Benares (Main Branch)

About

Authentic Indian curry specialist in Korea, run by local Indian chefs. Popular with Korea University students for generous portions and affordable pricing.

# Benares: Where Korea University's Appetite for Authentic Curry Meets Modern Comfort On the second floor of a nondescript building near Anam Station, Benares has quietly maintained its post as a Seoul institution for a decade. The space announces itself with restraint—modern furnishings, a clean-lined interior, and traditional Indian caps displayed by the windows that whisper rather than shout of its origins. It's the kind of restaurant that draws lines at lunch without needing hype. The kitchen operates under Indian hands, which matters. The butter chicken curry arrives in a tomato cream sauce that tastes neither overwhelmingly foreign nor domesticated, threading the needle between accessibility and authenticity. It's genuinely creamy, the chicken substantial, the spicing present but never aggressive. First-time curry eaters navigate it without fear. The palak paneer—spinach and homemade cheese—carries a deeper earthiness, the vegetable's mineral quality anchoring the dish's richness. These aren't simplified versions but rather well-executed renditions that respect the diner's palate. The tandoori special presents turmeric-dusted chicken breast alongside grilled shrimp, serving as an appetizer that reads as healthful and composed. But the real anchor is the nan—butter-brushed, chewy, substantial enough to function as a meal companion rather than mere accompaniment. Diners receive scissors and tongs, though pulling the bread apart with hands feels more correct. The turmeric rice comes fluffy and slightly sweet, designed to absorb curry rather than compete with it. Benares permits one refill of curry and rice per person, a holdover from earlier times when the policy was unlimited. It's a reasonable compromise in inflationary times. A 1-person set costs under 10,000 won—affordable enough that students form the core clientele, yet the food carries no cheap-shortcut feeling. The mango lassi, thick and yogurt-based rather than thin, arrives sweet without aggressive sweetness. The operation moves efficiently via kiosk ordering, the dining room accommodates tables from two to four, and the owner maintains a smart store selling curry meal kits. For the Korea University corridor, where good food at fair prices is non-negotiable, Benares has earned its staying power.