Discovering the Flavours of Seoul’s Street Food Scene
Korea is known all over the world for its delicious street food. With its distinctive flavours and unique presentation, it is one of the top draws for visitors as well as locals. Seoul is the home of some of the best street food in Korea, from the traditional to the more fusion type, and no matter your preference you are sure to find something to tantalise your taste buds.
History and Influence of Seoul’s Street Food Scene
Korean street food has been a staple in the city for centuries. Many of these dishes are rooted in the country’s long history, with some recipes being hundreds of years old. Traditional Korean street food is often served on small skewers or in paper cups. These are the dishes that have stood the test of time and are still popular amongst locals and tourists alike.
The street food scene has been heavily influenced by cultures from all over the world, including those of its close neighbours in Japan and China. This has led to the modern fusion type dishes that are presented in an interesting way, making them even more attractive to visitors. In recent years, the variety of street food in Seoul has continued to expand, with even more new and exciting dishes being introduced.
Typical Dishes on the Street
When it comes to Korean street food, there is something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for something savoury or sweet, you will be able to find it in Seoul. Some of the most common dishes are grilled meats, pancakes, and dumplings.
Grilled Meats – Grilled meats are a popular street food item, and you can usually find them being cooked over an open flame on the side of the street. Popular dishes include gim (seasoned seaweed) and bulgogi (marinated beef).
Pancakes – Korean pancakes are incredibly popular. They come in a variety of shapes and flavours, including pajeon (green onion pancake) and hobak jeon (zucchini pancake).
Dumplings – There are many different varieties of dumplings in Korea, from traditional kinds like mandu (dumplings filled with meat and vegetables) to more modern options like siokjeon (stuffed with cheese and spices).
Street Food Etiquette
Like any culture, there is a certain etiquette to follow when eating Korean street food. Here are some helpful tips to make sure you blend in with the locals:
-Be prepared to queue. Street food is incredibly popular in Korea, so there may be a queue at your chosen eatery. Try to be patient and polite while waiting your turn.
-Learn some basic Korean words. Knowing some of the basics such as hello, thank you, and please can make your dining experience much more enjoyable.
-Honour the servers. The servers at street food stands work hard to make sure you get the best experience possible. Show them respect and your appreciation of their hard work.
-Be aware of portion sizes. Since street food is generally made in small portions, it is good to be aware of this when ordering. You can always try to get more food, but respect the portion sizes of the dishes you order.
-Share your food. In Korean culture, it is polite to share your food with others. This is an incredibly important part of the street food experience in Korea, and should be respected.
By following these tips, you should have a very enjoyable and respectful experience when it comes to enjoying street food in Seoul.
A Street Food Tour of Seoul
If you’re looking for a comprehensive street food experience in Seoul, there are many different tours available. These usually take place in the evening, as that is when the streets come alive with the hustle and bustle of street food vendors. On these tours you will be able to explore the various neighbourhoods that are famous for their street food, learn about the history of the dishes, and taste the best of what Seoul has to offer.
The most popular neighbourhoods for street food tours are Myeongdong, Insadong, and Hongdae. These areas are known for their diverse offerings including traditional Korean food as well as modern fusion dishes. Some popular items you will find on these tours include tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), odeng (fish cake skewers), bibimbap (rice and vegetables), and hotteok (sweet pancakes). This tour is a great way to get a taste of Seoul and to discover the wide variety of street food it has to offer.
Street Food for Diet Restrictions
Korean street food is known for being flavourful and often high in fat content. While there are some delicious dishes that are not suitable for everyone, there are also many street food options that cater to those with dietary restrictions.
For vegetarians and vegans, there are many vegetarian-friendly dishes such as bibimbap (rice and vegetables) and bulgogi (marinated vegetables). For those who are gluten-free, there are also many options, including japchae (stir-fried vegetables) and jjajangmyeon (noodles in black bean sauce).
These options may not be as widely available as regular street food, but they can usually be found in some of the larger markets or at restaurants. By doing some research and asking questions, it is possible to find delicious vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free street food in Seoul.
Conclusion
Seoul’s street food scene is an incredibly interesting and diverse one. From traditional favourites to the latest fusion dishes, there are many great options to choose from. This is just a brief overview of what to expect when visiting Seoul, and there is much more to discover and enjoy. Whether you are looking for something savoury, sweet, or for those with dietary restrictions, you are sure to find something to tantalise your taste buds. By following the tips in this article and doing some research, you should have a very enjoyable and rewarding experience when it comes to enjoying the street food of Seoul.