Seemor

KimchimamaB+Worth Trying

Name: Kimchimama
Address: 28 Upper Tachbrook St, Pimlico, London SW1V 1SW, London, United Kingdom
Rating: 4.8

28 Upper Tachbrook St, Pimlico, London SW1V 1SW · Korean restaurant, Asian fusion restaurant, Asian restaurant · 4.8/5 Google (799 reviews)

Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating

Compact Korean quick-service spot delivering flavorful fried chicken, jjigae, and rice bowls at fair prices, but expect disposable serveware, limited seating, and occasional spice/portion variability.

Why it gets a B+ for overall quality

Kimchimama delivers solid neighborhood dining through strong food quality—particularly standout fried chicken and jjigae—paired with exceptional service speed and fair value. However, tight seating and cramped conditions limit the experience, while recent portion and spice variability prevents grade A territory. A reliable quick-service gem for Korean comfort food, best enjoyed as takeaway or during off-peak hours.

Restaurant Summary

The room feels small and bustling, a cozy counter-ordering spot where trays land quickly and bowls arrive steaming. Diners praise the team as friendly and hard-working, with one noting, "food came hot and fast, exactly what I wanted." However, the setup is intentionally casual: disposable serveware, limited seating, and occasional queues at peak times. The cooking leans toward comforting Korean classics like fried chicken, bibimbap, and jjigae, with a few modern touches rather than high-concept theatrics. The culinary approach leans familiar and produce-driven: straightforward flavors with the odd twist, such as jalapeno mayo chicken or poke. Expect well-seasoned, hot plates; a minority of diners found the gochujang sweeter than traditional, but most agree the fried chicken is a standout. Families should know the space is tight and informal, and spice can be assertive. That said, there are kid-friendly options like corn dogs and katsu, plus plain rice; ask for milder sauces if needed. No dedicated kids menu, and seating is limited, so early visits or takeaway keep things easy.

At a Glance

Fried chicken and kimchi jjigae win consistent praise
Prices are fair for central London with filling portions
Disposable plates and cutlery detract from dine-in feel
Space is cramped; seating limited and noisy at peaks
Spice and sweetness levels vary; not ideal for very picky eaters

What Sets It Apart

house_made_kimchi
high_quality_korean_fried_chicken
quick_service_kiosk_ordering

What People Love

Crisp fried chicken with bold sauces
Hearty, steaming bowls that feel homemade
Fast service with ordering tablets
House-made kimchi that lifts every bite

Points of Concern

Disposable serveware and self-service format may feel too casual for dine-in
Reports of portion variability and occasional out-of-stock items during busy periods
Spice and sweetness balance divides opinions, especially on bibimbap/gochujang
Isolated hygiene complaints (hair in food and a food-poisoning claim) contrasted by mostly clean reports

Service & Dining Experience

Service StyleCounter With Seating Average Cost£18-25 per person ReservationsNot required

What to Order

Value combo: Mandu (£4.30) + Bibimbap (£9.30) + Kimchi (£2.80) for a filling under-£20 meal
Comfort set: Kimchi Jjigae (£10.50) + Steamed Rice (£2.50) when you want warmth and spice
Kid-leaning order: Corn dog (£4.30) + Chicken Katsu (£11.50) with sauce on the side

Perfect For

A quick lunch near Victoria
Casual weeknight takeaway
Solo meal on the go
Small groups seeking Korean comfort food

Location Insights

Area: Quiet residential-meets-worker daytime hub near Victoria, with a mix of locals, office workers, and travelers.

Safety: Generally safe, well-trafficked by day and early evening; typical central London footfall.

Nearby: Near Victoria Station corridors, hotels, offices, and neighborhood retail; good for quick meals and takeaway.

PimlicoAn affluent residential neighborhood known for its elegant Georgian and Victorian townhouses, situated near government buildings with a sophisticated urban dining scene featuring boutique restaurants and cafes.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Monday11:30–21:00 Tuesday11:30–21:00 Wednesday11:30–21:00 Thursday11:30–21:00 Friday11:30–21:00 Saturday11:30–21:00 Sunday

Available: Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating

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