Famous for numerous fermented dishes, Korean cuisine is full of flavours. With balanced recipes combining rice, vegetables, fish, meats, and spices, this cuisine emphasises the strength of taste and the texture of its ingredients. Read more to discover 9 lesser-known culinary specialities to try in South Korea.
many food enthusiasts are being drawn to its flavours and healthy, balanced nature. But beyond its many popular traditional specialities, there are lesser-known dishes that are also worth trying on your next trip to South Korea!
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, Korean dumplings
offers a wide range of flavours. During a trip to South Korea, do not hesitate to explore different restaurants to try hundreds of tastes and fillings.
, vegetable pancake
consists of a batter made from wheat flour mixed with a wide variety of vegetables. Carrots, onions, zucchini, spinach, sweet potato, or even radish — feel free to add whatever you prefer to create this warm and flavourful dish, which can be found in many small establishments across South Korea.
, sweet crispy Korean fried chicken
, a fusion of these two dishes. Often seasoned with Korean spices and garlic, this traditional dish, typically served at important events, has a bold flavour that strikes the perfect balance between sweet and savoury.
Myulchu gimbap
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!
, stir-fried fish cake
(or ‘odeng’ in some regions) is a preparation of minced white fish mixed with flour. The mixture forms a kind of dough, which then cut into rectangles and skewered in an accordion shape before being cooked. The skewer is then dipped in broth to add flavour. This popular dish is often sold at street stalls, offering a complete experience.
, noodle soup
is often consumed daily and comes in countless variations. At its core, it is simply a soup made with thick homemade noodles, accompanied by broth. This dish can be adapted with meat meat and vegetables, a spicy or mild flavour, and served hot or cold. There are as many variations as there are regions, which makes it a versatile dish that you can customise to fit your own taste.
, traditional Korean rice cake
, the dough must be soaked for many hours to achieve a sticky texture. Once ready, it is filled with sesame seeds and a paste made from red beans and honey before being sealed. These cakes are then steamed over pine needles and are eaten hot. The taste is both rich and delicate, offering a sensational culinary experience.
, egg bread
Sold in many streets across South Korea, this small snack is perfect for a quick hunger fix. The concept is very simple: an oval-shaped, soft bun, similar to a brioche, with an egg inserted inside. It is then cooked on a metal plate and enjoyed immediately. The texture is fluffy, and the taste strikes a balance between the sweetness of the brioche and the saltiness of the egg. While strolling during your trip, you can find this treat almost anywhere, often for the modest price of 1 euro.
, Korean steamed pear
is made from a large Korean pear poached in a blend of ginger, pepper, and honey. Exceptionally sweet, this traditional dessert is also popular as a natural remedy for coughs. Many restaurants reinvent it as a pastry, drink, or even appetiser, while preserving the gentle sweetness that has made it a success throughout the country.
