DOPI is a casual South Korean restaurant on Bethnal Green Road, serving colourful plates designed for sharing alongside larger mains, warming stews and Korean fried chicken. Open for lunch and dinner, it’s an easy-going spot for everything from a quick meal to date nights, birthdays and dinners with friends or family.
Sharing, balance and variety sit at the heart of the menu. Small plates include pajeon, a Korean pancake with seafood, spring onion and light soy, and japchae, stir-fried glass noodles with beef or vegetables. There’s also torched corn with melted cheese, while fried mandu dumplings come stuffed with pork or vegetables.
Signature dishes offer plenty of comfort. Kimchi jjim combines aged kimchi with slow-braised pork, while galbi jjim brings together beef short rib, soy glaze and aromatic vegetables. Korean fried chicken comes with a choice of sauces, and soups include galbi tang, a clear beef short rib broth with glass noodles and rice. Alternatively, the Obong set allows diners to choose two mains accompanied by a selection of smaller dishes. Desserts include caramelised grapefruit and matcha or black sesame ice cream.
The dining room is simple and has a laid-back canteen-like vibe, with neutral walls providing a backdrop for pops of red, yellow, orange and blue furniture. Plants bring greenery to the space, while lanterns cast a softer glow in the evening and a disco ball adds a playful touch.
Cocktails range from martinis and Blue Lagoons to the citrus-led Lost in Yuzu, with beer and soft drinks also available. Children are welcome, making DOPI a good option for families keen to share and try a spread of Korean dishes together.