If there’s anything one can’t miss on a trip to Seoul, it’s the inviting smell of city’s local street food and must-try restaurants competing for your taste buds. In fact, 2016 saw the release of the first-ever Michelin guide to Seoul, with 24 restaurants bestowed with stars. So, if you’re thinking about a trip to the South Korean capital, search for flights on Cheapflights.com.au and keep reading for some of the local eats you shouldn’t miss.
Samgyeopsal
A favourite evening dish, samgyeopsal (thick slices of pork belly grilled at your table), is not hard to find in Seoul, but if you want to try one of the city’s best, head to Palsaik. The restaurant’s name translates to “eight colours,” which represents the eight flavours in which the dish is available: ginger, wine, ginseng, pine leaves, herbs, curry, miso paste and spicy pepper. Once you try it, chances are you’ll crave it again (or want to try a different flavour. It’s a good thing that Palsaik has opened additional locations in Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Taipei.
Tteokbokki
A popular snack among locals, Tteokbokki is a dish made up of thick rice noodles, fish cake and chilli paste (or spicy broth). Also called ddeokbokki, you can find it in street food tents called Pojangmachaall throughout the city, with the most popular ones located around Hongdae, Shinchon and Jongno. If you’re up for a bit of an adventure, head to Dongdaemun Sassy Tteokbokki for an extra spicy version that really packs the heat.
Gimbap
Also called “Korean sushi,” gimbaps are made from rice mixed with various ingredients and wrapped in dried seaweed sheets. While sharing similarities to Japanese sushi, what makes this dish a bit different is the stickier rice seasoned with sesame oil and seeds. It also tends to taste a bit sweeter than its Japanese counterpart. Two popular chains to find these delicious snacks are Kimbap Nara and Kimbap Cheonguk.
Gogigui or Korean barbeque
Probably the most famous of Korean cuisine styles, barbeque restaurants abound in Seoul. College students (and budget-conscious travellers) gravitate toward the all-you-can-eat joints, where you pick your cuts of meat and grill to your heart’s content. Short ribs (galbi) and marinated beef (bulgogi) are some of the most popular cuts, and they’re typically served with some sort of stew. Also, don’t be alarmed by the endless plates of side dishes, or banchan, that will overtake your table; Korean meals are almost always accompanied by at least a half-dozen side dishes. Also, keep in mind that Korean barbeque goes hand in hand with drinking, so don’t be shy about ordering a round of beer (maekju) or soju, a rice wine similar to sake.
Bibimbap
No trip to South Korea is ever complete without trying the Korean version of mixed rice called bibimbap. Served with vegetables, egg and meat slices, there are several variations of bibimbap. Among the most popular ones is the dolsot bibimbap or hot stone pot bibimbap, wherein the dish, complete with raw egg, is prepared in a hot stone bowl. For the best bibimbap, we suggest visiting Gogung in Jung-gu or Jeonju Jungang Hoekwan or the stall in Gwangjang Market.
Samgyetang
Looking for something a little more healthy? Try the samgyetang, a ginseng chicken soup. It’s a popular summer dish in South Korea but is available year-round at most restaurants. A popular spot to get the best samgyetang in Seoul is Tosokchon. Located on Jongno-gu, its chicken soup is a must-try (and comes with onion pancakes, too) and is some of the best in the city, so be prepared to come very early and brave the seemingly endless queue during lunch or dinner hours. Don’t miss the version with “black chicken,” which is a little pricier, but worth it.
Where’s your favourite place to eat in Seoul? Share your recommendations in the comments and start your flight search on Cheapflights.com.au.
