What to Eat in Korea: Across the World in Eaty Days

There may be a number of dishes that come to thoughts whenever you consider Korean meals. From the staple fried hen to the net sensation that’s tteokbokki, veggie’s delight bibimbap to the colourful kimchi – there are particular issues that you just’ll simply have to attempt whenever you go to Korea.  

However true foodies know that the treasures additionally lie past the developments – that it’s the place native traditions and regional customs meet that you just discover among the most scrumptious cuisines round. So, if you wish to know what the most effective issues to eat in Korea are, look no additional. Taking you from the capital Seoul to the island paradise of Jeju, we’ve rounded up a few of our lesser-known favourites – and among the good outdated classics.  

For the Road Foodies

If you’re busy exploring Korea, you won’t have time to sit down down and take pleasure in one of many superb set meals. So, what do you do? You discover a native vendor and seize one thing tasty to snack on when you’re on the transfer.  

• Mandu is Korea’s conventional dumpling. Identified for his or her versatility – they are often crammed, successfully, with something you want – it makes them an ideal snack for even the fussiest of palates. Whether or not you want a conventional pork, a spicy kimchi or a contemporary shrimp, there’ll be a steamed or pan-fried mandu to swimsuit you when you’re on the transfer. Full of noodles and veg, you’ll be capable of discover countless variations when you discover the nation. 

• Fried hen – now, we all know that is an apparent one, however typically issues are apparent as a result of they’re nice. Whereas some type of fried hen has been round for hundreds of years, KFC (that’s Korean fried hen, thanks) is a product of the late 50s and 60s, earlier than taking off totally within the 70s with the institution of nationwide restaurant chains. Characterised by a deliciously crispy batter and wealthy sauces stuffed with Korean flavour, wherever you go in Korea you’ll discover a regional variation to obsess over.  

• Although kimbap may need an apparent Japanese counterpart, the Korean specialty is a freshing, versatile snack that firmly deserves investigating on any journey to Korea. Taken from the phrases for seaweed (‘kim’) and rice (‘bap’), it’s precisely what it says on the tin – rice, with some type of meat or fish and greens, wrapped in seaweed. Whereas sushi makes use of uncooked fish, kimbap options cooked or pickled substances – often discovered served with kimchi, it’s a staple of any lunch.  

Meals for the soul 

There’s nothing nicer than a wealthy dish – and fortuitously, Korea does it very, very properly. Particularly tasty when the climate cools down, these regional dishes make for a wonderful winter hotter, however they’re scrumptious any time of the 12 months.  

• Gochujang bulgogi – should you’re a fan of spice, then gochujang goes to be an ingredient you’ll wish to look out for while you’re in Korea. Sufficient to provide the the chilli style however not sufficient to overpower the dish, gochujang is constructed from purple chilli and fermented soybeans. Described in some locations as a cross between sriracha and miso, its flavour makes it a scrumptious praise in bulgogi, marinated beef that’s typically barbequed to make it additional tasty.  

• For a correct dose of consolation meals, attempt kimchi jjigae. This stew makes use of the fermented staple to full impact, combining it with fatty pork to create a hearty stew that’s packed stuffed with tofu, cabbage, and onions. It’s one of the vital widespread dishes you’ll discover, served throughout Korea – so should you miss your probability in a single location, you’ll be sure you discover it wherever you go.  

• Very like the fried hen, tteokbokki is one other apparent must-try, and it’s one which’s taken the web by storm in recent times. It’s well-liked for good cause although, and the feel mixtures of the chewy rice desserts, eomuk (fishcakes) and spicy purple broth make for a pleasant meal. For an additional whack of flavour, go for a model that’s topped with cheese, which melts into the broth to create the last word cheese pull.  

For the carb lovers 

If there’s one factor you’ll discover with out even having to attempt in Korea, it’s an excellent carb dish. Menus are packed to the rafters with noodles, rice bowls and scrumptious pancakes, so we’ve picked a pair that we predict are a must-try whenever you subsequent go to.  

• Shirking the custom of being served scorching, milmyeon is a broth filled with wheat noodles that’s greatest served ice – sure, icy – chilly. Topped with numerous pickled veggies, egg, and meats like beef should you’d prefer it, it’s a hearty dish that’s equally as cooling on a heat day as it’s filling. You’ll discover it executed particularly properly in Busan, the town of origin – Style Atlas has the highest 3 milmyeon eating places on the planet positioned right here.  

• Bibimap – the tried, the true, the staple. This scrumptious rice bowl is crammed with sauteed greens and may be accompanied by meat and a fried egg, nevertheless it’s additionally an amazing various choice for veggies and vegans alike. Wherever you go in Korea you’ll discover a bibimbap dish to swimsuit you, however Seoul is particularly nice for it.  

• For these after a barely lighter dinner, pajeon may be for you. Whereas ‘jeon’ as an entire is a kind of pancake or fritter that’s commonplace in Korea, pajeon is a range which options inexperienced onions (scallions) as the principle ingredient. Whereas by itself, it’s a scrumptious veggie appetizer, you’ll typically discover haemul pajeon, which additionally options seafood like shrimp or squid. 

Hungry, and able to discover Korea?

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