Experience Authentic Korean Cuisine
Korean cuisine is full of flavour and diversity. As more people become aware of the traditional dishes popular in Korea, they are increasingly eager to explore and enjoy the unique meals and flavours of this East Asian country. If you are one of them and looking to get a taste of traditional Korean dishes, this blog post is for you. In it, we’ll take a closer look at five signature dishes of Korean cuisine that you must try. From Jeonju Bibimbap to Gyeongju's Bibimbap, Busan-Style Gamjatang, Jjimdak from Andong, and Jeonju’s Kamja Tang, there’s sure to be something to suit every palette.
Jeonju Bibimbap
Jeonju Bibimbap is one of the most popular Korean dishes. Originating from the Jeonju district of North Jeolla province, it is a combination of cooked rice and various ingredients, such as beef, vegetables, mushrooms, and chili pepper paste. The ingredients are cooked separately and then served in a stone bowl with hot steamed rice. One of the reasons this particular dish is so popular is its visual appeal - the colourful ingredients make it look incredibly appetising! To make Jeonju Bibimbap, the ingredients are cooked in sesame oil, which adds a nutty aroma and flavour. Once all the ingredients are cooked, the food is placed on top of the hot rice in the bowl and served with hot sesame oil and chili paste. The dish is usually eaten with the help of chopsticks.
Busan-Style Gamjatang
If you’re looking for a hearty meal, look no further than Busan-Style Gamjatang. This traditional Korean stew is made with pork bones, Chinese cabbage, potatoes, and other vegetables. The dish is slow cooked in a large cauldron filled will aromatic spices such as garlic, black pepper, green onions, and ginger. The pork bones are cooked until they are soft and the broth is incredibly flavourful. Busan-Style Gamjatang is best served with steamed rice and other accompaniments, such as kimchi.
Gyeongju’s Bibimbap
Another flavourful Korean dish worth trying is Gyeongju’s Bibimbap. This dish is actually a variation of the classic Jeonju Bibimbap as it is also served with steamed rice and vegetables. However, what makes this dish unique are the sauces, which give the Bibimbap a unique flavour and texture. Gyeongju’s Bibimbap is served with three sauces: a sweet soybean paste sauce, a roasted garlic and onion sauce, and a spicy red pepper paste sauce. All of these sauces are added to the Bibimbap after it is cooked, which further enhances its flavour.
Jjimdak from Andong
Next, we have Jjimdak from Andong - a steamed chicken dish that is incredibly popular amongst locals as well as tourists. This dish is made with chicken breast which is boiled in a spicy broth, along with vegetables and mushrooms. It is then served with steamed rice and is best eaten with a spoon or chopsticks. The broth used to make Jjimdak has a flavour that is similar to soy sauce, but it is much less salty. It is also sweetened with sugar and has a bit of heat to it, due to the addition of red chilli pepper.
Jeonju’s Kamja Tang
Last but not least, we have the unique flavour of Jeonju’s Kamja Tang. This is actually a potato stew that is flavoured with anchovy sauce and gochujang - a fermented red chilli paste. In addition to potatoes, the stew also includes other vegetables, such as onions, carrots, and mushrooms. It is served with steamed rice and is usually garnished with sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
All in all, these five signature dishes of Korean cuisine are sure to tantalize your taste buds and give you a glimpse of the true essence of Korean food. From steamed chicken and hearty stews to tasty rice dishes, you’re sure to find something to your liking. So why not take a journey through the flavours of Korean cuisine and discover the unique dishes that Korea has to offer?