Recently, South Korea’s culture has become really popular worldwide. It’s called the Hallyu wave, and it’s not just about music and dramas, but also beauty products and food. Korean cuisine, in particular, is getting a lot of attention. People everywhere are excited to try new Korean dishes and are lining up at Korean restaurants. We’re going to tell you about some of the best Korean dishes you should try. Keep reading to find out more!
KIMCHI
Kimchi is a famous Korean food that many people love. It’s made by fermenting vegetables like cabbage and radishes with spices like chili pepper, garlic, and ginger. Depending on how long it’s fermented, kimchi can taste spicy, tangy, or a bit sweet. It’s not just tasty, but also good for you because it has healthy bacteria and vitamins. People often eat it with meals in Korea.
BIBIMBAP
Bibimbap means “mixed rice” in Korean, and it’s a yummy dish that looks great too! It starts with a bowl of rice, and then you add lots of colorful stuff on top like veggies, meat or tofu, and an egg. You mix it all up with spicy red pepper paste called “gochujang” before eating. It’s a mix of flavors and textures that taste awesome together!
Tteokbokki
Tteokbokki is a popular Korean street snack. It’s made with chewy rice cakes cooked in a spicy and a little sweet sauce called gochujang. Sometimes it’s served with fish cakes and boiled eggs, giving it different textures and tastes. People of all ages love this spicy treat, and it’s a must-try if you’re exploring Korean street food.
BULGOGI
Bulgogi is a popular Korean barbecue dish that people really enjoy. It’s called “fire meat” because it’s grilled. First, the meat is soaked in a yummy sauce made with soy sauce, sugar, garlic, and other tasty things. Then it’s cooked on the grill until it’s tender and flavorful. You can eat it with lettuce leaves or rice and make your own tasty wraps or bowls.
JAPCHAE
Japchae is a tasty dish made with clear noodles, pork, and different veggies cooked in soy sauce. It’s often served at big gatherings like parties and potlucks.
There’s no strict rule about which veggies to use, but most recipes include mushrooms, carrots, spinach, onions, and leeks.
SAMGYEOPSAL
Samgyeopsal means pork belly in Korean, and it’s a must-have at Korean BBQ places.
Eating at a samgyeopsal restaurant is a fun experience! You’ll hear laughter, smell sizzling pork on the grill, and people asking for more food.
The pork belly is served with lettuce, perilla leaves, onions, and garlic. You can dip the meat in ssamjang sauce or sprinkle it with salt and pepper mixed with sesame oil.
JJAJANGMYEON
Jjajangmyeon is a favorite noodle dish in South Korea. It’s made with thick noodles covered in a yummy black bean sauce. The sauce has stir-fried veggies and sometimes meat in it. It tastes really good with a mix of savory, sweet, and salty flavors. People love ordering it for takeout because it’s a tasty and filling meal.
SUNDUBU JJIGAE
Soft Tofu Stew is a unique and tasty dish. It’s a popular Korean stew made with tofu, veggies, meat, seafood, and spicy chili paste. It’s served in a big stone bowl with rice and kimchi on the side. There are different versions of this stew depending on where you are, but they all have surprising flavors that make them delicious.
KIMBAP
Gimbap or Kimbap is a famous Korean street food that looks similar to sushi rolls. It’s made with rice, meat, spinach, and cooked veggies wrapped in seaweed. The roll is cut into small pieces and served with kimchi on the side. If you visit Seoul, you should definitely give it a try!
KOREAN FRIED CHICKEN
In the past, South Koreans mostly ate steamed or boiled chicken. But during the war, American troops introduced them to fried chicken. Koreans liked it so much that they changed the recipe, making the batter different and frying it twice to make it super crispy. Now, Korean fried chicken is really popular and comes in many flavors like spicy, sweet and sour, and sticky. If you love chicken, you should definitely try it!