Seoul, the capital of South Korea, is a city full of traditional and modern culture, and that includes some of the country's signature dishes. These dishes have become so popular and sought after by locals and visitors alike that they are collectively known as the "must-eat Korean dishes" from Seoul. Let's explore three of the most popular dishes one can find in Seoul: Samgyeopsal, Bibimbap, and Kimchi.
Samgyeopsal
Samgyeopsal is one of the most beloved and popular Korean dishes in Seoul. The word samgyeopsal refers to the fatty pork belly, which is the main ingredient of the dish. It usually is accompanied by side dishes like ssamjang (spicy bean paste), sliced garlic, and perilla leaves, and comes in a variety of flavors and styles.
The most popular preparation method for samgyeopsal in Seoul is to slice the pork belly into thin strips, then cook it on a grill or in a hot pan with a generous amount of sesame oil. The result is a delicious, sticky and savory pork strip that can be enjoyed as is, or with the side dishes. Samgyeopsal is usually served with prepared condiments, for an even more appetizing taste. It can be enjoyed as a main dish, side dish, or snack, and often served with a bowl of white or brown rice.
Bibimbap
Another must-have Korean dish in Seoul is bibimbap, a signature Korean food that is known all over the world. Bibimbap literally means "mixed rice", as it contains a variety of different vegetables and ingredients that are mixed together in a bowl of rice. The most common ingredients consist of cooked white rice, which is topped with sautéed veggies (often zucchini, carrots, bean sprouts, mushrooms, and spinach), beef, a fried egg, and gochujang sauce.
Bibimbap is served with a variety of condiments such as soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper, so it can be customized to your liking. The dish is surprisingly filling, and its unique flavor and satisfying textures make it a go-to-meal for people in Seoul.
Kimchi
No Korean feast is complete without kimchi. Kimchi is the national dish of Korea, and considered to be one of the healthiest foods one can eat. It’s made from fermented vegetables and spices, typically cabbage or radishes, and comes in a variety of flavors and styles.
The most popular type of kimchi in Seoul is baechu-kimchi, which is made from napa cabbage, radish, anchovy sauce, garlic, chili peppers, and ginger. This kimchi is usually served as a side dish in many restaurants, and can be enjoyed with rice or other Korean dishes.
Kimchi is known to be rich in probiotics due to its fermentation process, and is high in vitamins B, E, and C. It also contains a compound called kimchi-like-lactobacilli which has anti-inflammatory properties that may help to improve digestion, gut health, and even protect against certain cancers.
Conclusion
Seoul is one of the most exciting cities to explore in Korea, and its delicious dishes make it even more special. Samgyeopsal, Bibimbap, and Kimichi are some of the must-eat Korean dishes from Seoul, and it's worth trying them when visiting to get a true taste of the culture and unique flavors.
References
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Park, S. (2020). A beginner's guide to popular Korean dishes. Available at: https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/korean-food-dishes-beginners-guide/index.html
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Bermy, E. (2020). 6 health benefits of kimchi. Available at: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/6-benefits-of-kimchi#section2
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Cook Shin. (2021). Samgyeopsal guide. Available at: https://www.maangchi.com/ingredient/pork-belly-samgyeopsal/
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Mae Wong. (2021). How to make classic bibimbap. Available at: https://www.sbs.com.au/food/recipes/how-make-classic-bibimbap