Korean cuisine, which is largely based on vegetables, rice and meats have evolved through centuries of political and social change. It had an ancient agricultural and nomadic origin in the Korean Peninsula and Southern Manchuria. Korean cuisine has seen a complex interaction of diverse cultural trends and the natural environment. Traditional Korean meal has many side dishes accompanied by steam cooked short grain rice. Kimchi is a food item that is served with almost every meal. Being a foodie, I love to taste food of different countries and cultures. Korean food habit, according to me is one of the healthiest food habits in the world. Korean restaurants serve many side dishes which incorporates almost twenty side dishes. Unlike other Asian cuisines Korean cuisines are composed of many uncooked, steamed vegetables that are served in the form of pickles and salads. Soups served hot or cold comes under traditional Korean meals. This article aims at providing you a few glimpses of the Korean food served at the top 10 Korean restaurants of India.
A brief history of Korean cuisine
Korea is a country that marks a renowned place in the world. Garlic always played a key role in Korean cuisine. Folklore surrounding founding of the nation in 2333 BC mentioned garlic. Evidences prove that ancient cooking practices also used garlic. Around 400 AD with the arrival of Buddhism heavily vegetarian diet was introduced in this region. Again, with Mongolian incursion Korean cuisine saw increasing consumption of meat as well as eating of raw foods. Finally, many fruit, and vegetables were introduced by Japanese invention. Thus, Korean cuisine be a mixture of many traditions and customs. Koreans saw a blending of various food traditions and has successfully formed a unique food habit of their own.
Characteristics of Korean food
Korean Peninsula has a wide range of features which enables the Koreans to eat the products of sea, mountains and the fields. Thus, Korean foods are very exotic, special. One of the most distinguished features of Korean food is the spices. Korean food is usually mixture of seasoned red pepper, green onion, soy sauce, bean paste, mustard, wine, vinegar.
Korean food is characterized by its various side dishes, of which the most favorite side dishes of the Koreans are bean taste soup, fish, cabbage, broiled beef and steamed vegetables. Hanjourngshik is the Korean meal, which is made up of steamed short ribs, vegetables, grilled fish and meat dishes with rice, steamed soup and kimchi.
Kimchi is a vegetable dish highly seasoned with garlic, pepper etc and is very well known among Koreans. It stimulates appetite and is blended with every kind of Korean meal. Koreans also like meat dishes. Kimchi has a wide variety of flavors and it depends on the family tradition.
Korean meat dishes
Korean restaurant is best known for its pulgoki, which is a meat dish and is generally called Korean barbecue. Sauce made with soya sauce, sugar, sesame, garlic, oil and other seasoning are used to marinate this meat and is cooked over a fire in front of a table. They also serve other special food like Kobe, which is the short ribs of beef or pork and is also very tasty.
Korean soup dishes
Korean restaurant serves unique soups called guk nd cchigue in Korean. Soup culture has a very old history. The soup culture developed because of freezing weather or famine. When there was a shortage of food they used to make soup with beef bones and small amount of vegetables. The hot soup played a role in protecting the cold. Korean restaurant near me serves maeuntang which is spicy, hot sea food soup, which includes vegetables, boy bean curd, white fish, red pepper powder. Twoenjang guk is also served by the Korean restaurant near me. It is a fermented soybean paste soup that includes baby calms. Another kind of soups like miyok guk, kimchi cchigue is also served by this Korean restaurant near me.
Korean vegetable dishes
Korean vegetable dishes are very popular. Korean traditionally eats more vegetables with rice in the main meal. Dishes made only with vegetables are called Namool in Korean. Korean restaurant near me serves delicious vegetable dishes called saengche. Korean food is very spicy; thus, the food is served with rice in order to cool the heat of the spices. Korean restaurant serves healthy food. Koreans consider kimchi as their national dish.
Korean table settings
Korean restaurant serves food in one table, Korean table setting are classified as 3” chop, the 5” chop, the 7” chop, etc. This depends on the number of side dishes served. They serve hot soups at one time on a low table. These Korean restaurants uses chop sticks and spoons for eating. Unlike Chinese and Japanese, Korean use thin chopstick made up of metal or wood.
Korean restaurants use many grains and vegetables in their dishes which help to add protein and fibre. Korean food has moderate calories because many vegetables are used to compose these dishes, these dishes have a slightly sweet taste and are very healthy. Korean diet is facing evolution at every moment. Korean cuisine has been shaped by environment, weather, history and location. Many similarities with other Asian cuisines are shared by Korean cuisines such as the importance of vegetables and rice and cooking methods such as steaming, stir, frying. Koreans eat less meat than that of the people of the west and thus survive long and suffers from less cardiovascular diseases. And are thin. So, if you are longing for some healthy and fresh food you can try Korean food, they will not disappoint you. Here is a list of top 10 Korean restaurants of India.
1. Gung -The Palace
This Korean restaurant is located in Delhi. It has dine-in and take-away options. The restaurant caters to both vegetarians and non-vegetarians. Kimchi rice, Bibimbap, Tobu Kimchi are some of the special dishes available for vegans.
2. Restaurant De Seoul
The dining area in this restaurant is decorated well with colorful wall paintings. The food available is authentic. Kim Bap, Al Tang, Mandu Tang, and Patbingsu are the special foods available in Restaurant De Seoul.
3. The Shim Tur
The Shim Tur is located in the Paharganj area, New Delhi. The ambiance is so cool and the Korean food lovers could enjoy the tasty and authentic food varieties in this restaurant at affordable prices.
4. Heng Bok
Heng Bok is located in Bandra, the heart of Mumbai. Pork Bibimbap, Tempura Ice Cream, Pork Belly, Spicy Pork, Bulgogi, and Hot Pot are popular here.
5 Arirang Korean Restaurant
It is located in Bangalore. The ambiance is good and the food lovers are catered with a huge variety of Korean dishes without losing their authenticity.
6. Hae Kum Gang
Hae Kum Gang is located in Brigade Road, Bangalore. It provides Japanese and oriental cuisine along with Korean dishes.
7. Hi Seoul
Hi Seoul is in Kalyan Nagar, Bangalore. Chicken Gimbap, Hot Pot, Bibimbap, Kimchi, and Pork are its specialties. The seating area is much comfortable for the people to enjoy their food relaxingly.
8. Soo Ra Sang
Soo Ra Sang, the Korean restaurant is located in Indira Nagar, Bangalore. The dining area is different and attractive too. The food served is authentic and the serving size is quite good.
9. Thran
Thran is one of the popular Korean restaurants in India. Located in Bangalore, this restaurant is popular for Pork Bulgogi, Chicken Bulgogi, Dolsot Bibimbap, and Cinnamon Tea.
10. Cafe Maroo
Cafe Maroo, the Korean restaurant is located in Pune. Authentic Korean dishes are made and it satisfies both vegetarians and non-vegetarians. Teriyaki chicken, Bulgogi, and Bibimbap are the special dishes available in this restaurant.
