Kanji Balham is a Korean restaurant at 5 Hildreth Street in the heart of Balham. The kitchen brings together comforting rice bowls, noodles, fried chicken and smaller plates in a relaxed neighbourhood setting. Diners can build a quick meal around one main dish or order several starters, sides and sauces to share across the table.
Vegetarian dumplings, prawn tempura and crisp pajeon pancakes provide appealing beginnings with plenty of contrast in texture. Fresh salad, edamame, seaweed, kimchi and miso soup can accompany the richer dishes. These smaller choices also make it easy to add freshness, spice or savoury depth to a larger meal.
Bibimbap is offered with vegetables, grilled chicken or beef bulgogi, combining rice with colourful toppings in a satisfying bowl. Chicken katsu curry brings crisp chicken and a smooth, warming sauce, while teriyaki and sweet, sour and spicy preparations take the menu in different directions. Korean fried chicken can be ordered original, glazed with soy or coated in a lively sweet and spicy sauce.
Noodle choices include Korean ramen, black bean jjajang ramen and udon, giving diners options from warming broth to a darker, deeply savoury sauce. Chips, slaw and rice round out the familiar sides. Citron, passionfruit and grapefruit drinks, served as bright ades or soothing teas, provide a distinctive finish to the restaurant’s broad Korean selection.
Address: 5 Hildreth Street, Balham, London SW12 9RQ, United Kingdom