Busan, a Taste of South Korea
Busan, South Korea's second-largest city, is famous for its incredible selection of delicious and unique foods. From street-side vendors to luxury restaurants, Busan offers a variety of dishes for both locals and tourists. Busan is especially known for its exceptional seafood dishes, like haemul pajeon (seafood and vegetable pancake) and busut-bokkeum (stir-fried spicy seafood). With its vibrant culture and delicious, traditional food, it's no wonder that Busan is a top foodie destination.
Must-Try Dishes
Whether you’re a local or a traveler, the streets of Busan are bursting with incredible flavors and dishes. Here are some of the tastiest dishes you should try:
Haemul Pajeon (Seafood and Vegetable Pancake)
Haemul pajeon, or seafood and vegetable pancake, is a classic Korean dish. This savory, egg-based pancake is packed with an array of different seafood like shrimp, squid, and clams, as well as onions, scallions, bell peppers, and chives. It’s usually served with a side of dipping sauce, adding an extra layer of flavor to this classic dish.
BusutBokkeum (Stir-Fried Spicy Seafood)
Busutbokkeum, or stir-fried spicy seafood, is a spicy, Korean-style seafood dish. It’s usually made with a variety of seafood like clams, shrimp, mussels, and squid, and stir-fried in a chili pepper paste sauce and a variety of other flavors. It’s usually served with a side of fresh vegetables to balance out the strong flavor.
Sundubu-Jjigae (Spicy Tofu Soup)
Sundubu-jjigae, or spicy tofu soup, is a popular Korean soup that’s filled with soft tofu and an assortment of seafood and vegetables. The soup is made with a mixture of chili pepper paste, garlic, ginger, and onions, and can be customized with different meats and seafood depending on preference. It’s usually served with a side of steamed white rice and topped with a drizzle of sesame oil, adding an extra layer of flavor to this already savory dish.
Milmyeon (Wheat Noodle Soup)
Milmyeon is a classic summer dish in Busan, meaning “water noodles.” This dish consists of chewy wheat noodles served in an icy, refreshing broth. The noodles are usually topped with a variety of vegetables like cucumbers, beans sprouts, squash, and radishes. It’s usually served with a side of vinegar and soy sauce, allowing diners to customize the flavor to their own preference.
Ganjang-Gejang (Soy marinated crabs)
Ganjang-gejang, or soy marinated crabs, is a popular Korean dish. This dish consists of crabs marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, chili pepper, and other seasonings. The savory and spicy flavor of the marinade pairs perfectly with the rich, succulent flavor of the crab. It’s a must-have dish for any seafood lover.
Where to Eat
Now that we’ve gone over some of Busan’s most popular dishes, let’s talk about where to go to find them. Here are some of the best restaurants to check out in Busan:
HaemulPpalbok
Haemul Ppalbok is one of the most popular restaurants to get haemul pajeon in Busan. It’s known for its huge, piping hot pancakes that come with an array of seafood. They also offer other delicious seafood dishes, like broiled mackerel and grilled squid. It’s a great option for large groups who want to sample a variety of seafood dishes.
Gejang Chon
Gejang Chon is a restaurant that specializes in ganjang gejang. The restaurant offers two types of ganjang-gejang: the classic, marinated in soy sauce, and gaja-gejang, marinated in hot chili pepper paste. The restaurant also offers other side-dishes and bar snacks, like fried fish and pork belly, to make the meal even more enjoyable.
Sudbue-Jjigae Ajumma
Sudbue-Jjigae Ajumma is a popular street-side vendor with mouth-watering spicy tofu soup. The soup is made with soft tofu and an assortment of vegetables and spices. Don’t forget to order a side of steamed white rice to go with your soup. It’s the perfect dish for a hot summer day.
Milo Narae
Milo Narae is a restaurant that specializes in milmyeon, or “water noodles.” The noodles are cooked to perfection and served in an icy, savory broth. It comes with various vegetables and can be topped with a selection of meats. It’s a popular summer dish, but one that can be enjoyed any time of year.
Conclusion
Busan is a food lover’s paradise. From signature dishes like haemul pajeon to street-side staples like sundubu-jjigae, there’s something delicious for everyone. From classic dishes to unique local flavors, Busan offers endless dining options for locals and tourists alike. Whether you’re a seafood lover, a noodle lover, or a Spice lover, Busan has something for you.