The story
Yong is a Korean restaurant on Schulterblatt in Hamburg’s lively Schanzenviertel. The name “Yong” (용) means dragon in Korean, and as the staff says, it stands for “good fortune and happiness.” This symbol is apt: the kitchen serves traditional Korean dishes in a decidedly non-traditional setting—a protected Art Nouveau (Jugendstil) building. The contrast between the ornate architecture and the clean, bold flavours of Korean home cooking is part of the restaurant’s charm. In 2026, Yong was awarded a Michelin star, a recognition of its high-quality cooking and the meticulous care that goes into every plate.
The menu at Yong is built around Korean staples made from scratch. Lunch features bibimbap (rice bowls to mix), kimbap (rice rolls), and hearty soups. The Yatchae Bibimbab is a vegan option topped with shiitake mushrooms and assorted vegetables, while the Bulgogi Bibimbab adds marinated beef BBQ and a fried egg. For a lighter bite, the Gemüse Kimbab rolls rice, spinach, carrots, and pickled radish in seaweed. Starters include homemade dumplings—both vegetable and kimchi versions—and savoury Korean pancakes like the Kimchi Jeon. The kitchen’s signature is its use of fermented ingredients, from the house-made kimchi (available in a vegan version at its best ripeness) to the miso soup that accompanies every lunch dish. The flavours are bold, clean, and rooted in tradition.
Yong’s dining room is housed in a historic Jugendstil building, a protected landmark in the Schanzenviertel. The interior is described as “not so traditional,” blending the old-world elegance of the architecture with a relaxed, contemporary energy. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner, with a lively buzz on weekends. It’s a place where the warmth of Korean hospitality meets the understated refinement of a Michelin-starred kitchen—no fuss, just good food and genuine welcome.
Recognition
Ambience
Details
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