Korea's traditional food culture

 

As more people begin to turn toward healthier eating, kimchi has been growing in popularity the world over. Because of such increasing demand, this article will focus on ten popular Korean dishes.

Korea's traditional dishes include kimchi, bibimbap, traditional royal Korean dishes, galbi, bulgogi, samgyeopsal, samgyetang, naengmyeon, seafood and tteokbokki.

1. Kimchi

Undoubtedly, one of the most recognizable images of Korea would have to be kimchi. A fermented dish that is always served at every Korean table, kimchi is a health food that is quickly gaining worldwide popularity. Made with spicy red peppers, there are a surprising number of kimchi varieties available. There are also many dishes made with kimchi such as kimchijjigae,kimchijeon, and kimchibokkeum, to name just a few.

How to Enjoy: Since kimchi is only a side dish, it is meant to compliment the meal rather than be eaten on its own. Whether it is with rice or another dish, kimchi is a tasty addition to the table.

2. Bibimbap

Bibimbap is another representative dish that truly represents Korean dining. Served with grilled meats and a variety of vegetables atop white rice, it is then mixed with either red pepper paste or some other distinctive form of marinade.

Not only is the bibimbap a great-tasting health food, but it is also very simple to make and to eat, which has allowed this dish to gain popularity as it being served on airlines. Though the Jeonju region is known to be the home of the bibimbap, there are also many reputable restaurants in Seoul as well.

How to Enjoy: Use your chopsticks to mix the red pepper paste thoroughly with the rice, then, eat with a spoon, along with the available choices of side dishes.

3. Traditional Korean Dishes of the Royalty

Korean royal cuisines are dishes strictly prepared by experienced chefs with recipes passed down by previous generations, boasting healthy ingredients, artistic decorations, and of course, truly unique flavoring. Korean royal cuisine was served to the nobility at the palace feasts, then, the nobility introduced these dishes to the general citizens, hence beginning the Korean food cultures. If you have some money to spare, we recommend that you try Korean royal cuisines, since it allows you to truly experience many areas of Korea's traditional food culture.

How to Enjoy: Since there are a great number of dishes that will be served with the meal, it is a good idea to ask the waiter how to sample the dishes. Most waiters are very friendly, and will happily provide detailed answers for their guests.

4. Galbi

Of all the popular Korean meat dishes, includingsamgyeopsal and bulgogi, galbi remains a best seller. Preparations call for the meat to be cut into strips, 7cm in length, and 1cm in diameter, and left to sit in a marinade made from green onions, garlic, sesame oil, soy sauce, sesame seed salt, and black pepper. The meat is then left to grill on medium to high heat to sear in the flavors. Due to the effort in preparing galbi, prices are quite high and most households only eat the special meat on special occasions such as birthdays, or when dining out.

How to Enjoy: The best way to enjoy galbi is to eat it while cooking it on the spot, while cutting the meat into comfortable slices to be eaten with a chopstick in one bite, then eat the last remains of the meat on the bones by picking up the ribs with your hands.

5. Bulgogi

Bulgogi is either prepared using beef or pork marinated in soy sauce, honey (or sugar), green onions, garlic, sesame seed salt, and black pepper, and grilled to perfection. The meat is generally sweet and tender, making it a popular dish amongst children as well. The dish is also very easy to make at home.

How to Enjoy: The meat is very well marinated, so it is often eaten with rice. However, there are times when bulgogi is eaten by itself.