There might be a few dishes that come to mind when you think of Korean food. From the staple fried chicken to the online sensation that is tteokbokki, veggie’s delight bibimbap to the vibrant kimchi – there are certain things that you’ll just need to try when you visit Korea.
But true foodies know that the treasures also lie beyond the trends – that it’s where local traditions and regional customs meet that you find some of the most delicious cuisines around. So, if you want to know what the best things to eat in Korea are, look no further. Taking you from the capital Seoul to the island paradise of Jeju, we’ve rounded up some of our lesser-known favourites – and some of the good old classics.
For the Street Foodies
When you’re busy exploring Korea, you might not have time to sit down and indulge in one of the amazing set meals. So, what do you do? You find a local vendor and grab something tasty to snack on while you’re on the move.
- Mandu is Korea’s traditional dumpling. Known for their versatility – they can be filled, effectively, with anything you like – it makes them a perfect snack for even the fussiest of palates. Whether you like a traditional pork, a spicy kimchi or a fresh shrimp, there’ll be a steamed or pan-fried mandu to suit you while you’re on the move. Stuffed with noodles and veg, you’ll be able to find endless variations while you explore the country.
- Fried chicken – now, we know this is an obvious one, but sometimes things are obvious because they’re great. While some form of fried chicken has been around for centuries, KFC (that’s Korean fried chicken, thank you) is a product of the late 50s and 60s, before taking off fully in the 70s with the establishment of national restaurant chains. Characterised by a deliciously crispy batter and rich sauces full of Korean flavour, wherever you go in Korea you’ll find a regional variation to obsess over.
- Though kimbap might have an obvious Japanese counterpart, the Korean specialty is a freshing, versatile snack that firmly deserves investigating on any trip to Korea. Taken from the words for seaweed (‘kim’) and rice (‘bap’), it’s exactly what it says on the tin – rice, with some form of meat or fish and vegetables, wrapped in seaweed. While sushi uses raw fish, kimbap features cooked or pickled ingredients – usually found served with kimchi, it’s a staple of any lunch.
Food for the soul
There’s nothing nicer than a rich dish – and luckily, Korea does it very, very well. Especially tasty when the weather cools down, these regional dishes make for an excellent winter warmer, but they’re delicious any time of the year.
- Gochujang bulgogi – if you’re a fan of spice, then gochujang is going to be an ingredient you’ll want to look out for whilst you’re in Korea. Enough to give you the the chilli taste but not enough to overpower the dish, gochujang is made from red chilli and fermented soybeans. Described in some places as a cross between sriracha and miso, its flavour makes it a delicious compliment in bulgogi, marinated beef that’s often barbequed to make it extra tasty.
- For a proper dose of comfort food, try kimchi jjigae. This stew uses the fermented staple to full effect, combining it with fatty pork to create a hearty stew that’s packed full of tofu, cabbage, and onions. It’s one of the most common dishes you’ll find, served all over Korea – so if you miss your chance in one location, you’ll be sure to find it wherever you go.
- Much like the fried chicken, tteokbokki is another obvious must-try, and it’s one that’s taken the internet by storm in recent years. It’s popular for good reason though, and the texture combinations of the chewy rice cakes, eomuk (fishcakes) and spicy red broth make for a delightful meal. For an extra whack of flavour, opt for a version that’s topped with cheese, which melts into the broth to create the ultimate cheese pull.
For the carb lovers
If there’s one thing you’ll find without even having to try in Korea, it’s a good carb dish. Menus are packed to the rafters with noodles, rice bowls and delicious pancakes, so we’ve picked a couple that we think are a must-try when you next visit.
- Shirking the tradition of being served hot, milmyeon is a broth packed with wheat noodles that’s best served ice – yes, icy – cold. Topped with lots of pickled veggies, egg, and meats like beef if you’d like it, it’s a hearty dish that’s equally as cooling on a warm day as it is filling. You’ll find it done especially well in Busan, the city of origin – Taste Atlas has the top 3 milmyeon restaurants in the world located here.
- Bibimap – the tried, the true, the staple. This delicious rice bowl is filled with sauteed vegetables and can be accompanied by meat and a fried egg, but it’s also a great alternative option for veggies and vegans alike. Wherever you go in Korea you’ll find a bibimbap dish to suit you, but Seoul is especially great for it.
- For those after a slightly lighter dinner, pajeon might be for you. While ‘jeon’ as a whole is a type of pancake or fritter that’s commonplace in Korea, pajeon is a variety which features green onions (scallions) as the main ingredient. While on its own, it’s a delicious veggie appetizer, you’ll often find haemul pajeon, which also features seafood like shrimp or squid.
Hungry, and ready to explore Korea?
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