Best Korean Food To Try In Korea

Are you a food lover and planning a trip to Korea but unsure of what to try? Korean cuisine offers a wide range of delicious dishes that you cannot afford to miss. From the spicy and flavorful kimchi to the savory and tender bulgogi, there are so many choices to tantalize your taste buds.

Top Korean Foods To Try

🍚 Bibimbap – A popular Korean dish consisting of rice, vegetables, meat, egg, and chili paste, all mixed together to create a delightful flavor explosion.

🍗 Fried Chicken – Korean fried chicken is known for its crispy exterior and juicy, tender meat. It’s often served with a variety of sauces, and it’s the perfect snack or meal.

🍲 Jjigae – A hearty Korean stew made with meat, vegetables, tofu, and chili paste. It’s often served in a hot pot and is perfect for warming up on a cold day.

🥟 Mandu – Korean dumplings filled with meat, vegetables, or kimchi. They’re often served steamed, boiled, or fried, and are the perfect snack or appetizer.

🍜 Ramyeon – Korean instant noodles that come in a variety of flavors and are perfect for a quick and easy meal.

🥩 Samgyeopsal – Korean grilled pork belly that’s often served with lettuce leaves, garlic, and chili paste. Wrap the meat in a lettuce leaf with the toppings and enjoy the explosion of flavors.

🍲 Sundubu-jjigae – A spicy Korean stew made with soft tofu, vegetables, and seafood. It’s perfect for those who love a kick of spice in their food.

Introduction

Korean food has become increasingly popular in recent years, and it’s not hard to see why. With its bold flavors, unique ingredients, and health benefits, Korean cuisine has something for everyone. Whether you’re a meat lover or a vegan, there are plenty of dishes to satisfy your cravings. In this article, we’ll explore the best Korean foods to try in Korea and everything you need to know before embarking on your culinary journey.

The History of Korean Cuisine

Korean cuisine has a long and fascinating history that dates back over 2,000 years. Over time, Korean food has been influenced by neighboring countries such as China and Japan, as well as the Mongol Empire and Western cultures. Korean food is also heavily influenced by the seasons, with different dishes being served during different times of the year.

The Ingredients of Korean Cuisine

Korean cuisine is known for its use of fresh, healthy ingredients. Some of the most common ingredients include rice, vegetables, meat, seafood, tofu, and chili paste. Korean food also makes use of a variety of spices and herbs, such as garlic, ginger, and sesame oil, to create unique and flavorful dishes.

The Health Benefits of Korean Food

Korean food is not only delicious, but it’s also healthy. Many traditional Korean dishes are low in fat and high in protein, making them perfect for those trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Korean food is also known for its probiotic-rich fermented foods, such as kimchi, which can improve digestive health.

Where to Find the Best Korean Food in Korea

If you’re planning a trip to Korea, you’re in luck – there are plenty of delicious restaurants and street vendors to choose from. Some of the best places to find Korean food include traditional markets such as Gwangjang Market in Seoul, and Jeonju Hanok Village in Jeonju.

How to Order Korean Food

Ordering Korean food can be a little daunting if you’re not familiar with the dishes. However, most restaurants will have English menus available, and many dishes have pictures to help you choose. It’s also worth noting that many Korean restaurants serve dishes family-style, meaning that everyone at the table shares the same dishes.

Etiquette When Eating Korean Food

Korean food has its own set of etiquette rules that are worth knowing before you tuck in. For example, it’s polite to use chopsticks when eating, and to use the spoon provided for soup or rice. It’s also customary to wait for the oldest person at the table to start eating before you begin.

Best Korean Food To Try In Korea

With so many delicious Korean dishes to choose from, it can be hard to know where to start. Here are some of the best Korean foods to try when you’re in Korea:

Bibimbap

Bibimbap is a must-try Korean dish that’s both healthy and delicious. It typically consists of rice, vegetables, meat, egg, and chili paste, all mixed together to create a flavorful and nutritious meal. You can find bibimbap at most Korean restaurants, and it’s a great option for both lunch and dinner.

Fried Chicken

Korean fried chicken is a popular snack or meal in Korea. It’s known for its crispy texture and juicy, tender meat. Korean fried chicken is often served with a variety of sauces, such as sweet and spicy, soy garlic, and honey butter, depending on your preference.

Jjigae

Jjigae is a hearty Korean stew that’s perfect for warming up on a cold day. It typically consists of meat, vegetables, tofu, and chili paste, and is often served in a hot pot. Some popular types of jjigae include kimchi jjigae, doenjang jjigae, and sundubu-jjigae.

Mandu

Mandu is a type of Korean dumpling that’s filled with either meat, vegetables, or kimchi. They’re often served steamed, boiled, or fried, and are the perfect snack or appetizer. Some popular types of mandu include kimchi mandu, jjinmandu, and wangmandu.

Ramyeon

Ramyeon is a type of Korean instant noodles that come in a variety of flavors. They’re easy to prepare and perfect for a quick and easy meal. Some popular flavors of ramyeon include Shin Ramyun, Neoguri, and Jin Ramen.

Samgyeopsal

Samgyeopsal is a popular Korean dish that consists of grilled pork belly. It’s often served with lettuce leaves, garlic, and chili paste, which you use to wrap the meat and toppings before eating. Samgyeopsal is a great option for a fun and interactive meal with friends or family.

Sundubu-jjigae

Sundubu-jjigae is a spicy Korean stew that’s made with soft tofu, vegetables, and seafood. It’s perfect for those who love a kick of spice in their food. Sundubu-jjigae is often served in a hot pot and can be enjoyed on its own or with a side of rice.

FAQs

What is the most popular Korean food?

Kimchi is probably the most popular Korean food. It’s a spicy and savory fermented cabbage dish that’s often served as a side dish or used as a flavoring in other dishes.

What is the national dish of Korea?

Bulgogi is often considered to be the national dish of Korea. It’s a marinated beef dish that’s grilled or stir-fried, and is often served with rice and vegetables.

Is Korean food healthy?

Yes, Korean food is generally considered to be healthy. Many traditional Korean dishes are low in fat and high in protein, making them perfect for those trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Korean food is also known for its probiotic-rich fermented foods, such as kimchi, which can improve digestive health.

What is the spiciest Korean dish?

Dakgalbi is often considered to be the spiciest Korean dish. It’s a stir-fried chicken dish that’s marinated in a spicy sauce made with chili paste and other spices.

What is a typical Korean breakfast?

A typical Korean breakfast often consists of rice, soup, and several side dishes, such as kimchi, pickled vegetables, and eggs. Other popular breakfast items include juk (rice porridge), banchan (side dishes), and kimbap (rice rolls).

What is a banchan?

Banchan are small side dishes that are served with Korean meals. They can include a variety of dishes, such as kimchi, pickled vegetables, tofu, and seafood, and are meant to be shared among the table.

What is the difference between bulgogi and galbi?

Bulgogi is a marinated beef dish that’s often grilled or stir-fried, while galbi is a marinated beef or pork rib dish that’s grilled. Bulgogi is often served with rice and vegetables, while galbi is often served as a main course.

What is the best Korean food for vegetarians?

Bibimbap is a