Exploring The Flavorful Dishes of Jeolla-do
There’s no denying that Korea is known for its delicious cuisine. But, sometimes it’s hard to decide which dishes are the best. One of the most popular regions for classic, authentic Korean food is Jeolla-do. This province is home to some of the country’s most beloved dishes, including Jeonju Bibimbap, Gomtang and Korean Bapsang. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or just beginning your culinary journey, you’ll love the flavor of these traditional dishes from the Jeolla-do province.
What is Jeolla-do?
Jeolla-do, also known as Jeonju, is one of Korea’s nine provinces. Located along the Yellow Sea in Southwestern Korea, Jeolla-do offers stunning views, historical attractions and some of the best Korean cuisine in the country. Traditional Jeolla-do recipes often incorporate fish, spices and vegetables, making them full of flavor and nutrition. Jeolla-do is also home to a popular rice dish called bibimbap, which we’ll explore in more detail later.
Korean Bapsang
Korean Bapsang, or 밥상, is a staple dish in the Jeolla-do province. It’s traditionally served as a breakfast meal and is made up of several small side dishes, or banchan, that are served with steamed white rice. Common banchan that accompany bapsang are kimchi, seasoned vegetables and various fish, meat or egg dishes. Some popular banchan that often accompany bapsang are pickled daikon radish, spicy stir-fried cabbage and gimbap (Korean sushi). Bapsang is a healthy and tasty way to start your day.
Jeonju Bibimbap
Jeonju Bibimbap is one of the most popular dishes from Jeolla-do. It’s a traditional rice dish that’s served in either a hot stone bowl or a conventional bowl. It’s composed of steamed white rice, topped with a variety of vegetables, meat, and a spicy-sweet red sauce. The hot stone bowl version of bibimbap is usually served with a raw egg. As it cooks from the heat of the bowl, the egg cooks along with the rest of the ingredients, making it a delicious and nutritious meal.
Gomtang
Gomtang, or 곰탕, is another classic Korean soup that hails from Jeolla-do. Traditionally made with beef bones, it can also be made with pork, trout or anchovy. The bones are boiled for a long time, resulting in a nutritious, full-bodied broth. Then, vegetables and noodles are added to the soup, making it a delicious and comforting meal. Gomtang is often served with kimchi or other banchan and is an excellent source of vitamins and minerals.
How To Enjoy The Best Of Jeolla-do
When it comes to enjoying the best of Jeolla-do cuisine, you can’t go wrong with classic dishes like Jeonju Bibimbap, Gomtang and Korean Bapsang. All three dishes are incredibly flavorful and full of nutrition. To try out these dishes for yourself, you can find them in traditional Korean restaurants, as well as at home if you’re feeling adventurous. Enjoy the flavor of Jeolla-do!