Korean Food: 23 Best Dishes To Try in Korea or At Home

South Korea is an amazing country. A cultural melting pot that’s the result of a number of different influences, from the colonial powers that at one time occupied it to the unique landscape and climate it boasts. It’s the confluence of these factors that have created the customs, attitudes, and food culture that exists there today. And if you haven’t visited Korea yet you should definitely put it on your list.

Traditional Korean Dishes

Korean food is based a lot on grains—in particular rice. From Kimchi fried rice to a sweet rice cake, it’s a cuisine that isn’t afraid of a little spice and uses a lot of fermented ingredients. Fish and seafood also play an important role in Korean food, because of the sea surrounding the Korean peninsula.

Many South Korean dishes have fascinating histories or cultural significance. A lot of the foods here are adopted or adapted from other cultures. We will be highlighting some traditional dishes but also some of those modern takes on Korean Food that have become really popular in the USA.

It is time to start your food journey in Korea. We can’t wait to show you some of our all-time favorite dishes.

1. Bibimbap (Korean Rice Bowl)

Bibimbap is one of the more well-known Korean dishes. You have probably tried it at home but until you have it in Korea, we say you are missing out. Bibimbap is a rice-based dish that can consist of vegetables, a fried egg, and whatever other protein you like.

If you want to make it the traditional way then make sure that each ingredient is sectioned separately in the bowl. Then you can mix them together before eating. The best Bibimbap used vegetables that have been blanched or sautéed with sesame oil and soy sauce, and meat that has been marinated before being cooked. I like the egg to be sunny-side up and then I top it with sesame seeds, spicy sauce, and scallions. Sounds amazing right?

The good thing about this being such a popular Korean dish is that you can get a version with seafood, beef, and tofu—there’s something to suit all tastes! If you visit Korea you will notice that different regions have their own takes on this dish.

2. Bulgogi (marinated beef barbecue)

Bulgogi is a dish you can’t miss if you’re visiting South Korea. Its name means “fire meat” and derives from its method of cooking. Bulgogi is made up of thin-cut slices of beef or pork that have been marinated and grilled on a barbecue.

Bulgogi is one of those simple Korean dishes…