South Korea is not only famous for K-Pop and K-Drama but for gastronomic adventure. From sizzling, cheesy street food to intricate delicate cuisine, exploring the culinary delights of South Korea is a journey for six senses. As Korean culinary discovery is as diverse as its landscapes, in this article we will introduce must-eat food in Seoul first. Let’s dive into the list
1. Odeng (fish cake skewers)
This iconic dish consists of fishcake skewered on wooden sticks and stewed in a aromatic and flavorful broth. Not only can you enjoy the fishcake itself but drinking the broth in Korea winter is so rewarding, especially in Korea winter. Normally you see fishcake in ball form but swiggle form of Odeng make it easier to eat without losing its chewy texture.
2. Bindaetteok (Mung Bean Pancakes)
Mung bean are mashed then mixed with vegetables. It is a good vegetarian choice when travelling to Korea. It also comes in non-vegetarian with ground meat as well. It is often served dipping sauce made of soy sauce. Eating hot and freshly made is the best experience you don’t wanna miss.
3. Samgyeopsal (Korean-style BBQ)
For a barbecue experience, indulge in samgyeopsal. This dish features thick slices of pork belly grilled at the table. Some restaurants offer wide range of meat that you can choose from. Enjoy it with a variety of dipping sauces, fresh vegetables, and banchan (Korean side dishes). These pickles are mostly tangy and spicy. Wrapping up 1 slice of pork and some pickles in fresh leave and try to have all in 1 bite. The taste will blooming in your mouth.
4. Japchae (Mixed glass noodles)
Japchae is a savory dish made with stir-fried glass noodles, carrots, cucumbers, and some proteins (beef, eggs…). The marriage of ingredients creates a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.
5. Tteokbokki (Sweet and Spicy Rice Cakes)
Street food lovers will delight in tteokbokki, a popular iconic snack consisting of chewy rice cakes bathed in a sweet and spicy gochujang-based sauce. Often served with fish cakes, green onion, sesame sprinkled on top, this dish offers a perfect balance of heat and sweetness. In some food stalls, you can even customize it spicier or sweeter to your liking.
6. Hotteok (Fried pancake)
Satisfy your sweet tooth with hotteok – a Korean pancake filled with brown sugar, honey, chopped peanuts, and cinnamon. It has cheese version as well which is getting more popular. Hotteoks are often enjoyed during the winter months because of their comforting taste.
7. Sundubu-jjigae (Tofu Hot Soup)
Want something to hot to slurp? Try sundubu-jjigae, a hot and spicy stew featuring uncurdled tofu, vegetables, sometimes meat, and gochujang or gochugaru (chili powder). This comfort dish is often served with a raw egg cracked into the bubbling stew. With the heat of the soup, the egg will soon turn into a sunny-side-up. The softness of Korean tofu will make you feel like it is melting in your mouth.
South Korea’s cuisine is a mix of complex flavors and textures waiting to be explored. Whether you’re wandering through night markets, savoring street food, or dining in a restaurant, these must-try foods will provide you with a taste of the rich and diverse Korean culinary heritage. Don’t miss the chance to indulge in these delicious dishes and embark on a memorable culinary journey in South Korea.
