Ha Ru

Reviews

• Eric N.

  star star star star star 7 June 2026

  Ha-Ru may just be my all time favourite Korean Cafes in the heart of New Malden (for those of you who don't know, that's Korea Town!) and in the whole of London. The cafe offers extremely competitive pricing for delicious authentic offerings and its easy location within a minute from the station make it too good an opportunity to miss for anyone that stops by this attractive South Western area. I have been to Ha-Ru many times and believe it when I say perhaps shy of 15 times about 2 years. Being somewhat of a local person in the area (I am located in neighbouring Elmbridge borough), I am familiar with all the Korean places in the immediate vicinity and this cafe has got to be the best. I know the owner quite well and have become a regular - the staff are very friendly and they are always on time with the food. The food is consistent with each time I have been there and far more delicious than any other London-based Korean restaurant that I have been to (check out my review on Asadal as a comparison).
  
  For starters, I had the Haru Ddukokkie which is the sticky/chewy rice sticks in a spicy sauce to share between two people (perfect size). Whilst I'm not terribly fond of the food itself, the taste is exceptional for what it is. If you are familiar with Chinese traditional foods, the taste is very similar to "年糕" or rice cake that you have on New Years (usually shaped in a fish to symbolize prosperity every year). I order almost the same main every time (mixed vegetables, sliced of beef in a spicy broth soup with rice and miso soup on the side) and I never get sick of it. The spice could be spicier for my tolerance level but should be perfect for most people. The beef is cooked well-done, tender and tasty. What amazes me every time I go there is the fact that they will give you the rice with the meal whereas most London places would rather charge you for it.
  
  I can't really find a fault and there's not really much else that needs to be said. For a cafe, the kitchen certainly does produce big restaurant tastes. One thing is for sure, if I'm in New Malden eating, 9 times out of 10 you won't find me in another Korean restaurant and I've tried them all.

• Jessica C.

  star star star star star 2 June 2026

  This has really delicious sweet chilli chicken dish, where the you get lots of food at a great value. This is medium price range but it has an authentic feel. At the back room seating area you will have to sit on the floor just how you would do it in korea. It is value for money (£12 pp x4). The staff was very attentive. Love this family run business.

• ShanShan W.

  star star star star star 31 May 2026

  Authentic Korean food, we paid £25 for 2 persons, recommend the rice cake and a roast pork dish. The beef soup with vegetables is too spicy for me. I like the environment especially the fact that you can have your meals around Korean style tables.

• Natalie W.

  star star star star star_border 29 May 2026

  After being tragically turned away from Yami because we were too late for lunch (which technically finishes at 1500 but apparently turning up at 1445-1450 is not ok) we crossed the road to Ha Ru which was I was somewhat doubtful about because of its unsophisticated appearance and lack of any other customers. However, strangely (considering it was mid afternoon) the cafe rapidly filled up after our arrival.
  
  We slightly (massively) over ordered by getting two pancakes (seafood and kimchi) and then two main dishes each, but luckily I was with my Most Giant Friend and despite the horrified looks from everyone around us, both were eaten. My dolsot bibimbap was good although the egg was fried which seemed non-standard. Side dishes (banchan) were fine although not the best ever.
  
  I really like the tea they serve in these Korean restaurants, although cannot figure out why it sometimes comes cold and sometimes hot. Am I supposed to say something? ARGH.
  
  Later on the Giant Friend texted to say his mother was really worried about him because he had for the first time ever been too full for dinner. Result!

• Saeho O.

  star star star star star 28 May 2026

  Very tasty food. Staff friendly. Sometimes the food is a bit spicy. Feel like a local restaurant in Korea.