10 Must Try Korean Dishes When Travelling In Korea
Korea is not only well known for it’s trendsetting fashion, skincare and make up products, but also the flavourful cuisine. We all have seen a few Korean BBQ restaurants here and there, but Korean cuisine is so much more than that, and when travelling in Korea it’s a great opportunity to try their authentic local food. The most exciting part of visiting Korea is not just sightseeing and shopping but finding great street side stalls and small restaurants that serve home-style Korean cuisine, experiencing how locals eat.
Kimchi
There are a variety of Kimchi in Korea, but not the ones we see in the supermarkets. It has been part of a long tradition that Korean meals are served with multiple small side dishes (banchan) and they are usually different varieties of kimchi. If you want to experience the kimchi culture in Korea, then visiting Namdaemun and its endless stalls that sell home-made kimchi will be a one of a kind experience.
Sundae
Sundae is one of those more unique Korean dishes and it is a type of blood sausage made with pig or cow intestines and is a popular street food that people buy as a snack. There are various ways of making Sundae, however, the most traditional and popular way is by mixing pork blood with rice noodles and sticky rice. The thought of this might scare you but it is very similar to what we are more most accustomed to – black pudding. If you are adventurous and want to try it out, most restaurants serve this dish.
Korean fried chicken
Korean fried chicken paired with beer is a cult food that young people love and the variety of fried chicken in Korea can get your head in, since there are so many choices that you won’t know where to begin. This Korean dish is eaten as a snack or meal amongst friends during night outs or simply as a takeaway. Korean fried chicken is different from those that we see in the fast food chains, instead, they are all freshly battered and made daily.
Kimbap
The Korean version of sushi and the combinations are incredibly flavourful, the usual fillings consist of bulgogi, kimchi, seaweed, cucumber, spam, egg rolls and pickled vegetables. Although there are various combinations of kimbap, however, each one tastes amazing and is a great sharing dish that Koreans love to bring to the dinner table.
Sundubu-jjigae
Korean dishes revolve around having some type of soup with a bowl of rice and side dishes. Sundubu jjigae is made with tofu and eggs, the base can be a little bit spicy as they make it with kimchi and Korean chilli peppers. When you travel to Korea you will realise the importance of jjigae in their meals.
Samgye-tang
Samgye-tang is made with ginseng and a whole young chicken filled with garlic, rice and jujube. The rice is stuffed in the chicken to soak in the aroma and once your dish is served pair it with some of their house kimchi and enjoy!
Pajeon
Pajeon is the Korean version of a pancake but it is usually savoury with the main ingredient of scallions, in addition, sometimes they add seafood or kimchi, occasionally with the addition of some cheese to accentuate the flavours. These are eaten as part of the main meal or as a snack and you will be able to find this in every restaurant and night market food stalls.
Tteokbokki
One of the most well known and popular Korean dishes and comes in endless variations. Tteokbokki is stir fried Korean rice cakes make from guchujang (Korean chili paste) and every chef has their own way of making the sauce and that’s why every tteokbokki taste different. It is one of those must try dishes, and to be honest, most people falls in love with this Korean dish once they try it.
Jajangmyeon
This is a Chinese Korean noodle dish topped with a thick sauce made of black bean sauce, diced pork, and vegetables. It is one of those staple Korean dishes that people order or make at home regularly. this dish is deeply embedded in the childhood memories of most Koreans, and is a symbolic dish that parents treat their children with on special occasions.
Tteok
Tteok is enjoyed as a dessert and some variations are considered seasonal delicacies that are shared amongst family and friends during new year and various festive events. It ranges from different colours, fragrances, shapes and flavours. Today, there are shops that specialises in making tteok and looking for one in Korea is quite easy, why not try a few pieces while you’re at it and experience a new world of desserts.
