locate, as there was no signpost at the beginning of the street to indicate that the restaurant was at the end of the close.
The entrance had a low step, which might be an inconvenience for diners with mobility issues. On the plus side, the dining area was spacious, allowing for comfortable movement of wheelchairs or strollers.
Huahan Korean restaurant had on-site parking, which is a major convenience for guests arriving by car. The parking area was adequately sized to accommodate a reasonable number of vehicles.
Consistency
From the comments on social media and through our review video, it was clear that Huahan Korean Restaurant has built a reputation for delivering a reliable dining experience.
Whether you’re visiting for a casual meal or a special occasion, you can count on the restaurant to provide consistent quality in both food and service. This reliability is a key factor in why customers continue to return.
Innovation
Huahan incorporates hotpot and BBQ dining experiences. Each table in the restaurant was equipped with an inbuilt induction cooktop, allowing diners to grill their meat and cook their own food in a pot of simmering broth.
The restaurant also hosts birthday and special occasion gatherings.
While Huahan Korean Restaurant excels in delivering authentic Korean dishes with consistent quality, it offers a more conventional dining experience with limited emphasis on creativity in its menu, presentation, or overall atmosphere.
Sustainability
The restaurant offered an option for reusable bottles when serving drinks, which helps reduce reliance on single-use plastics. This practice not only minimises waste but also supports a more sustainable approach to serving beverages.
For dine-in customers, Huahan uses reusable plates and cutlery, a standard practice that reduces disposable waste generated by the restaurant.
For takeout and delivery orders, the restaurant used disposable packaging, though it does not focus on eco-friendly materials. The packaging was made from conventional plastic, with no specific emphasis on biodegradable or recyclable options.
These practices reflect Huahan’s efforts to incorporate environmentally friendly measures into their operations, although there is still room for improvement, particularly in takeout packaging.
Waiting Time
Once seated, the staff quickly takes orders, often within a few minutes. They are attentive and ready to assist with menu selections, helping to streamline the ordering process.
The time it takes for food to be served after placing an order is generally reasonable. Most dishes take around 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the complexity of the order.
Our order took 32 minutes, with all items, including the drinks, arriving at the same time.
Online Presence and Ease of Reservations
While Huahan Korean Restaurant lacks a website and online reservation system, it maintains a basic presence on social media.
The restaurant has a functional online presence through its Instagram page. The content shared typically showcases photos of dishes and diners.
However, it lacks more creative or engaging content, such as behind-the-scenes videos, chef features, or detailed information about the menu.
Special Features
Huahan Korean Restaurant focuses on delivering high-quality Korean cuisine but lacks unique selling points such as live music, panoramic views, themed dining experiences, or a notable chef’s reputation.
However, the restaurant’s Korean decor themes and beautiful outdoor patio, featuring various painting murals and aesthetically pleasing chairs for diners to use while taking pictures, can be considered as a partial unique feature.