Korean food is globalizing quickly, and most menus at Korean
restaurants outside of Korea are usually filled with galbi,
naengmyun, bibimbap, kimchi jjigae and the same dozen other options
that everyone knows. Of course they’re delicious, but Korean food
has so much more than that. Here’s a list of Korean foods that most
people have never heard about but should definitely try!
Note 1: Of course everyone’s knowledge of Korean food is different.
This post is meant for those whose Korean food experience is
limited to the all stars of Korean food cuisine (galbi, bulgogi,
naengmyun, bibimbap, tteokbokki, etc.). Although those are the most
popular for a reason, we want to highlight a few not-as-popular,
but just-as-delicious Korean foods you have to try when you come
visit Korea.
Note 2: There’s hundreds perhaps even thousands of Korean foods
that can be placed on this list. But here’s a quick list of 30 to
get you started on your Korean food journey.
Korean BBQ & Meats
1. Galbijjim (갈비찜) -
braised short rib – You all should know galbi, but galbijjim is a
galbi variation that isn’t so easy to get simply because it takes
longer and more effort to make. And although it’s not grilled,
don’t worry, it’s just as delicious as galbi (maybe even better!).
This is a guaranteed instant favorite. We are very serious.
Instant. Favorite.
2. Gopchang
Gui(곱창구이) & Daechang Gui (대창구이)
– grilled intestines – You all know Korean BBQ, but as some people
think intestines are gross, you probably haven’t heard of this
one. Although you might think Korean BBQ is just galbi and
samgyupsal, gopchang and daechang are two Korean BBQ dishes that
are chewy, fatty, and ultra delicious. If you like galbi,
definitely give this a try. Not sure where to go? Try hongdae’s
Gopchang alley (see this google
map).
(Click
here for image)
3. Jogaegui
(조개구이) -
grilled shellfish – Meats get the most coverage of the Korean BBQs,
but sometimes you just need some good ol’ loving from the sea. Sit
down at a Korean BBQ pit and dump a bunch of shelled goodies on the
grill and wait for them to crack open on their own. When they’re
ready, start digging in. Oh, and don’t forget to slurp up the
juices in the open shells. Mmmm, saltwater goodness! Best eaten
near the East Sea, but still delicious at all places
Korea.
4. Andong
Jjimdalk (안동 찜닭) –
steamed marinated chicken – Rumored to be the anti Korean fried
chicken, Andong jjimdalk is a Korean chicken dish that will have
you craving non-fried Korean style chicken. With big ol’ pieces of
chicken (non-fried of course), glass noodles, potatoes, carrots and
other vegetables, this undoubtedly has a very Korean taste. Go to
Andong if you can, but Andong jjimdalk restaurants can still be
found all over Korea. (Click
here for image)
5. Bossam (보쌈) &
Suyuk (수육) –
braised pork loins – This slow-cooked, ultra tender version of
samgyupsal is commonly found in Korea at big ol
buffets. But
this is also a very delivery-friendly food that is delivered to all
parts of Korea. If you’re a carnivorous Korean food enthusiasts
and not a fan of making your clothes smell like Korean bbq all
day long, this is an excellent alternative. And you’ll get a
special kind of kimchi with any order of bossam (not suyuk). Grab a
take-out food booklet (or ask your hotel for one). Bossam
restaurants deliver to all parts Korea. (Click
here for image)
6. Yukhoe
(육회) -
raw beef slices (aka steak tartare) – Some people are freaked out
by eating slices of raw beef, but worry not; this is a safe and
delicious Korean food to eat. Sometimes it’s a dish just on its
own, and sometimes it’s used as a topping for bibimbap. It can get
a bit pricy though as the most tender parts of the beef are used.
Give this Korean delicacy a try and discover a new item to add to
your list of must eat Korean foods!
Korean Seafood
Dishes
7. Ganjangejang
(간장게장) –
soy marinated raw crabs – Raw crab might sound a bit strange, but
this is a wildly popular dish in Korea. It’s also a lot of fun to
eat too! You take a bite into a crab and suck the meat out and also
take the crab shell and use it as a dish for your rice. Don’t
forget to get all that yummy goo too! Sometimes you might get lucky
at restaurants that serve this as banchan, but it’s a totally
different experience when you’re eating this as the main
course.
8. Golbaengi
muchim (골뱅이무침) –
sea snail salad – Anything with the word snail in the title sounds
gross, so it’s not the most marketable Korean food. But if you’re
into spicy foods, salads and noodles, this is the perfect dish for
you. Typically eaten as an anju (안
주), a food to accompany alcohol, golbaengi muchim is one of the
spicier options you’ll find on this list. But wash it down with
some beer, and you’ll be straight. (Click
here for image)
9. Godeungeo/galchi
jorim (고등어/갈치 조림) –
braised fish with radish – Godeungeo is mackerel and galchi is
hairtail, and both are used in this really homely Korean dish. The
chunks of mackerel and radish are cooked in a spicy soy-based
sauce. The fish chunks are good, but some people love the radish
even more. Whatever your preference, head over to Namdaemun Market
and ask the tourist guides where you can find
the jorim
golmok (조림골목),
a street with a bunch of restaurants selling this
specialty.
10. Agujjim
(아구찜) -
steamed angler – Fish is not always number one on people’s choice
of Korean foods, but if you’re a fish lover, this spicy dish is a
Korean food that will be sure to get your mouth on fire. Agujjim
can get pretty expensive and range anywhere from 20,000 won to
50,000 won for a big pot. But it’s a great food to get delivered to
your house or hotel in Seoul, so why not try ordering in for some
spicy, fishy goodness you’ll pretty much find only sold in Korea.
(Be careful of fish bones. These ones are sharp!) (Click
here for image)
11. Hoedeopbap
(회덮밥) –
raw seafood bibimbap – This ultra healthy dish is similar to
bibimbap in that you mix all the goodies in your bowl together. But
the taste is very different as you’ll have raw seafood cubes,
different types of vegetables and sauce to mix around. Hoedeopbap
is low in fat and has all those healthy greens along with some rice
to help keep you full. Here’s a simplified formula for hoedeopbap:
salad + rice + hoe (raw seafood) = crazy delicious!
MORE OF MY MOST DELICIOUS FOOD
PICS & REVIEW in http://www.mrstyleking.com/?p=2349
!
My Food & Travel
Blog