The exquisite temple food at Balwoo Gonyang could convert the most diehard carnivore to vegetarianism—for the course of a meal at least. Cooking-monk Master Dae An's creative take on temple cuisine is as enlightening as it is creative. Each course introduces diners to different mountain herbs and Buddhist cooking techniques, reflecting Dae An's belief that food should be delicious, healthy, and fun.

Balwoo Gongyang was the first Korean temple food restaurant to be awarded a Michelin star. It offers several set menus, all of which comprise a variety of tasting dishes. For something truly special, opt for the 95,000 won (£61.70) Hee (Joy) menu, which requires ordering at least a day in advance.

Because it serves Korean temple food, meat and alcohol are not offered here. Instead, you’ll drink a special pine-needle tea that is naturally relaxing. I love to bring important guests to Balwoo.

Balwoo Gongyang keeps true to the principles of eating food at a Buddhist temple, following the principles of true Korean cuisine started in the beginning of the Joseon era. The name of the restaurant refers to disciplining oneself in Buddhism, maintaining self-control as well as the method of monastery meals consumed by the monks. Balwoo serves only organic vegetarian food, excluding the forbidden five pungent vegetables from their diet: scallions, onions, chives, leeks and garlic from its cuisine.

As one of the dominant religions in Korea, Buddhism has had a significant role to play in Korea’s vegetarian and vegan dining scene, which includes some amazing Korean temple food restaurants. Seoul’s Balwoo Gongyang is one such temple food restaurant that offers a unique fine dining experience that embodies the Buddhist ideal of healthy and clean eating through simplicity and mindfulness. The Michelin 1-star restaurant is located near Insadong, the traditional arts and culture district of Seoul.

If the city life is too much for you and you need a break from all the hustle, then do consider a very unique experience with is soul nurturing. We’re talking about Balwoo Gongyang, a temple food restaurant inspired by Buddhist principles where the menu, vegetarian options only, features beautifully presented dishes that are both nourishing and delicious. Each dish is thoughtfully crafted and served, making it feel almost like a work of art, depicting the right balance and harmony of nature.

A Buddhist cuisine experience center located in Jong-no, the Michelin-star restaurant boast of different set meals aimed to promote the Buddhist culture. Serving original temple food recipes handed down in Korean temples, their menu changes with the season, using the best ingredients at each time. As eating is part of practice towards enlightenment in Buddhism, the set meals each represent a category of that ideology: mediation (seon), vow (won), mind (maeum) and joy (hee).

You have to reserve at least three days in advance for Balwoo Gongyang, but if you want to try out authentic Korean temple-style vegan fare, it’s a must. They have all sorts of set menus on offer according to the season, and various hot and cold small vegetable side plates depending on what kind of tastes you prefer. It is vegetarian, but can accommodate for all menu items to be vegan-friendly.

This place is run by the Korean Temple Association and typically does not use strong-flavored spices like spring onion, garlic, and chive. While most Korean foods heavily rely on these spices, Korean monks are truly amazing at creating flavor from natural ingredients. Here, you can expect authentic Korean temple foods and immerse yourself in Korean temple culture.

Balwoo Gongyang is a Buddhist cuisine experience center located in Jong-no. The Michelin-star restaurant boast of different variety of meals and dishes aiming to promote the Buddhist culture. Serving original temple food recipes are handed down in Korean temples; their menu changes with the season as they use only seasonal and best ingredients each season.

At Balwoo Gongyang, you can enjoy vegan Korean food and traditional temple food. You can choose between the 5 different possible courses: Seon (Meditation), Won (Vow), Maeum (Mind), Hee (Joy) and Beop. The dishes for each of these courses change every season, so you have the chance to experience new tastes every time you visit.

Temple Cuisine at Balwoo Gongyang: Balwoo Gongyang, located within the Jogyesa Temple, offers a unique experience with its temple cuisine. The vegetarian dishes are not only a feast for the senses but also a reflection of Buddhist values of mindfulness and simplicity.

There are also two major restaurants in Seoul offering gourmet-style temple food: Balwoogongyang and Sanchon. Outside these places, there are a variety of restaurants around Seoul serving Buddhist-friendly meals.

Balwoo Gongyang, which serves Korean temple food - which is trendy for its use of a wide variety of vegetables - also got one star.