Korean Cuisine- Korean Food Explained & Must Try Korean Dishes

One of the popular preparations, from Korean cuisine, Kimchi (fermented cabbage) is relished eagerly with appetizers and main course by many.  However, very few other Korean dishes seem to have made a mark. This made we wonder why? Hence, I undertook a quest to find out more.

However, no clear answers emerged. But I did learn a lot about Korean cuisine. In this article, I have tried to explain more about Korean food  in simple words. In addition, there is a small list of must try Korean dishes. The cuisine is varied, fascinating and deeply influenced by culture, climate, geography (peninsula) and proximity to China and Japan. Moreover, special importance is given to presentation and harmony.

Korean Food Explained:

The staple food in Korean cuisine mainly contains rice, noodles, vegetable, fish and tofu. Also, Korean food is more heavily seasoned, in comparison to Japanese and Chinese food. Moreover, the food is savory with bold flavors. Hence, it may appeal to a lot of Indians considering our palette.

Preserving food is an age old tradition in Korea. A lot of sides dishes are pickled, salted or fermented. Commonly used ingredients include garlic, ginger, green onions, sesame, soy sauce, soybean paste, and chilli peppers (introduced by the Portuguese in the 17th Century). Did you know that Korea is actually the largest consumer of garlic?

Distinct from most cuisines, as many as two to twelve side dishes (called banchan) are served during meals. Moreover, vegetables, seafood and meat prepared in different styles make most of the side dishes. Also, unlike western cuisines there are no separate courses. Everything is served at the same time.

Image Source: Flickr Creative Commons Alpha

The table arrangement can vary depending on the main dish served. The dining table setting (bap-sang) features rice as the main dish and the banchan arranged according to the recipes, color, temperature of the food. In addition, importance is given to the balance and presentation. There are 3,5,7,9 and 12 dish table settings according to the number of side dishes.

Other table settings are porridge table setting (juk-sang), noodle table setting (myeon-sang), liquor table setting (juan-sang), refreshment table setting (dagwa-sang) and large dining table setting (gyoja-sang). All meals are normally eaten with a set of wooden, silver or stainless steel chopsticks. Moreover, a rather long handled but shallow spoon can also be used. A traditional meal is served on a low table, & diners sit on cushions on the floor.

Korean culture is very similar to Indian culture. It is based on family, respect, and responsibility. This design is applied to table manners as well. Elders are served first and no one begins until the eldest person begins.

Some etiquette to remember at a Korean table:

- Don't pick up chopsticks or spoon before the eldest person.

- Don't stick the chopsticks or spoon straight up in the rice bowl. (This signifies death or a wish for death to someone)

- Don't stab foods with chopsticks.

- Don't eat with fingers unless you are having finger food.

- The spoon and chopsticks should not be held together in one hand.

- Use the spoon only for rice and soup.

- Take food within reach and do not stretch your arms out too far.

- Use both hands when offering a dish or drink to another diner.

- Don't stir common or shared dishes with your spoon/chopsticks.

- Do wait for the Eldest person to finish or dismiss you before leaving the table.

I have put together a very tiny list of popular Korean food you many want to try and let’s kick things off with the extremely popular kimchi:

Kimchi (Fermented Vegetable)

Kimchi is a spicy and sour dish of fermented vegetable, the most popular one being cabbage. No Korean meal is complete without kimchi and is available in more than 100 variations. Originating during the 7th century Korea, it is still prepared the same way since its inception. Moreover, Kimchi has high nutritional value, fiber content and low calories. It has also featured in 'Health' as one of the top five healthiest foods in the world. 

Image Source: Flickr Creative Commons Jin Li

Bibimbap (Mixed Rice)

Bibimbap which literally means "mixed rice" is served as a bowl of warm white rice topped with namul (seasoned and sautéed vegetables) and gochujang (chili pepper paste), soy sauce, or fermented soybean paste (doenjang). A raw or fried egg and sliced meat are common additions. Moreover, the hot dish is stirred together thoroughly just before eating.

Image Source: Flickr Creative Commons Kevin Lam

Gochujang

Bulgogi (Marinated Red Meat Barbecue)

Bulgogi literally means fire meat in Korean. It usually consists of grilled marinated red meat. To add flavor whole cloves of garlic, sliced onions and chopped green peppers are often grilled or fried with the meat. Traditionally eaten with lettuce wrapped around the meat and a dab of ssamjang (thick and red spicy paste made of made of doenjang, gochujang, sesame oil, onion, garlic, green onions, and optionally brown sugar).

Image Source: Flickr Creative Commons Christian Ramiro González Verón

Japchae (Stir Fried Noodles)

A traditional flavorful Korean noodle dish, Japchae is commonly served as a side dish. Although, often it may also be a main dish. It is made of sweet potato noodles (dangmyeon) stir fried in sesame oil with shredded vegetables. The dish is usually garnished with sesame seeds and slivers of chili and may be served hot or cold.

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Hotteok (Sweet Syrupy Pancakes)

Hotteok is a popular Korean street food especially during winters. Dough is filled with a sweet mixture containing brown sugar, honey, chopped peanuts, and cinnamon. It is than cooked on a griddle and pressed flat into a large flat circular shape. The eating experience is a crunchy exterior and a soft interior with sweet irresistible flavors.

Image Source: Flickr Creative Commons Garrett

Well here was a very brief introduction to Korean cuisine and hope this read made all you folks eager to explore a cuisine that I believe will explode on the food scene in India in due course.