Renowned for its variety of fermented delicacies, Korean food brims with robust flavors. This gastronomy features well-balanced dishes that blend rice, veggies, seafood, meat, and seasonings, highlighting both the intensity of tastes and the textures of its components. Continue reading to explore 9 less-familiar culinary treasures worth sampling in South Korea.
Korean cuisine is being increasingly acknowledged globally due to the export of its culture, and it is receiving growing acclaim. Well-known dishes such as gimbaps , bibimbap , and kimchi, Many food lovers are attracted to its tastes and nutritious, well-balanced qualities. However, past its widely loved classic specialties, there are less-famous dishes that deserve a try during your upcoming visit to South Korea!
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Mandus , Korean dumplings
Filled with either veggies or meat, these half-moon pastries are notably convenient for eating. Whether you prefer them fried, sautéed, or steamed, they offer versatile enjoyment. mandus provides an extensive array of flavors. While visiting South Korea, feel free to venture into various eateries to sample countless taste combinations and fillings.
Yachaejon , vegetable pancake
Despite their low profile internationally, these reinvented pancakes continue to be quite beloved within South Korea. Perfect either as an accompaniment or for a casual dining experience, yachaejeon is composed of a dough made from wheat flour combined with an assortment of vegetables. You can use carrots, onions, zucchini, spinach, sweet potatoes, or even radishes—add whichever ingredients you like to make this comforting and flavorful meal, commonly enjoyed at numerous cozy eateries throughout South Korea.
Dakgangjeong , crunchy and sweet Korean-style fried chicken
Even though it’s gaining popularity in Europe, the recipe for Korean fried chicken remains relatively uncommon. Dak ,' meaning chicken, and ' gangjeong A Korean dessert combines with other ingredients to create dakgangjeong This culinary blend combines elements from both recipes. Typically prepared with Korean spices and garlic, this classic dish is usually reserved for significant occasions. Its strong flavor masterfully harmonizes sweetness and savoriness.
Myulchu gimbap
Every aficionado of Korean cuisine is acquainted with Gimbaps , which are much larger Korean makis with a wide variety of fillings. But have you tried the version with anchovies? Served in only a few restaurants in South Korea, these gimbaps are accompanied by a fry of small fish called myeolchi, a very fine anchovy that Koreans love. Completely changing the texture of the dish, this version offers a bold, particularly crispy maki. If you come across it, don’t miss the experience of trying it!
Eomuk , stir-fried fish cake
A staple item in Korean street cuisine, eomuk Sometimes referred to as 'odeng' in certain areas, this dish consists of minced whitefish combined with flour. This blend creates a type of dough that is shaped into rectangular pieces, threaded onto skewers in a zigzag pattern, and subsequently cooked. To enhance the flavor, the skewer is immersed in broth. Widely enjoyed, this delicacy is frequently found at roadside vendors, providing a comprehensive dining encounter.
Kalguksu , noodle soup
As a staple cuisine originating from South Korea, kalguksu Is frequently enjoyed every day and exists in numerous forms. Essentially, it is just a soup featuring hearty handcrafted noodles paired with broth. This meal can incorporate various meats and veggies, offer either a zesty or subtle flavor, and be presented steaming hot or chilled. Given its regional diversity, there are as many versions of this dish as there are areas, making it a flexible cuisine that you can tailor to suit your personal preferences.
Songpyons , classic Korean rice dessert
Specially made for Chuseok , a celebration marking the end of the harvest season, songpyons are crafted from rice flour dough. Slightly resembling mochis The dough needs to soak for an extended period to become sticky. After preparation, it is stuffed with sesame seeds and a filling of red bean paste mixed with honey, then closed up. Subsequently, these pastries are steamed using pine needles and consumed piping hot. They offer a luxurious yet refined flavor, providing an exceptional gastronomic delight.
Gyeranpang , egg bread
Available in numerous street stalls throughout South Korea, this petite delicacy serves as an ideal solution for sudden cravings. Essentially, it consists of a round, tender roll akin to a brioche, into which an egg has been added. This combination is subsequently grilled on a hotplate and savored right away. Its consistency is light and airy, harmoniously blending the dough’s slight sweetness with the savory edge provided by the egg. As you wander around town during your visit, you'll likely encounter these snacks virtually everywhere, typically costing just about one euro.
Baesuk , Korean steamed pear
For a delightful finish to your dinner, how about indulging in a pear-inspired treat? However, this isn’t an ordinary pear! baesuk Made using a big Korean pear simmered in a mixture of ginger, pepper, and honey, this classic dessert stands out with its remarkable sweetness. It’s widely recognized not only as a delectable treat but also as an all-natural cure for sore throats. Various eateries reinterpret it into forms like pastries, beverages, or starter dishes, yet they maintain the delicate sweetness that has earned its popularity nationwide.
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