Banana milk
Trust me, you have to try this! It might not be fresh juice or an actual banana, but the taste of this drink is out of this world. You can find it at any 7-Eleven. Banana milk is a beloved beverage in Korea, known for its sweet and creamy flavor. Enjoy it as is, or mix it into your coffee for a unique twist that will surprise your taste buds.
Kimchi
A staple in South Korea, kimchi is salted and fermented cabbage with plenty of spices. It’s more than just a side dish; it’s a cultural icon. Kimchi is packed with probiotics, making it not only delicious but also good for your gut health. You can eat it with almost any meal, in soups, with noodles, or in dumplings. Its tangy, spicy flavor adds a zesty kick to any dish, and it’s an essential part of the Korean dining experience. It might not look as appetising, but it is so delicious!
Korean BBQ
In South Korea, it’s just called barbecue. Almost every street is lined with BBQ restaurants, and the mouth-watering smell will draw you in. Korean BBQ is an interactive dining experience where you grill your own meat right at your table. Choose your meat (tenderloin and strip sirloin are highly recommended) and grill it to perfection. In higher-end places, a waiter will cook the meat to your preference. The meat is superb, especially with the accompanying kimchi, peppers, and a variety of dipping sauces. Don’t forget to wrap your grilled meat in a lettuce leaf with some rice and sauce, that’s how the locals do it!
Bibimbap
This rice bowl is topped with a variety of seasoned, sautéed vegetables, marinated meat (usually beef), an egg, mung bean sprouts, and a special spicy sauce. Bibimbap means “mixed rice” in Korean. The hot stone bowl version, known as dolsot bibimbap, adds a delightful crunch to the rice at the bottom. It’s a weird but delicious combination that you must try. Mix everything together before eating to enjoy the full spectrum of flavors in each bite.
Corn Dog or Korean Dog
A staple street food, these thickly battered corn dogs are filled with sausage and cheese, sprinkled with sugar (yes, sugar!), and served with your choice of condiments. Mustard and ketchup are the classic choices, but you can also find variations with sweet chili sauce, honey mustard, or even a dusting of sugar for that perfect sweet and savory combo. When you see it, don’t forget to pick it up!
Kalguksu or Korean Knife-Cut Noodle Soup
Head to Gwangjang Market and look for the stall with the Netflix sign and a huge line of people. This famous stall offers knife-cut noodles in crab broth, and it’s a must-try! Kalguksu is known for its hand-cut noodles, which are a bit thicker and chewier. The crab broth is rich and flavorful, making this dish a comforting bowl of goodness.
Dumplings
Filled with pork or kimchi, these dumplings are the best we’ve had. They’re cooked fresh to order, ensuring they’re hot and tasty every time. The dumplings are often served with a side of tangy dipping sauce made from soy sauce, vinegar, and a touch of chili!
Sticky Rice Cakes or Tteokbokki
Tteokbokki are chewy rice cakes cooked in a red, spicy broth. This popular street food is known for its spicy kick, thanks to the gochujang (Korean red chili paste) used in the sauce. While it wasn’t our favorite, it’s a must-try for spice lovers!
Bindaetteok or Mung Bean Pancakes
These savory pancakes are made from ground mung bean batter, crispy and golden brown on the outside, chewy and nutty on the inside. Bindaetteok is a traditional Korean dish often enjoyed with a side of kimchi and a dipping sauce made from soy sauce and vinegar. You will find these freshly made at every step on the markets.
Kimbap
Bite-sized dried seaweed rolls filled with rice and vegetables. Similar to sushi but uniquely Korean, kimbap is typically filled with ingredients like pickled radish, spinach, carrots, and sometimes meat or fish. Dip them in spicy sauce for an extra kick.
Marshmallow ice cream Ice cream coated with marshmallow and roasted right in front of you! This delightful treat is sticky and crunchy on the outside, cold and creamy on the inside.
Bungeoppang
Bungeoppang is a fish-shaped pastry filled with sweet red bean paste. It’s a popular winter street food in South Korea. The crispy, golden-brown exterior contrasts beautifully with the warm, sweet filling inside. We tried the original filled with sweet red bean paste and the one with custard. They were both delicious! There are also fillings with chocolate, or even sweet potato. Watching these pastries being made is part of the experience, as the batter is poured into fish-shaped molds, filled, and then cooked to perfection. They can also be packed for a unique souvenir!
South Korea is a paradise for food lovers, offering a wide variety of delicious dishes that you won’t find anywhere else. From traditional fare like kimchi and bibimbap to street food delights like corn dogs and tteokbokki, there’s something for everyone. We ate some of the best food at Gwangjang Market — honestly, it’s a must-visit if you want to taste the real flavors of Seoul.
Until next time, be mesmerized! 🧡