12 Dishes to try in South Korea
My fascination with South Korea cuisine began a long time ago. During my teenage years, I resided in a neighborhood mostly populated by South Korea immigrants in California. The majority of my high school buddies either came from South Korea or had Korean roots. In college, my roommates were both Korean and they enjoyed dining out in Los Angeles’ Korea town or preparing Korean dishes at home. Being in their company allowed me to become knowledgeable in South Korean cuisine, despite not being fluent in the language.
So imagine my excitement when I finally got to visit Seoul! I felt like I was truly going to food heaven.
1. Spicy Korean Ramyun – topped with Processed Cheese!
I admit, it may seem unusual at first. I was hesitant when I first heard about it as well, but I soon realized that cheese and Ramyun make a surprisingly delicious combination!
In both South Korea and Korean-American communities, it’s a popular practice to add a slice of cheese to a steaming bowl of Ramyun. However, it’s important to note that it’s typically cheap processed cheese, such as Kraft singles, that’s used for this dish.
As the cheese melts, it mixes with the piquant broth and creates a mildly creamy consistency that complements the dish perfectly. Additionally, the cheese acts as a natural coolant and reduces the spiciness to a certain extent. It’s akin to a zesty macaroni and cheese, but with a Korean twist.
2. Korean Stuffed Rice Roll (Kimbap)
Do you know what I did as soon as I arrived in Seoul? I went on the hunt for some Kimbap! This Korean delicacy is an incredibly satisfying snack that consists of white rice, meat, and vegetables rolled in dried seaweed.
Indeed, Kimbap may resemble the Japanese Maki sushi rolls in appearance, but the taste is quite distinct. Unlike Maki rolls, all the ingredients in Kimbap are cooked through. Moreover, the dish is seasoned with sesame oil, which lends a unique and robust flavor that sets it apart from Japanese sushi rolls. But most importantly, Kimbap is incredibly delectable and a must-try for all food enthusiasts.
3. Korean Savory Pancake (Pajeon)
Traditional Korean pancakes are made with a unique variety of rice flour that provides them with a denser and more elastic texture, resulting in a crispy yet chewy bite that distinguishes them from typical Western-style pancakes.
Pajeon, a type of Korean pancake, is typically served in two variations: Green Onion Pajeon and Seafood Pajeon. The pancake is sliced into small squares and served with light soy sauce for dipping. To fully enjoy this dish, it’s recommended to have a side of Kimchi, which complements the flavors of the pancake.
4. Korean Soup, soup, and more soup!
I love soup and there is definitely no shortage of hot soup in Korean cuisine, which is why it’s one of my favorites. Korean soups are not bland. They are packed with flavor, very nutritious and comforting.
In the image, you can see three of the most popular Korean soups, listed from left to right:
- Doenjang Jjigae – A hearty stew made from Korean soybean paste.
- Kimchi Soup – A soup consisting of Kimchi, vegetables, and sliced tofu.
- Sundubu – A spicy and savory soft tofu soup, which happens to be my personal favorite! It’s typically served steaming hot and accompanied by a raw egg, which you can crack into the soup and let cook.
5. Korean Street Food
As evident from my Instagram, I have an insatiable appetite for street food, and South Korea certainly does not disappoint in that aspect. The country is teeming with street food vendors, and you can find them in almost any bustling area of Seoul. Simply walk down the street, and you’re sure to come across a vibrant lineup of food carts offering an array of delectable street foods.
One of the staple Korean street foods that you must try is Spicy Rice Cake or Tteokbokki. It’s a popular menu item in restaurants as well, and consists of boiled rice cakes smothered in gochujang chili sauce. Although it sounds simple, it makes for a comforting snack, particularly during the cold winter months.
Another must-try street food is Korean Pancake with Brown Sugar filling, known as Hotteok. To fully appreciate its delectable flavor, make sure to get them fresh off the fryer. That first bite, where the brown sugar filling melts into your mouth, is sure to be a memorable experience in Seoul.
6. Korean BBQ
Korean BBQ is a beloved dish by many, and for good reason! Despite its widespread popularity now, it’s interesting to note that the concept of meat consumption was relatively new to South Koreans. Historically, meat was considered a luxury item and was quite expensive. It wasn’t until the 20th century that Koreans started consuming more meat, which ultimately led to the popularization of Korean BBQ. Nowadays, Korean BBQ restaurants are a common sight in many cities worldwide, offering an interactive and delicious dining experience.
Korean BBQ has become increasingly popular in Korea as well, with many specialized BBQ restaurants opening up in major cities. The quality of the meat used in Korean BBQ is of utmost importance, and the meat is usually marinated in a mix of soy sauce, garlic, sugar, and other ingredients to give it a sweet and savory flavor.
Aside from Galbi, other popular meats for Korean BBQ include Samgyeopsal (pork belly), Bulgogi (thinly sliced marinated beef), and Dak Galbi (spicy marinated chicken). The meat is usually grilled right at the table, with diners cutting off pieces of meat as it cooks and wrapping it in lettuce or perilla leaves with other condiments like garlic, ssamjang (a spicy dipping sauce), and kimchi.
It’s definitely an experience not to be missed when visiting Korea!
You’re right that eating less carbs can be a healthy choice for some people, but it’s important to remember that everyone’s nutritional needs are different. While some people may benefit from a low-carb diet, others may need more carbs for energy. It’s important to find a balance that works for your individual needs and lifestyle.
7. Dak Galbi from Chuncheon
Yes, Dak Galbi is a delicious and popular dish in South Korea, especially among young people. It’s typically cooked and served at the table using a large, flat pan. The chicken is marinated in a spicy sauce made with Gochujang, soy sauce, sugar, and other seasonings, and then stir-fried with various vegetables such as cabbage, onions, and sweet potatoes. Rice cakes (tteok) and cheese are also common additions to the dish. It’s usually served with a side of lettuce leaves or perilla leaves, which are used to wrap the chicken and vegetables, adding a refreshing crunch and a burst of flavor.
8. Beer and Korean Fried Chicken (Chimaek)
Humankind had been drinking beer for a very long time. Likewise, humankind had been deep frying chicken and consuming them for a very long time as well. Somewhere along the way, smart Koreans figured out that fried chicken and beer goes really, really well together and made this an actual drinking tradition.
Yes, that’s right! Chimaek has become an iconic part of Korean drinking culture and is often enjoyed with friends or colleagues after work or on weekends. It’s a great way to relax and socialize while enjoying delicious fried chicken and beer. Some popular places to get Chimaek in Seoul include Kyochon Chicken, BBQ Chicken, and BHC Chicken.
9. Makgeolli (Korean Sparkling Rice Wine)
Makgeolli is a traditional Korean rice wine made from a mixture of boiled rice, water, and nuruk, a fermentation starter. It has a milky, opaque appearance and a slightly sweet and tangy taste, with a low alcohol content of around 6-8%. It is often served in bowls or small bottles and is a popular drink to accompany Korean bar snacks such as Jeon, as well as savory dishes like Jjajangmyeon. In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in Makgeolli, with many new artisanal varieties being produced by small breweries across Korea.
10. Patbingsoo (Korean Shaved Ice)
Although shaved ice is not an uncommon dessert, South Korea takes it to a whole new level with Patbingsoo. Unlike regular shaved ice made with water, Patbingsoo uses milk to create a thin, snow-like texture that is incredibly delicious. It is typically served with red beans and rice cake or powdered sesame seeds and rice cake, making for a perfect combination of flavors and textures.
11. Banana Milk
This drink, beloved by many Koreans for its nostalgic value and adored by visitors for its delicious taste, may come as a surprise to some. Despite being a store-bought canned drink, the unique bottle packaging caught the attention of many. At first, my friend suggested I try it when I arrived in Seoul, but I was hesitant. However, after seeing it everywhere, I gave in and was pleasantly surprised. Who knew that the combination of banana and milk could taste so good? This drink holds a special place in the hearts of many Koreans as it is often associated with childhood memories and is a popular choice for kids.
12. Kalguksu (Korean Knife-cut Noodle Soup)
Kalguksu is a type of traditional Korean soup noodle, typically made by hand from wheat flour and cut with knives. Although the noodle may appear plain at first glance, it is anything but. The handmade noodle has a unique texture that is both slippery and bouncy, while the flavorful broth is sure to impress.
And that’s my favorite, must try food and drinks while you are in South Korea! If you want more recommendation on Seoul, I have these posts you might want to check out:
Source: https://bit.ly/2IfZN9J
