Must Try Korean Foods

Do you ever go to a Korean restaurant and wonder what I'm eating? What is this called, and what should I be eating it with? Here is a guide to help you discover some amazing food that Korea has to offer, beyond just the basic BBQ items!

Regular Meals

Buldak Chicken - spicy chicken dish

One of my favorite meals to try in Seoul was Buldak Chicken. It's so exciting to watch the waiter put the chicken on fire. This dish can cinlude different things such as cheese, rice cakes, etc...

Bibimap (비빔밥): Cooked rice dish usually topped with meat and egg

The most vegetarian-friendly and most recognizable item on this list is Bibimap. Bibimap is a crunchy rice dish served with many different vegetables and egg when served in a stone pot (dolsot).

Galbi (갈비): Beef short ribs

Another fan favorite is Galbi Short Ribs. This was one of the first Korean dishes I tried, and I have to say it is still one of my favorites!

Gimbap (김밥) or Kimbap: Rice dish similar to sushi rolls

Kimbap or Gimbap, this take on traditional sushi is a classic get-up-and-go food. It can be vegetarian or filled with meat. The cool thing about this dish is how much variety is allowed.

Kong-guksu (콩국수): Cold soybean noodle soup

Traditionally eaten in the summer, this wheat noodle soup served in cold creamy soy milk broth is the best way to cool down for the summer.

Mandu (만두): Filled dumplings similar to gyoza

Mandu is a filled dumpling that typically looks different than gyoza. I've seen them be either half-moon shaped or larger than gyoza. Mandus are great because of how versatile they can be, from fried, steamed, to pan-fried, etc.

Mul-naengmyeon 물냉면 Cold noodles in chilled broth

Mul-naengmyeon is a cold noodle dish served in a cold broth. Although it is popular to eat in the summer, you can eat it all year round.

Samgyeopsal-gui 삼겹살구이 - grilled pork

Samgyeopsal-gui is grilled pork belly, and it's delicious. It's traditional to eat the grilled pork belly by wrapping it in lettuce.

Seolleongtang 설렁탕 - ox tail soup

Seolleongtang or ox tail soup could be considered a side dish, but is seen as a main dish here in the States. It is ox tail that is served in a milky broth that has been simmering for hours. It is typically served with Kimchi and radish.

Doenjang Jjigae (Korean Soybean Paste Stew)

One of my favorite things to eat that I eat 2-3 times a month is Doenjang Jjigae (Soy Paste stew). It's super delicious and can be customized by eating with different types of mushrooms, bok choy, green onions, and proteins (shrimp, beef, pork).

Korean Seaweed Soup (Miyeok Guk)

Miyeok Guk is a seaweed soup that is said to help with milk production for new mothers, as well as being a traditional food to eat on your birthday!

Korean Rice Cake Soup (Tteokguk)

Tteokguk (Rice Cake Soup) is another one of my favorites! It has rice cakes, eggs, beef, seaweed, and some leafy greens. It's great to enjoy during the winter in cold weather!

Anju (Food Served with Alcohol):

Haemul-pajeon 해물파전 - Seafood Grilled Onion Pancake

Have you truly lived if you haven't tried Haemul-pajeon? The seafood pancake is so savory, filled with greens, mussels, octopus, and green peppers.

Corn cheese 콘치즈 - Cheesy Corn

Corn cheese is really popular, especially at Korean bbq restaurants. It's definitely worth trying if you are trying to ease your way into Korean food.

Yukhoe 육회 - Korean Raw Beef

Yukhoe (Raw beef) isn't as scary as some people think it is. It's usually served with an egg on top and can be a great appetizer to a delicious meal!

Bo-saam - Pork Wraps

Bo-saam (Pork wraps) are extremely popular to eat in social settings where you can share a big plate with your friends and also drink some alcoholic beverages.

Banchan: Side Dishes

Oi-bokkeum 오이볶음 - Sauteed Cucumbers

Oi-bokkeum (sauteed cucumbers) is so simple and refreshing. It is always so nice to eat these. You can also eat the spicy version as well.

Yangbaechu-pickle 양배추피클 - Shredded cabbage pickles

Yangbaechu-pickle 양배추피클 are shredded cabbage pickles and can be a bit sour but are great to pair with meat and rice.

Hoe-muchim 회무침- Spicy raw fish

Hoe-muchim is made up of raw fish, red chili flakes, and gochujang paste. It is quite delicious and has a bit of a kick to it.

Kimchijeon 김치전 - Kimchi Pancakes

Kimchi Pancakes are simple, made up of flour, kimchi juice, scallions, and options like egg, proteins, chili flakes, and green peppers.

Ttukbaegi gyeranjjim 뚝배기 계란찜 - Steamed Egg

Another staple for Korean BBQ is the steamed egg. It's a very simple and different way to enjoy eggs, but it helps create more variation in your Korean BBQ experience.

Eomuk 어묵 - Fish Cakes

One of my favorites of the banchans, Eomuk is the perfect side dish to add to any Korean meal. It is made up of fish cakes, red chili flakes, and peppers.

Danmuji (단무지): Pickled daikon radish

Danmuji (picked daikon radish) is perfect to add to rice paper wraps for Korean BBQ, as well as be the side dish to any other meal as well!

Street Foods

Japchae: Glass noodle dish

One of my favorite street foods is Japchae. I remember resisting it as a kid until I finally tried it and discovered how delicious it is! Japchae consists of glass noodles, veggies (e.g., peppers, mushrooms, onions, etc.), and could have protein (e.g., beef, chicken, or tofu). It is also one of the vegetarian-friendly dishes that you can try!

Tteokbokki (떡볶이): Simmered rice cake

Tteokbokki are chewy rice cakes that are covered in Gochujang sauce. It's quite delicious and can sometimes be found in other dishes as well.

Gopchang (곱창): Grilled intestines

I'm going to admit. I haven't tried it yet. I promised myself that when I have more time in Korea. I will try it, but baby steps, right? Grilled Intestines are super popular in many of the night markets in Korea. The markets are extremely clean and have a water filtration system better than the United States.

Sujebi (Korean Hand-Pulled Noodle Soup)

This was one of my favorite street foods. The noodles are made by hand and can have a variety of different things, such as seaweed, kimchi, potatoes, anchovies, etc.

10 Won (cheese bread)

While walking in Gyeongju, we noticed a little kid holding one of these, and we had to investigate. 10 Won bread is a cheese bread that is stringy and delicious. I would highly recommend getting this if you are wandering around in Gyeongju.

Desserts:

Bingsu (빙수): Shaved ice with sweet toppings

Bingsu is another dish that I have yet to try. It is a sweet dessert of shaved ice with sweet toppings, such as fruit, rice cakes, red beans, and condensed milk.

Sauces:

Ssamjang (쌈장): Thick spicy paste

Ssamjang is a bit different from gochujang as it has a sweeter taste to it. I discovered this while eating Korean BBQ, as it is typical to dip meat in them as well as be mixed with rice.

Gochujang (고추장): Red chili paste

Gochujang is the most popular Korean sauces that exist. Gochujang is popular as it is one of the main ingredients in tteokboki (rice cakes) and bibimbap (a crunchy rice dish). This spicy sauce consists of chili paste, sweet rice, and fermented soybean powder.

Alcohol Beverages:

Soju - sweet alcoholic beverage

Soju is one of my favorite alcohols to have a shot of! It is similar to sake or vodka. Be careful though cuz it can be dangerous if you drink too much of it! ;)

Makgeolli - rice wine

Makgeoli is rice wine, and it's milky and can sometimes be tangy. It's similar to Yakult in being a yogurt drink with a fruity taste. There are different flavors you can try. If you are in Jeju, you should try the tangerine flavor!