New Malden · Food & family stays

New Malden’s Koreatown: Korean food, local culture and a family stay

By Staylio · 4 October 2026

New Malden brings together Korean restaurants, food shops and a long-established Korean community in south-west London. For visitors coming to see relatives, or families who want Korean food and grocery shopping to be part of their London trip, it is an area worth considering. A house with a kitchen gives you the option of breakfast at home, lunch out and an evening meal around your own dining table.

The choice comes down to your plans. Staying in New Malden puts the local area at the centre of your trip, while central London sightseeing requires a journey. Compare the places you will visit most often before choosing your base.

Where to start with Korean food

New Malden High Street makes a useful starting point. Imone, at 169 High Street, describes itself as a family-run restaurant serving Korean comfort food. Its menu includes broths, stone-bowl dishes and street-food choices. Choose dishes around your group's preferences and ask the restaurant directly about allergens and spice levels.

For a barbecue meal, Imone BBQ is a separate neighbouring venue. Check the restaurant's current menu and booking arrangements before setting out. With children, ask about the table setup when booking and supervise them around cooking surfaces.

There is no need to fit every meal into one day. If you are staying locally, choose one restaurant visit and leave another evening free for groceries and cooking together.

Korean supermarkets and meals at home

H Mart's New Malden store is listed at Unit 1, Leigh Close. Korea Foods also identifies New Malden as the location of its largest store. These are useful starting points for planning a grocery stop; check the exact branch location and current opening hours before travelling.

For a short stay, buy around the meals you actually intend to cook. Leave refrigerated purchases until the end of your outing so you can take them back to the house. If a particular appliance matters to your cooking, check it with your accommodation before booking rather than assuming that every kitchen includes it.

Explore the community beyond restaurants

Kingston Heritage has developed free community trails with local communities, including the Korean community. Access them through its Bloomberg Connects guide and check the individual stops before planning your route. This adds local history and community perspectives to a food-focused visit.

For another day, the Korean Cultural Centre UK offers a changing cultural programme in central London. Treat it as a separate outing: consult the current programme for exhibitions, activities, booking requirements and age suitability rather than assuming an event is running during your stay.

A relaxed local day

1. 1.

   Explore the community trail

2. 2.

   Lunch on the High Street

3. 3.

   Groceries, then home

Start with the community guide and choose the stops that interest your family. Plan lunch on the High Street, then make a grocery stop before returning to your accommodation. Keep the afternoon flexible, especially if you are travelling with younger children or relatives who prefer a shorter day.

This is a suggested sequence, not a timed walking route. Check distances from your booked property, venue opening hours and transport for the day you travel. For wider London outings, use the South Western Railway journey planner and include the journey between the house and your departure station.

Choosing a family house in New Malden

Staylio's three-bedroom New Malden house has two king beds and one single bed in its bedrooms. That gives up to five people bedroom sleeping places when the king beds are shared. The advertised maximum of eight also uses a double sofa bed and an air mattress.

The kitchen, six-seat dining table and garden give you options for spending time at the house between outings. There is one full bathroom and a separate WC, and the house spans two levels. Consider those details alongside your group's size: eight sleeping places do not mean eight dining chairs or a bedroom bed for every guest.

Travel cots and high chairs must be pre-ordered, with availability, charges and supplied items confirmed for your stay. Laundry access also needs arranging. Compare the total price for your dates and your planned travel costs when deciding whether the house suits your trip.

Questions before you book

Is New Malden only for Korean visitors?

No. The restaurants, shops and community trail can interest anyone. It may be a particularly useful base if your visit centres on family, friends or activities in the area.

Can a family of five use the bedrooms?

The house has two king beds and one single bed across three bedrooms. Five people can use those beds if sharing the king beds suits their group.

Is it cheaper than central London?

That depends on your dates, group size and the alternatives available. Compare total accommodation prices, fees and travel costs before deciding.