Christoff.ai

Bunsik

restaurants•
London
London

Bunsik

62 Charing Cross Rd, London WC2H 0BU, United Kingdom – 1 minute walk from Leicester Square in Chinatown, Central London

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Christoff

Christoff's Take

Insider review

Tucked into a compact yellow-and-blue space just a minute's walk from Leicester Square, Bunsik delivers authentic Korean street food with the efficiency of a well-oiled machine. This bustling spot has mastered the art of quick Korean comfort food, though you'll likely be eating it standing up while K-pop blares overhead.

Bunsik: Korean Street Food Chaos in the Heart of Leicester Square

Where potato-mozzarella corndogs meet touch-screen efficiency

My Honest Review

Atmosphere & Ambiance

Bunsik embodies organised chaos in the best possible way. The compact yellow-and-blue interior pulses with K-pop energy, creating an atmosphere that scores an impressive 8.5/10 for liveliness. This isn't a place for intimate conversations - with a conversation-friendly score of just 3.5/10 and seating that accommodates roughly 12 people maximum, it's designed for quick fuel-ups rather than lingering meals. The youthful, energetic vibe attracts a steady stream of students and solo diners who've embraced the bustling casual atmosphere. The touch-screen ordering system adds to the modern, efficient feel, though it also contributes to the somewhat impersonal experience. With a trendy factor rating of 8.0/10, Bunsik has clearly tapped into something current, but the limited flexibility (3.0/10) means you're either on board with the fast-paced, standing-room-only experience or you're not.

Food & Drink

The menu centres around Bunsik's claim to fame: potato-mozzarella corndogs and Korean fried chicken that have earned genuine street cred. The K-Corn Dogs come in varieties including Original Half & Half, Potato Mozzarella, and Squid Ink, delivering that Instagram-worthy cheese pull for under £6. Korean Fried Chicken arrives in Original, Sweet & Spicy, and Soy Garlic flavours, priced between £5.40-£5.90. Classic Korean comfort comes via Spicy Tteokbokki, Rabokki, Kimchi Kimbap, Bulgogi Kimbap, and Bunsik Cupbap. The authenticity tags suggest they're not cutting corners on traditional preparations, while bubble tea and bingsu round out the offerings for those seeking something sweet. Most items fall within the £4-£8 range, making it genuinely accessible for the student crowd that frequents the place.

Service & Experience

Service at Bunsik operates on efficiency rather than warmth. The touch-screen ordering system eliminates the need for staff interaction entirely - which, depending on your perspective, either streamlines the experience or removes the human element completely. The AI insights note this means 'zero awkward small talk with staff,' which perfectly captures the impersonal but efficient approach. Counter service keeps things moving quickly, essential given the limited seating and high turnover. The system works well for the target demographic of solo diners and quick lunch runs, though don't expect personalised recommendations or lengthy explanations of menu items.

Value for Money

With a price level of 1/4 and most items under £10, Bunsik delivers solid value for central London. Corndogs at £4-£5.90 and wings at £5.40-£5.90 represent genuine budget-friendly pricing in an area where meals easily cost twice that. The portions appear adequate for the prices, and the authenticity factor adds value beyond mere sustenance. For students and budget-conscious diners seeking Korean flavours without the typical central London markup, Bunsik hits the sweet spot. The quick-grab nature means you're paying for convenience and location as much as food, but the pricing remains fair for what's essentially fast-casual Korean street food in prime real estate.

Insider Tips

Best Time to Visit

Hit the 11am opening time to secure actual seating and avoid the lunch rush queue. The limited seating fills up quickly, and with daily hours of 12pm-10pm, the midday crush can be intense. Late-night visits work well for the after-pub crowd seeking Korean comfort food.

What to Focus On

Go straight for the potato-mozzarella corndogs - they're the signature item for good reason. The Korean Fried Chicken in Sweet & Spicy offers solid value, while the Spicy Tteokbokki provides authentic Korean comfort. Bubble tea makes a good pairing if you're planning to walk around Leicester Square.

Christoff's Insider Tips

The touch-screen ordering can be overwhelming during peak times - know what you want before approaching. Standing room predominates, so this works better as a grab-and-go operation than a sit-down meal. Multiple London locations exist including Tottenham Court Road and Camden if this one's too crowded.

The Final Verdict

Bunsik succeeds at what it sets out to do: deliver authentic Korean street food quickly and affordably in central London. The potato-mozzarella corndogs live up to the hype, and the efficient ordering system keeps queues moving. However, the cramped space and limited seating mean this works better as a quick fuel-up than a proper dining experience. The K-pop energy and youthful vibe create an authentic Korean street food atmosphere, even if conversation is nearly impossible. For what it is - fast, affordable, authentic Korean comfort food in Leicester Square - Bunsik delivers solid value, though don't expect refinement or leisurely dining.

Christoff's Rating:
6.8/10

Perfect For:

students seeking budget-friendly Korean foodsolo diners wanting quick authentic biteslate-night revellers craving Korean comfort food

Quick Details

1

Bunsik

🇰🇷 Korean street food
⭐️ Touch screen ordering
⭐️ Solo dining friendly
⭐️ Student hangout

Korean street food mastery via touch-screen technology in compact Leicester Square quarters. The potato mozzarella corndogs deliver that perfect cheese pull for under £6, while Korean fried chicken comes in three flavor profiles that actually taste distinct. Touch-screen ordering eliminates awkward interactions, letting you focus on the K-pop soundtrack and yellow-blue aesthetic that screams authentic Korean street food energy. Multiple London locations prove the concept works, but this Charing Cross spot captures the bustling tourist energy perfectly. Limited seating means you'll likely eat standing up, but the 10-15 minute wait gives you time to decide between Original Half & Half or Squid Ink varieties. The youthful, energetic atmosphere attracts students and solo diners seeking quick authentic flavors without the restaurant commitment. This is Korean street food translated perfectly for London's grab-and-go culture.

What's Great

✓ Potato mozzarella corndogs with perfect cheese pull for under £6

✓ Touch-screen ordering means zero awkward small talk

Keep in Mind

× Seating fits like 12 people max so you'll be eating standing up

Christoff

Christoff's Tip:

Hit the 11am spawn time to avoid lunch rush queue and secure actual seating

Vibe check scores

Trendiness
Sophistication
Noise Level
Uniqueness

Venue details

🕐"Daily: 12pm-10pm"
📍62 Charing Cross Rd, London WC2H 0BU, United Kingdom – 1 minute walk from Leicester Square in Chinatown, Central London
💷££
🌐Website

Featured In My Guides

Bunsik has been featured in 1 of my curated guides. Here's where you can find more context and discover similar spots.

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