From K-pop to K-beauty to K-dramas, Korean culture is taking over the world. Korean cuisine has diversified over time as a result of cultural changes, yet it continues to be a key component of the country's identity. Korean dishes generally include rice, vegetables, and plenty of protein along with spices – making it an overall healthy choice too. High-nutrient ingredients make up the majority of Korean dishes. Even their noodles and rice dishes contain a variety of balanced carbohydrates. Here are some popular and must-try Korean dishes that you need to try to experience the taste of Korea.
1. Ramen
The most well-known food from Korea is Ramen. It tastes different from the Japanese variety. Now available in India as well, these instant noodles are a staple of every Korean street food. They are full of flavour and you can pair them with a glass of beer! It's easy to find Korean ramen at stores these days, plus you can also buy them online.
2. Kimchi
One of the most popular Korean dishes that is readily available in India is kimchi. Kimchi is available at supermarkets as well as Korean restaurants. It is a fermented salad made with cabbage, especially Napa cabbage which is called Baechu. This tangy-spicy treat is made with a variety of seasonings, including garlic, green onions, salt, red chillies (gochugaru), and other spices. Kimchi is best paired with main dishes for lunch or dinner.
3. Korean Fried Chicken
Korean fried chicken is different from Indian or any other kind of fried chicken. This mouthwatering chicken dish known as Korean Fried Chicken was made popular by the Korean drama Crash Landing On You. It is first marinated with a variety of ingredients, deep-fried twice for added crispiness, and then finished with a glaze made of soy sauce, garlic, and honey. Somaek, a kind of beer, goes well with Korean fried chicken.
4. Tteokkbokki
Tteokkbokki, also known as Korean rice cakes, resembles penne pasta in appearance quite a bit, but can be shaped differently. This traditional Korean street meal has been featured in well-known K-dramas like The Heirs and My Roommate Is Gumiho. The lip-smacking sauce used to coat the rice cakes and give them more flavour is the dish's main attraction. You can even top it with cheese.
5. Bibimbap
Another popular Korean dish to try is bibimbap. It means "mixed rice," and it is made with warm white rice and a variety of sauteed and seasoned veggies, including cucumber, soybean sprouts, radish, spinach, and mushroom. It is served in a stone bowl with rice, vegetables, beef, sprouts, eggs, and Gochujang (Korean red chilli paste)
6. Mandu
The Momos we have here in India are nearly identical to the Mandus from Korea. Mandu is stuffed with pork or chicken along with vegetables. They are either served in soup, deep-fried, or steamed. A unique sauce is made with vinegar, soy sauce, and chillies to go with Mandus.
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7. Hotteok (Korean Pancakes)
Hotteok is a savoury and sweet pancake served as dessert. It is crispy outside and filled with a sweet bean paste or crushed nuts and sugar inside. Every bite will melt in your mouth. Hotteok (also called Hoeddeok) is prepared by filling a circular dough with a mixture of brown sugar, cinnamon, honey, and peanuts. These are then cooked on a griddle for an irresistible flavour. Hotteok pairs well with soju (distilled alcoholic beverage).
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8. Korean Stew
It is a one-pot stew made with Tofu (Health Benefits Of Tofu), red chilli, Korean hot pepper flakes, soy sauce, pork, and seafood all used to prepare this delicious dish. Some people prefer to eat this with a raw egg cracked on top. The raw egg should ideally be added while the dish is still hot from the stove so that it cooks down a little. This is a high-calorie staple dish of Korea that you can try in India.
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