With the rise of K-pop and K-dramas, Indians are fascinated by Korean culture. The Korean language has become one of the fastest-growing languages not just in India but worldwide. Whether you are a BTS or a Blackpink fan, we can all agree that we’re in love with the culture. From Ramen, Bibimbap, and Kimchi to Tteokkbokki, Korea is famous for its diversity in food. Here are the Top 20 most famous Korean foods you may want to try immediately!
1. Ramen
Although Ramen is originally a Japanese dish, Korean Ramen is an instant version of it. We’ve all seen the delicious, mouth-watering noodles in k-dramas that are enjoyed with egg and veggies. You can always add anything to your Ramen depending on your preferences. Ramen is one of the most versatile and easy-to-make dishes you can enjoy any season of the year!
2. Bibimbap
Bibimbap translates to “mixed rice” in English. ‘Bap’ refers to rice, topped with kimchi, gochujang (chili pepper paste), vegetables, etc. It is the perfect combination of soft and crunchy, sweet and spicy. The next time you want to give Korean cuisine a try, don’t forget to try this delicious meal.
3. Bulgogi
Bulgogi is another delicacy that is quite famous in India due to its heavenly taste. It contains thin slices of tender beef. Every Korean has their own Bulgogi recipe, but the marinade is the same. This flavorful beef dish is every meat lover’s favorite.
4. Gamja-jeon
Gamja-jeon, also known as Korean potato pancakes, is quite the dish. This simple dish consists of finely grating potatoes, mixed with salt, and fried in oil. The dipping sauce is called choganjang which consists of soy sauce and vinegar. Gamja-jeon is not only easy to make but also delicious.
5. Samgyeopsal
Another impeccable dish to our list is the prevalent Korean barbeque dish called Samgyeopsal (grilled pork belly). Samgyeopsal served with vegetables of your choice will win your heart within seconds. It is readily available in Korean restaurants in and around India.
6. Tteokbokki
Tteokbokki is another famous Korean street food. If you’re a person that loves spicy food, this snack is for you. Tteokbokki consists of chewy rice cakes combined with fiery gochujang chili paste. Slices of eomuk fish cake, cabbage, scallions, garlic, etc., might be added to the mixture. The meal goes hand in hand with a chilled glass of beer.
7. Japchae
Japchae is one of the most nutritious meals in Korea. It consists of dangmyeon, a type of cellophane noodles mixed with various vegetables, meat, soy sauce, and sesame oil. The dish may be served hot or cold as per your choice. The light noodle dish can be enjoyed even on a diet!
8. Gimbap
Gimbap is a traditional Korean dish of seasoned rice mixed with salt, sugar, vinegar, and, or sesame oil. The rice along with a variety of vegetables is wrapped in seaweed on a bamboo mat. Although the food may be similar to Japanese sushi, the two dishes are quite different due to the seasoning of the rice.
9. Jajangmyeon
Jajangmyeon is derived from the Chinese dish, Zhajiangmian. Though both the items have many similarities, Zhajiangmian is based on soybean paste, while Jjajangmyeon uses fermented black bean paste. It is a noodle dish served with a thick sauce, diced pork, and vegetables. It is one of those dishes that you can never get bored!
10. Bingsu
Bingsu is a famous Korean dessert made of shaved ice and flavored with sweet condensed milk. It also includes fruit pieces, pieces of rice cake, and fruit syrup. This tasty sweet comes in different flavors like strawberry, mango, banana, etc.
11. Mandu
Mandu is Korean dumplings. It contains ground pork, tofu, garlic, chives, and ginger. It may be steamed or fried or maybe even added to soups. There are wide varieties of this dish available in the market.
12. Korean Fried Chicken
Korean Fried Chicken is famous around the globe for its unique marinade and crispiness. While regular fried chicken uses flour and buttermilk mixture, Korean fried chicken is lighter and crispier with almost a paper-like skin. The snack makes for a great and enjoyable snack.
13. Naengmyeon
Naengmyeon is also known as Korean cold noodles containing thin cucumber slices, beef, and a hard-boiled egg. The noodles are of buckwheat, potatoes, or sweet potatoes. The dish is popular in Korea, especially during the hot and humid summertime.
14. Hobajuk
Hobajuk is a sweet and grainy Korean pumpkin porridge. It contains pumpkin and rice. The porridge may seem simple but is pretty flavorful makes for a perfect breakfast meal. It may be served hot or cold and is perfect to start your day!
15. Samgyetang
Samgyetang is a traditional Korean soup made of chicken, garlic, rice, scallion, and Korean jujube. Korean ginseng and spices. Samgyetang is enjoyed especially during the summertime. The aromatic dish is readily available at any Korean restaurant.
16. Sundubu Jjigae
Sundubu Jjigae is a spicy Korean tofu stew. It is quite light and not thick with a deep umami flavor. The mouth-watering Korean dish also contains with fish sauce, garlic, scallions, and mushrooms. This hearty meal is nourishing and is quite renowned for its ingredients.
17. Bossam
Bossam is a Korean pork dish. The thinly sliced pork is boiled in spices and served with various side dishes such as spicy radish salad, raw garlic, ssamjang kimchi, etc. If there’s one thing Korean cuisine is known for, it’s the side dishes! Bossam is known for its flavors and juicy pork slices.
18. Haemul Pajeon
‘Pajeon’ is Korean means scallion pancake. The batter made from wheat flour, rice flour, cold water, scallions has a crunchy texture. Like Gamja-jeon, Haemul Pajeon is a well-known appetizer. Whether you’re planning to eat with your close ones or you want to devour it alone, Haemul Pajeon is a nutritious and filling meal.
19. Nakji-Bokkeum
Nakji-Bokkeum is a stir-fried octopus introduced back in 1965. Since the dish is quite spicy, people eat it with shellfish soup to reduce the spiciness. Chopped octopus and vegetables are mixed into a spicy marinade and fried. The meal goes exceptionally well with soups and stews.
20. Hotteok
Hotteok is a renowned street snack in South Korea. The dish is from China that came into existence in Korea during the 19 th century. It is a bready pancake with a sweet filling. However, the fillerss may vary from place to place. The soft pancake is stuffed with cinnamon sugar and sugar syrup, making it a perfect breakfast item.
