In Short
When you think of food courts in shopping centers, you often think of lukewarm noodles and soggy burgers. But the Europa Passage in Hamburg has already surprised us a few times in the past – reason enough to take a closer look at the much-discussed “Gangnam” in Hamburg. Korean-Japanese cuisine, neon lights, anime characters – sounds like a gastronomic experience with a fast food vibe. But is it any good?
A Neon Dream for Anime Fans
You can see it from the outside: The design of the store was a top priority. Fans of Dragon Ball Z, Naruto or One Piece will be delighted – life-size figures greet you directly at the entrance. The bright neon signs, colorful lettering and stylish walls make Gangnam Hamburg a real eye-catcher. It feels more like a themed restaurant than a place to grab a quick bite – and that’s probably one of the reasons why the place has quickly become the talk of the town.
Technology Meets Crowds
Gangnam in Hamburg also relies on a modern ordering system: touchscreens make the process simple and stress-free, especially if, like us, you’re a little baffled by the menu at first. What is less relaxed: the crowds. If you pop in here at rush hour, be prepared for a bit of a crowd. The place is pretty popular – even if it did come in for some criticism in the first few months, mainly due to the way it treats guests and the alleged incorrect labeling of vegetarian dishes.
What we Tried
- Black Assam milk tea (large) with tapioca – € 6.50
- Jasmine green tea (small) – € 5.50
- Gyoza with chicken – €6.50
- Shoyu wantan ramen – € 13.50
- Bites Boneless (6 pieces) Soy Garlic – € 8.50
- Tteokbokki Classic – € 12.50
- Bibimbap with tofu – € 11
- Crispy rice roll with sweet chili mayonnaise – € 8
Looking for good Asian restaurants in Hamburg? Take a look here: TOKIYO! Sandwiches, SEOUL 1988, Hou Tang Hotpot
Sounds Promising – but Tastes Rather so-so
The first impression: everything arrived in a flash. Our entire order was served in about five minutes – and that was exactly the problem. What seems like good organization at first glance ends up tasting a bit like an assembly line. No question: if you just want a quick meal, this is the place for you. But in culinary terms, the whole thing was more on a fast-food level.
The gyoza were crispy, the meat properly seasoned – okay overall. The ramen broth was thin, the chasu and side dishes were there, but the flavor was gone. The soy garlic bites were also crispy on the outside and soft on the inside – well made, but nothing that will stay in your head for long. We were really disappointed by the tteokbokki: pleasantly spicy, but so sweet that we could hardly eat it. The bibimbap? Nice, but unexciting. And the Crispy Rice Roll also seemed more like a snack from the freezer.
Good & Bad
You have to hand it to Gangnam: The design is strong and the concept well thought out. The touchscreens make ordering easy, and if you just want something warm and quick, you’ll find it here. For fans of pop culture, the ambience is an experience.
However, we were less convinced by the taste. The dishes all seemed pre-made and the timing between ordering and serving was too perfect to be fresh. In addition, there is the persistent impression that the emphasis here is more on show than on quality.
Our Impression
Gangnam is a place to visit – if you love anime or fancy a few cool photos. In culinary terms, however, it’s more in the fast-food league. If you’re looking for authentic Japanese-Korean cuisine, you might want to check out other restaurants in Hamburg. But who knows – maybe it will suit your taste? We look forward to hearing what you think.
Overall Rating
Want more impressions of the food scene in Hamburg? Take a look at our Instagram channel!
