Hongdae halal food shop: falafel combo platter to go, Halal Steaks

I recently tried falafel and fell in love with it, so I went looking for good Middle Eastern food and stumbled onto this Hongdae favorite, Halal Steaks. The weather was so nice I decided to pack it up and head to the Han River!!! ❤️

Where is Halal Steaks in Hongdae, and where do you park?

This Hongdae favorite is easy to find — exit Hongik University Station at Exit 9, walk straight, cross at the intersection where the Apple Store is, keep walking straight, then turn left at Baeknyeon Tojong Samgyetang. It's on the 2nd floor of the building across from A-Land.

🚗 Parking: parking right in front of the restaurant is hard, so use a nearby paid lot. The closest one is Nice Park Seogyo Zion parking lot (120 Yanghwa-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul). First 60 minutes is ₩6,000, then ₩1,000 per additional 10 minutes, up to a max of ₩6,000.

What is the seating like inside Halal Steaks?

The interior at Halal Steaks is spacious and clean, with a variety of seating — window bar seats to group tables — making it great for solo diners and groups alike. I visited during an off-peak hour, so I got to photograph the whole empty restaurant.

The big windows make it feel open, and with the folding doors open in this nice weather, it gave off terrace vibes — I loved it.

True to a Hongdae hotspot, the colorful furniture is a nice touch and gives it a hip feel.

The menu: Combo Platter with falafel added

Halal Steaks (Halalstacks) is a trendy halal fast food brand that reinterprets halal street food loved by Muslims worldwide, adapted for Korean tastes and sensibilities. I ordered their most popular item, the signature Combo Platter — flame-grilled chicken and gyro meat piled generously on chewy basmati rice, with fresh vegetables and pita bread. I also added the optional falafel, made from fried chickpeas!

• Certified Halal: Steak, chicken, and plate meats are all cooked using 100% officially certified halal ingredients.
• Fresh Cooked: Every step from cooking to packaging is transparent.
• Global Vibe: A menu lineup that captures the streets of New York.

They sell drinks too, so I packed some of those to go as well 💨

Taking the platter to Yanghwa Hangang Park for a picnic

The interior is spacious and comfortable, but the Han River is just one bus ride away — I couldn't resist! Mangwon Hangang Park is closer, but I went to Yanghwa Hangang Park instead. It sits right by the river, and the big trees give plenty of shade, making it perfect for a picnic 🧺

The weather was just too good...

Weather like this calls for a picnic!!!! I wanted to dig in while it was still warm, but first, off to find a spot!

Found a spot under a tree.

The plastic bag was sturdy and the packaging was really thorough, so I didn't have to worry about spills on the way over!!!

How does the ₩12,900 Small Combo Platter taste?

The Small Combo Platter (₩12,900) is a mix of gyro and chicken, basmati rice, lettuce, tomato, and bread — and the meat portion was really generous.

It comes with white sauce and hot sauce. The legendary white sauce is the signature, savory-yet-mild sauce that halal food fans rave about — addictive stuff. I drizzled it on generously, and it really maximized the flavor! I tried a bit of the New York hot sauce and it was spicier than expected, so I'd recommend starting small and working your way up.

What the added falafel is like

I was curious about the falafel, so I tried it first 🧆 Made from fried chickpeas, it's crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside — I really loved this texture!!! It's not overpowering or intense — more savory and mild, with a subtle herb and spice flavor that's quietly addictive and kept me coming back for more..❤️❤️❤️ Since chickpeas are the main ingredient, vegans can enjoy it as a filling option too.

The lamb has a noticeable aroma

The Combo Platter includes beef, lamb, and chicken, and since lamb is in there, there's definitely a noticeable lamb smell (ᴘ). It's like eating something totally exotic right here in Korea! I love lamb so I was into it, but if you're not a fan, ordering the chicken platter would be the safer bet. The vegetables were lettuce and tomato, fresh and a great match, and wrapping it all in the pita bread that comes with it is the best combo ❤️

The fries I got through the review event were super crispy too and delicious.

Who Halal Steaks suits best

• Food lovers looking to experience new flavors and culture
• Anyone looking for clean, trustworthy ingredients
• Those looking for a place to dine with Muslim friends
• Anyone who loves hip spots with Hongdae or Gangnam vibes