Discover a world of noodle dishes in South Korea – from vegetable japchae ramyeon to hearty jjajangmyeon, there’s a noodle dish for every taste.
South Korea is a fantastic place to visit! You’ll find a perfect blend of rich culture, breathtaking natural landscapes, bustling modern cities, historic landmarks, and mouthwatering cuisine. It’s a dream destination for anyone who loves K-dramas and K-pop. And if you’re a foodie, you’ll be in heaven! Seoul is a foodie’s paradise with a vibrant restaurant scene. But, vegetarians might have a bit of a challenge. Many local cuisine dishes include eggs and meat. But don’t worry, the popularity of vegetarianism and veganism is growing, and there are still some delicious options available. Just keep an eye out for them! Here are some must-try vegetarian dishes during your trip to South Korea.
Noodle Dishes in South Korea – Variety of Korean Noodles
Kalguksu
Kalguksu, or knife noodles, is the ideal summer dish for South Koreans. It’s a must-try during rainy and windy days. The noodles are made from wheat and egg and are knife-cut to give the noodle shape. The noodles come in a delectable seafood broth made from dried anchovies, shellfish, and kelp. The seafood version is the most popular, but there are also spicy (jjanppong kalguksu), chicken (dak kalguksu), and mushroom kalguksu (beodeot kalguksu) to choose from.
Japchae
This dish is a refreshing cold noodle stir-fry with veggies. It’s a royal favorite from Korea, created by a servant of King Gwangaegun. It’s a bit sweet and has a savory soy sauce flavor. Usually, it comes with beef, but you can also find vegetarian options in Korea. The name ‘Japchae’ means ‘a mix of vegetables,’ and it’s packed with colorful, thinly sliced veggies like carrots, spinach, mushrooms, and peppers. Sometimes, it’s topped with a fried egg for added crunch and flavor.
Budae Jjigae
If you’re a broth-loving noodle enthusiast, you simply must try budae jjigae, a must-have dish in South Korea. This hearty stew is made with ramen noodles in a flavorful anchovy stock, and it’s packed with kimchi, baked beans, sausages, and more. Sometimes, you’ll even find pork, rice cakes, and tofu. The story behind budae jjigae is pretty cool. It all started in the 1950s, right after the Korean War, when food was scarce. So, the people got creative and made this delicious fusion dish using whatever ingredients they could find. That’s why these Korean noodles are also known as army stew.
Jjajangmyeon
It’s a super popular Korean noodle dish that’s a true culinary delight. Picture this: thick wheat Korean noodles covered in a rich, dark sauce that’s almost black. This sauce is made from a sweet and slightly salty soybean paste, and it’s the star of the show. Now, here’s the interesting part: jjajangmyeon has its roots in Chinese cuisine. But the Koreans have put their own spin on it, making it just the way they like it. Unlike your typical bowl of ramen, this dish is totally non-spicy and has a unique flavor that’s sure to impress.
Sujebi
Sujebi, a comforting Korean noodle soup, is a beloved dish often prepared at home. Hand-pulled wheat noodles are the star of this hearty soup, swimming in a flavorful broth with seafood, vegetables like potatoes and scallions, and sometimes even kimchi. Originally reserved for special occasions, sujebi has become a popular everyday meal.
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