Foods to Try When Visiting South Korea
If it is your first time eating in South Korea the food culture can be quite daunting. With different food options to different food utensils it can feel a little overwhelming. Here is a simple guide on some basic dinning manners and some common food to try while visiting South Korea.
Dinning Etiquette
- Food is usually eaten with a large spoon and chopsticks. Avoid touching your food with your fingers. The only exception is if you are wrapping your food in lettuce or cabbage.
- When you are not using your chopsticks place them laying down on your plate or a chopstick rest block. Never stick them upright in your rice, this is considered rude and bad luck.
- If you are eating with a large group, wait until the eldest person at the table begins eating before you start eating.
- When eating in South Korea most meals will come with an array of side dishes that are communal. With that being said do not pick through the side dishes, once you touch the piece pull it out.
Foods to Try
Korean BBQ
Korean BBQ is on the top of our list as some of the best food we have ever eaten. At a Korean BBQ the grill is at the center of the table and once you order your meat, depending on the place, either you or the staff will cook the meat right there in front of you! Along with the meat comes all these delicious side dishes, where you can eat them by themselves or you can wrap them up with the meat in a lettuce wrap.
Beef Bulgogi
Is thinly sliced beef, marinated in a sweet and savory sauce, usually served with rice. You find this at chain restaurants to nice sit-down restaurants. At either occasion beef bulgogi will not disappoint (if your not the most adventurous in your food, this is a great option.)
Bibimbap
Bibimbap is basically Korean side dishes served on top of a bowl of rice, with a fried egg to top it all off. It is so simple, but so delicious. It can be served in a cold bowl or a hot stone bowl, my favorite is when it is served in a hot stone bowl. Typically when it is served there will be hot sauce on the table you can put in the dish and stir all the contents together.
Fried Chicken
It was not until my sister lived in South Korea for two years did I begin to hear about how good Korean fried chicken is. Boy was she right. It might sound strange to have fried chicken in Korea, but trust be it will blow your mind. I don’t know how they do it differently, but it puts KFC to shame.
Egg Drop Sandwich
The Egg Drop sandwich is Texas style bread, with fluffy scrambled eggs, bacon, cheese, and a yummy savory sauce. It is easy to find places that serve egg drop sandwiches. A popular one in Seoul is Isaac Toast, very delicious.
Kimchi
This is not a meal, but it is a very common side dish in Korea. Kimchi is fermented cabbage using a variety of spices to make is so flavorful. To be warned it is a powerful side dish, meaning it can get a little spicy and can make you breath smell like kimchi afterwards. It is definitely worth the risk.
Desserts to Try
Croffle (croissant waffle)
It will be only a matter of time before this mouthwatering treat sweeps the world. A croffle combines the flaky, sweet dough of a croissant with the crispy outside of a waffle. I am not sure who developed this idea, but they deserve a noble peace prize. Not only do places serve the croffle, most places will serve it with toppings like fruits, jams, nutella, whipped cream. Something that was great by itself, got a whole lot better.
Hotteok
Is known as a Korean sweet pancake that is a common street food in the winter months. These pancakes are filled will a brown sugar syrup, fried, and served pipping hot. They are made with simple ingredients and absolutely so scrumptious!
Bungeoppang
Is a fish shaped pastry, typically filled with a sweet red bean paste, but can have a variety of sweet fillings. They are sold by food stalls and outdoor markets, usually in the cooler months. I really enjoyed these treats, however, be aware the red bean paste is not super sweet.
Coffee
If you are looking for some tasty and affordable coffee, I highly recommend Paiks Coffee and Mega Coffee. They are a chain coffee store, but their original flavor is so sweet and delicious.
The list for tasty Korean food could be endless, however, the ones mentioned is a great place to start, especially if this is your first time trying Korean food. I hope this helps and if you have any questions feel free to reach out!
