Korean food
my quick overview
Korean gastronomy is extremely wide and diverse. Constructed along centuries of history, it offers today various kinds of dishes. Traditionally, Korean meals are composed of rice, a soup, and “Banchan”, which are small dishes (e.g. Kimchi) that go along with the meal.
Nowadays, you still will be served Banchan in restaurants serving Korean food. Therefore, don’t be surprised if you only order one main dish, and they still bring you a few smaller dishes to go along.
Korean food can be really spicy, especially if you are not used to spices. The best move is to avoid red dishes if you are sensitive to them! However, don’t be afraid to try it from time to time. By getting used to it, you’ll discover a whole new panel of food.
Also, a few things to know about the Korean table in restaurants:
Look around for a water fountain and glasses. In many restaurants the water is “self-service”, you can go take a glass and help yourself.
Most of the time you’ll find the chopsticks and napkins in a drawer at the end of the table, no need to ask for it.
You have to call the waiter to let him know you are ready to order, by saying “Joegiyo” 저기요 or pushing a button if there is one at your table.
Finally, many dishes are meant to be shared and are not always precise in the menu, so take the time to look around you, check on the internet, or ask the waiter so you don’t order too much!
Mandu 만두
Mandu are Korean dumplings, that can be steamed, boiled, pan-fried, or deep-fried. There are many different kinds, that can change according to the region. But it is always delicious!
You can eat them in food markets or in restaurants. From my experience, it is better to go to places that only have one or a few specialties, the food is way is better.
In Gwangjang Market 광장시 (Seoul) you can find really good ones!
Kalguksu 칼국수
Kalguksu is a noodle dish that I absolutely love. If you pass in front of a restaurant doing it, don’t hesitate and go for it.
Many variations of this dish exist. A famous one would be dak-kalguksu, which is chicken noodle soup. It is a generous and comforting meal!
Bibimbap 비빔밥
Probably the most internationally famous Korean dish. Bibimbap, which translates to mixed rice, is a mix of vegetables, beef, rice, and egg! The city of Jeonju is known for this dish. If you visit it you got to try their Bibimbap! It can be served in a hot stone (Dolsot Bibimbap) or a simple bowl. It is a dish full of colors.
These colors have a meaning according to Korean history and tradition :
-Red: Fire 🔥, boost the energy and good for the heart.
-White: Metal ⚙️, good for the lungs
-Black: Water 🌊, good for the kidney and the bladder.
-Green: Wood 🪵 , good for liver and intestines.
-Yellow: Earth 🌍 , good for appetite.
Korean Fried Chicken
Koreans love fried chicken! You can find this dish on street food stands or brands dedicated to this dish. The most famous one is probably BHC. You can find this restaurant chain throughout whole Korea! You can eat chicken with beer there. It is not one dish per person, the chicken baskets are meant to be shared so don’t order to much.
Korean bbq
Korean barbecue are internationally known. What I prefer about it is its conviviality! Depending on the restaurant, the waiters might cook the meat for you. So check around you before moving the meat.
dakgalbi 닭갈비
This dish is made of stir-frying marinated diced chicken in a gochujang-based sauce with different vegetables like sweet potatoes and cabbage, and tteok (rice cake). The ingredients can change, melted cheese can be added to it.
hotteok 호떡
Hotteok are sweet street food that I absolutely love. It is a soft warm bread filled with honey and cinnamon, or also with brown sugar and peanuts. You can find them in different, no need to go to a street food market. Just look around you when you go on a walk for these street vendors.