Korea has emerged as a global trendsetter across many industries, from the infectious beats of K-pop, the enthralling narratives of K-dramas, to the groundbreaking innovations in K-beauty. Yet, one facet that often remains underappreciated is its immensely promising culinary scene. Bursting with cultural significance, inventive recipes, and masterful techniques, Korean cuisine forms an illustrious tapestry of flavours. Ever wondered what dishes and ingredients serve as the cornerstones of Korea’s expansive food culture? Dip yourself in the culinary wonders of South Korea, an underrated powerhouse poised to boost the Asian and global food scene to new heights!
Army Stew (Buddae Jjigae)
Family and friends often come together to enjoy this delectable hotpot dish generously packed with an array of ingredients. Bursting with the likes of spam, baked beans, kimchi, cheese, instant noodles, vegetables, tofu and more, this timeless stew seamlessly combines diverse elements, incorporating a harmonious fusion of Korean and American with a range of fresh and processed ingredients. Anchovy and kelp form the hearty foundation of this flavourful and spicy stew. Its name, buddae jiggae, derives from buddae, meaning military base and jjigae, a term for Korean stew.
Ginseng Chicken Soup (Samgyetang)
The Korean ginseng chicken soup honours traditional practices as a nourishing summer dish. In true iyeolchiyeol (fighting heat with heat) fashion, this restorative soup battles the summer heat with a warmth of its own, strengthening the body when the season takes its toll. It is composed of whole chicken (e.g. cornish hen), ginseng, ginger, and rice, among others. Interestingly, the chicken is stuffed with rice, offering a simple and comforting solo meal. Ideal for both warm and cool days, as well as those under-the-weather moments when you need a comforting boost!
Savoury Pancake (Pajeon)
While the pancakes we commonly encounter are sweet, fluffy, and served up during breakfast hours, the Korean variety presents a distinct departure from this familiar profile. Pajeon, otherwise known as a savoury pancake, is a popular side dish in Korean menus wherein green onions play a central role. Complementing this culinary icon are essential components like water, eggs, and either flour or pancake mix.
Given its widespread acclaim, pajeon manifests in diverse renditions. Seafood stands as a luxurious choice, featuring an assortment of ocean treasures such as shrimp, squid, mussels, and clams. Meanwhile, the all-time favourite, kimchi, imparts its characteristically sharp, spicy, and tangy flavours to this equally beloved dish.
Cold Noodles (Mul Naengmyeon)
Thin and slippery buckwheat noodles steeped in an ice-cold beef-based broth sound brilliant in warm weather, and indeed they are. That is why naengmyeon has become the quintessential summer noodle dish in Korea since the Joseon Dynasty. Relish in the coolness of this age-old delicacy just as temperatures begin to soar, and deconstruct all the flavours that come with each bite – a rich umami depth from a broth simmered stovetop for hours, a subtle sweetness from an elusive Korean pear, and a barely noticeable tartness from a dash of vinegar and mustard.
Korean Fried Chicken (Peuraideu Chikin)
Korean fried chicken is in a league of its own, easily recognisable to those who have tasted it. Characterised by a crunchy soy garlic or spicy gochujang coating – tailored to your personal preference and spice tolerance – this fried treat is irresistibly crispy and is known for pairing beautifully with alcohol. Its coveted texture is achieved through a specialised double-frying technique, where wings or drums undergo an initial frying, followed by a shorter second fry. And even with this sinfully indulgent preparation, it earns praise for being notably less greasy than fried chickens in other cuisines!
Korean fried chicken is also affectionately known by various aliases, including candy chicken, peuraideu chikin (a transliteration of fried chicken), and KFC.
Braised Pig’s Trotters (Jokbal)
These braised pig’s trotters are just like grandma used to make, and rumour has it that this dish was passed down from North Korean grandmothers in the 1960s. Bathed in a luscious sauce enriched with soy and spices, it is kind of an outlier in Korean cuisine, primarily composed of common Chinese ingredients. Some deduce that its predecessor is most likely the original and famed Chinese pig’s trotters dish.
Despite its potential foreign lineage, jokbal has become synonymous with Korean dining culture, adapting to the palates of locals and evolving into a mainstay in countless restaurants. Its indulgent allure lies in its succulent, fall-off-the-bone meat, delicately sheathed by gelatinous pig skin – a result of extended marination and simmering over a low flame.
This versatile dish allows for boundless creativity in its consumption. Whether wrapped in a haphazard lettuce bundle, paired with freshly steamed rice, or savoured alone alongside premium soju, jokbal accommodates various serving styles. It can even be relished cold, adorned with spice, and complemented by a refreshing toss of greens.
Glass Noodles (Japchae)
You can’t mention Korean cuisine without thinking about its signature japchae, a glistening mound of sweet potato starch noodles stir-fried with an assortment of vegetables and beef/pork. Infused with the rich aroma of sesame oil and soy sauce, this unassuming side dish provides hosts with a versatile option – a pre-cooked delight that remains fresh and delectable between courses.
Beyond its convenient nature (it can also be enjoyed warm, room temperature, and chilled!), japchae earns acclaim for its springy texture and a lip-smacking blend of savoury and sweet, making it a hit among diners and solidifying its status as a Korean culinary staple. Originally reserved for royalty, it’s hard to imagine celebrating major milestones without japchae now – a ubiquitous noodle dish that graces the likes of birthdays, weddings, and New Year feasts!
Conclusion
Time and time again, South Korea proves itself as a top destination, and now even more so for food. But in the meantime, Nami Korean Grill House is your home-based culinary paradise for those facing wanderlust and a ferocious appetite for South Korean cuisine. In our restaurant, indulge your taste buds in a hearty and flavourful army stew, or tuck into a scrumptious pan-fried savoury pancake. Or for an elevated experience, pair it with an extravagant fleet of premium meat platters available at our 5-star grill house.
Get a taste of South Korea with all of these dishes and more right here in the familiar comfort of Singapore. Visit us at 18 Greenwood Ave, Singapore 289212 today.
