Discovering Authentic Korean Cuisine: The Best Restaurants and Signature Dishes Across Regions
Korean cuisine is world-renowned for its flavorful and bold dishes. From popular dishes like Korean barbecue to traditional dishes, it's no wonder why so many people are turning to it for delicious meals. Whether you're looking for something spicy or something sweet, there's something for everyone. Here are five of the best restaurants to try and their signature dishes by provinces.
Gyeonggi Province – Two Two Chicken
For an authentic Korean fried chicken experience, no place matches up to Two Two Chicken in the Gyeonggi Province. First opened in 1990, the restaurant offers customers a variety of fried chicken dishes – some of them coated in a spicy sauce. Customers can also choose from two different types of chicken – sweet and spicy.
The signature dish is the Honey Butter Chicken. This dish features crispy chicken pieces coated in a buttery honey glaze. It's the perfect combination of sweet and savory flavors! Customers should definitely order this dish if they're looking for a unique take on fried chicken.
Jeju Island – Tosokchon Samgyetang
Tosokchon Samgyetang is a restaurant located in Jeju Island that specializes in samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup). It first opened its doors in 1945, and has been dishing out the same great tasting recipes ever since.
The signature dish of Tosokchon Samgyetang is samgyetang. This dish features a whole chicken cooked in a nourishing and flavorful broth. The chicken is stuffed with various ingredients, such as ginseng, chestnuts, jujubes, and garlic. It's served with a side of steamed glutinous rice. This soup is believed to provide many health benefits and is an extremely popular dish in the region.
Sejong City – Donggyeong Seolnongtang
If you're looking for an authentic seolleongtang experience, then Donggyeong Seolnongtang in Sejong City is the place to go. This restaurant has been serving up the same dishes since 1985, and is famous for its flavorful broth. The signature dish is of course seolleongtang – a milky beef bone broth made with beef brisket and various vegetables. The broth is rich and flavorful and the beef is cooked to perfection.
Seolleongtang also comes with a variety of side dishes, such as kimchi, radishes, and shrimp. Seolleongtang is the perfect dish to enjoy on a cold winter day, as it will keep you warm and filled!
Busan – Pojangmacha
Pojangmacha in Busan is the place to go for an authentic Korean street food experience. Here, customers can find a variety of pojangmacha dishes, from tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) to kimchi pancakes. The signature dish is definitely tteokbokki! This dish is made with chewy rice cakes cooked in a spicy and sweet sauce. It's the perfect snack to enjoy while exploring the streets of Busan.
Pojangmacha also offers a variety of other dishes, such as seafood pancakes, kimchi pancakes, and spicy rice cakes. Customers can top off their meals with a side of refreshing soju.
Gyeongsang Province–Gungjung Ttukbaegi Jeongol
Gungjung Ttukbaegi Jeongol in Gyeongsang Province is a restaurant that specializes in Jeongol – a type of Korean stew. This restaurant has been in business for over 50 years, and is renowned for its flavorful jeongol. The signature dish is Gungjung Ttukbaegi Jeongol. This dish features a savory beef broth made with beef, mushrooms, and various spices. The beef and mushrooms are cooked to perfection in the flavorful broth.
Gungjung Ttukbaegi Jeongol also comes with a variety of side dishes, such as kimchi, radishes, and steamed rice. Customers should definitely try this traditional dish when visiting the Gyeongsang Province!
Conclusion
Korean cuisine is world-renowned for its flavorful and bold dishes. From the delicious fried chicken at Two Two Chicken in Gyeonggi Province to the savory jeongol at Gungjung Ttukbaegi Jeongol in Gyeongsang Province, each province has something unique to offer. Whether you're up for some fried chicken or a bowl of samgyetang, you're sure to find something delicious to enjoy wherever you are in Korea.