Just a 12-minute walk from the hotel, Sam Sun invites you to discover authentic Korean cuisine. The restaurant’s name is a simplified commercial spelling of Samseon, which literally means “three delicacies” or “three exceptional dishes.”
The owner is a former choreographer who turned to the culinary arts, driven by a desire to share Korean culture through her cuisine. She is joined by Chef Byungkuk Oh, a native of Seoul, whose cooking celebrates time, fermentation, and the health benefits of natural ingredients. His career has taken him to several embassies before joining the prestigious Lotte Hotel, widely regarded as Korea’s leading luxury hotel.
The restaurant features a pleasant outdoor terrace, a front dining room, and a more intimate rear dining room. The décor is understated, elegant, and thoughtfully designed.
The menu reflects a genuine desire to introduce diners to authentic Korean cuisine, offering a well-balanced selection of popular dishes, traditional recipes, and Korean barbecue. It inspires confidence, thanks in part to the chef’s prominent role and the emphasis on homemade preparations.
Sam Sun is positioned in the mid-range, offering what I believe is excellent value for money for a traditional Korean restaurant in this part of Paris.
I’d like to share the €39 set menu I chose.
The appetizer almost feels like an amuse-bouche, but don’t worry—the rest of the meal more than makes up for this restrained introduction.
The starter was Oehyang Saeu Yori: a large lightly battered and golden-fried shrimp served on a crispy rice cracker topped with a compote of onions and bell peppers. The dish is finished with candied cherries and coated in a sweet, tangy, lightly spicy sauce, creating a remarkable balance of crispness, tenderness, and delicate texture.
The combination of flavors and textures is wonderfully subtle. A superb way to begin the meal.
The Korean barbecue experience begins with a small ritual of its own. I chose the Dwaeji Yangnyeom Moksal, a marinated and seasoned pork collar. This well-marbled cut is exceptionally tender, and the marinade caramelizes beautifully during cooking. It is one of the most popular meats served in Korean barbecue restaurants.
For this Dwaeji Yangnyeom Moksal, the cooking is handled by the waitress, who expertly grills the meat before cutting it into bite-sized pieces ready to enjoy.
La The meat is accompanied by a generous assortment of banchan, the small side dishes traditionally served in individual bowls and shared at the center of the table.
The lettuce leaves are used to make a ssam: simply place a piece of grilled meat, a few banchan, and a little sauce on the leaf, wrap it up, and enjoy it in a single bite.
The meal is also served with a bowl of steamed rice and, of course, a Korean barbecue sauce. Made from aged soy sauce, it offers deeper, more complex flavors.
The result is simply delicious. Don’t hesitate to try the fresh chili peppers—they add a lively burst of heat that’s wonderfully balanced by a bite of rice if needed.
The meal ends on a high note with the Hotteok & Ice Cream. This traditional Korean pancake is pan-fried until golden and filled with a rich mixture of brown sugar, cinnamon, and crushed peanuts. Served warm, cut into wedges, and dusted with powdered sugar, it comes with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, and an edible pansy. The contrast between the crisp exterior, the soft, sweet filling, and the refreshing ice cream makes for a comforting and memorable dessert.
The staff is genuinely kind, and the service is prompt. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
Korean cuisine is built on a balance of flavors, the art of fermentation, shared dishes, and conviviality. At Sam Sun, these principles are more than just words—they are reflected in the banchan, the Korean barbecue, and the restaurant’s slow-cooked specialties.
In summary, Sam Sun is an excellent choice for discovering authentic, refined, and generous Korean cuisine at a very reasonable price. We highly recommend it to guests staying near the Relais du Louvre.
The restaurant is located in a lively neighborhood that also offers two remarkable attractions:
Sam Sun
Appetizers: €14–19 • Main Courses: €19–24 • Korean Barbecue: €20–28
41 rue de Richelieu – 75001 Paris
Open daily: 12:00 PM – 5:30 PM and 6:30 PM – 11:00 PM
https://samsunrestaurant.fr/