Bibimpap, bulgogi, galbi, gimbap... A gastro tour of Seoul
This dictionary includes the essential dishes of South Korea. Good, cheap, exotic (but without going overboard) and easy to find in seoul .
BIBIMBAP
This recipe is the first on the list in strict alphabetical order, but it is also the most representative main dish of the country. In Spain, the term "rice with things" is a derogatory way of naming a failed attempt at paella, but in South Korea understood in a very different way. That is, in fact, the meaning of bibimbap (mixed rice) .
It consists of adding to a bowl of white rice a mix of ingredients , usually egg, vegetables and meat. We could say that he is a relative of the hawaiian poke bowls q that have become so fashionable in the West in recent times. Very helpful.
bibimbap
where to try it
Gogung (popular with tourists) : 12-14 Chungmuro-2-ga, Jung-gu.
Jeonju Jungang : 19, Myeongdong 8na-gil, Jung-gu.
BULGOGI
It is basically, beef cut into strips. It is usually marinated with soy sauce and sesame oil . Restaurants specializing in this dish place a frying pan in the center of the table, so that the diner can check how the meat is being fried with the vegetables and other accompaniments. There are different versions of this dish, such as the Dak Bulgogi, which is made with chicken.
where to try it
Woolaeoak : 62-29 Changgyeonggung-ro, Jugyo-dong, Jung-gu.
GALBI
Also called Kalbi. They are cow (or pork) ribs made on the grill. Usually marinated with soy sauce, sugar and garlic , which gives it a sweet and sour taste. Sometimes, it is served with lettuce leaves, so you can assemble it as if you were making a Mexican taco. Restaurants that serve it also often place a grill in the center of the table.
Where to try it:
Byeokje Galbi: 13-20, Changcheon-dong, Seodaemun-gu.
Gangnam Myeonok : 34 Nonhyeon-ro 152-gil, Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu.
gimbap
Also called kimbap . It is a recipe very similar to sushi. Specifically, at maki. It's made with steamed white rice rolled in dried seaweed, but unlike sushi, the Korean version of the rice is seasoned with sesame oil instead of vinegar, giving it a sweeter flavor. The filling is considerably less sophisticated than that of the Japanese dish.
Gimbap is a recipe very similar to sushi
Where to try it:
Chosun Gimbap : 78, Yulgok-ro 1-gil, Jongno-gu.
Mo-nyeo Wonjo Mayak Kimbap (at Gwangjang Market) : 88 Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno 4(sa) -ga, Jongno-gu.
JAPCHAE
It looks like Chinese-American chop-suey, But it is not the same. Basically, this recipe consists of sweet potato pasta with vegetables, sesame seeds and beef . But, except for the sweet potato that gives that look of transparent noodles (or glass noodles , as they are called), the rest of the ingredients are quite interchangeable. There are versions with seafood or only with mushrooms. It is rather a side dish and is served in many street stalls.
Where to try it:
At Gwangjang Market : 88 Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno 4(sa)-ga, Jongno-gu.
KIMCHI
Another mythical side dish, made from Fermented cabbage. It was a way of preserving vegetables in the cold months (from November to March), in which the Korean land did not generate vegetables by itself.
In fact, It is the national dish. And, although it is increasingly popular throughout the world and therefore easy to find in supermarkets, you have to try it in seoul at least once . The good thing is that it is very easy to find. It is usually the extra that is included in restaurants where Korean barbecue (bulgogi or galbi) is served.
Kimchi, the national dish of South Korea
PAJEON
These delicious pancakes made from chives give a lot of play. As much as he can give a pizza. It can be made from vegetables, seafood (haemul panjeon), even kimchi…
Where to try it:
Insadong Sujebi : 14-1 Insadong 8-gil, Gwanhun-dong, Jongno-gu.
Again, at Gwangjang Market : 88 Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno 4(sa)-ga, Jongno-gu.
Pajeon, pancakes made from chives