50 popular Korean food products
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Writer AndyKim
Hit 829 Hits
Date 25-02-20 14:35
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Below is a detailed, ranked list of 50 popular Korean food products that have captured the hearts (and palates) of people both at home and around the world. While no single “official” ranking exists, this list compiles iconic dishes and food items based on their cultural significance, popularity, and influence in the Korean culinary scene.
1. **Kimchi**
Korea’s quintessential fermented dish—made with napa cabbage (or radish), red pepper flakes, garlic, ginger, and salted seafood—is celebrated for its tangy, spicy flavor and health benefits.
2. **Bibimbap**
A colorful mixed rice bowl topped with assorted vegetables, meat (or tofu), and a fried egg, all stirred together with gochujang (red chili paste).
3. **Bulgogi**
Thinly sliced marinated beef grilled to perfection, known for its savory-sweet flavor and tender texture.
4. **Tteokbokki**
Chewy rice cakes simmered in a spicy-sweet gochujang-based sauce, a beloved street food favorite.
5. **Korean BBQ (Samgyeopsal/Galbi)**
Grilled pork belly (samgyeopsal) or marinated short ribs (galbi) enjoyed at the table with various side dishes and dipping sauces.
6. **Instant Ramyun**
Boldly flavored instant noodles, such as Nongshim’s Shin Ramyun or Samyang’s spicy variants, which have gained international cult status.
7. **Gochujang**
A staple red chili paste that adds depth, heat, and a hint of sweetness to countless dishes.
8. **Doenjang**
A fermented soybean paste used in stews and sauces, prized for its rich, umami flavor.
9. **Kimbap**
Seaweed rice rolls filled with a variety of ingredients like vegetables, egg, and ham—perfect for on‑the‑go meals.
10. **Jjajangmyeon**
Wheat noodles served in a savory black bean sauce with vegetables and pork, reflecting a Korean-Chinese culinary fusion.
11. **Soondubu Jjigae**
A spicy soft tofu stew loaded with seafood or meat, vegetables, and a rich broth.
12. **Jjamppong**
A fiery seafood noodle soup featuring an assortment of fresh seafood, vegetables, and chewy noodles.
13. **Naengmyeon**
Chilled buckwheat noodles served in a tangy, icy broth—ideal for hot summer days.
14. **Bossam**
Tender boiled pork slices served with kimchi and fresh greens, typically wrapped together for a burst of flavor.
15. **Hotteok**
Sweet, syrup-filled pancakes that are a popular winter street snack.
16. **Patbingsu**
A refreshing shaved ice dessert topped with sweet red beans, fruits, condensed milk, and sometimes ice cream.
17. **Mandu**
Korean dumplings that come steamed, fried, or in soup, often filled with a mix of meat and vegetables.
18. **Dolsot Bibimbap**
Bibimbap served in a hot stone bowl that crisps the rice and intensifies the flavors as you mix it.
19. **Seolleongtang**
A milky beef bone soup simmered for hours, known for its subtle, savory taste and nourishing qualities.
20. **Yukgaejang**
A hearty, spicy beef soup with shredded beef, vegetables, and glass noodles—often enjoyed as a restorative meal.
21. **Gamjatang**
A spicy pork bone soup enriched with potatoes, vegetables, and hearty spices, perfect for cold weather.
22. **Dak Galbi**
Stir-fried spicy chicken mixed with vegetables and rice cakes, often cooked right at your table.
23. **Haemul Pajeon**
A savory seafood and scallion pancake that’s crispy on the outside and soft inside.
24. **Ganjang Gejang**
Fresh raw crabs marinated in soy sauce, offering a unique combination of sweet, salty, and umami flavors.
25. **Soybean Sprout Salad (Kongnamul Muchim)**
A simple yet flavorful side dish of blanched soybean sprouts seasoned with sesame oil, garlic, and green onions.
26. **Spinach Salad (Sigeumchi Namul)**
Lightly seasoned spinach with sesame oil and garlic, serving as a refreshing banchan (side dish).
27. **Tteokguk**
A traditional rice cake soup, especially popular during Korean New Year, symbolizing longevity and prosperity.
28. **Miyeok-guk**
Seaweed soup, cherished for its nutritional benefits and traditionally eaten on birthdays and by new mothers.
29. **Sundubu Jjigae (Soft Tofu Stew)**
Similar to Soondubu Jjigae, this dish emphasizes the delicate texture of uncurdled tofu in a spicy broth.
30. **Banchan Assortment**
An array of small side dishes—including pickled vegetables, seasoned greens, and fermented foods—that accompany most Korean meals.
31. **Korean Fried Chicken**
Crispy, double-fried chicken coated in a sweet, spicy, or soy-based sauce—a modern favorite at casual dining spots.
32. **Juk (Rice Porridge)**
A comforting, warm porridge that can be made plain or with various ingredients like chicken, abalone, or vegetables.
33. **Gopchang**
Grilled or stewed beef tripe, appreciated for its unique texture and rich, savory flavor.
34. **Bossam Kimchi**
A special type of kimchi that’s served with boiled pork, where the tangy, fermented flavors perfectly complement the tender meat.
35. **Dakjjim (Braised Chicken)**
A flavorful braised chicken dish often cooked with vegetables, soy sauce, and a hint of sweetness.
36. **Jokbal**
Braised pig’s trotters simmered in soy sauce and spices until tender—a delicacy enjoyed with a side of fermented shrimp sauce.
37. **Sundae (Korean Blood Sausage)**
A type of sausage made from pig’s intestines stuffed with noodles, barley, and pig’s blood, often enjoyed as a snack or in a hot broth.
38. **Bibim Naengmyeon**
A variation of cold noodles, mixed with a spicy, tangy sauce and often garnished with cucumber, pear, and boiled egg.
39. **Hoddeok**
Sweet Korean pancakes filled with brown sugar, nuts, and cinnamon, a popular treat during cold weather.
40. **Oksusu (Corn Snacks)**
Various corn-based snacks, including crunchy chips and puffed corn treats, that are beloved across all age groups.
41. **Bungeoppang**
Fish-shaped pastries typically filled with sweet red bean paste—an iconic winter street food.
42. **Gyeranppang (Egg Bread)**
A warm, sweet bread with a whole egg baked inside, popular for its comforting taste and portable convenience.
43. **Milkis**
A carbonated, milk-based soft drink that offers a unique, creamy twist on traditional sodas.
44. **Soju**
Although an alcoholic beverage, soju is a staple in Korean dining, prized for its smooth, clean taste and versatile pairing with food.
45. **Makgeolli**
A traditional rice wine with a milky appearance, slightly sweet and tangy, often served in rustic bowls.
46. **Bokbunja Ju**
A fruit wine made from Korean black raspberries, appreciated for its rich flavor and smooth finish.
47. **Choco Pie**
A soft, chocolate-coated cake sandwich that has become an iconic snack both in Korea and abroad.
48. **Honey Butter Chips**
A wildly popular flavored chip that blends sweet honey and savory butter—representing the innovative spirit of Korean snack food.
49. **Pepero**
Thin biscuit sticks dipped in chocolate and assorted coatings, enjoyed as a snack and popularized through annual gift-giving traditions.
50. **Yakult (Korea Yakult)**
A probiotic dairy drink known for its tangy flavor and digestive health benefits, completing the list with a nod to Korea’s emphasis on wellness.
---
### Final Thoughts
This list captures the breadth and diversity of Korean food—from time-honored traditional dishes and fermented staples to modern snacks and innovative beverages. These 50 items not only illustrate the rich culinary heritage of Korea but also demonstrate how the Korean food industry continues to evolve and influence global food trends. Whether enjoyed in Korea or abroad, each product carries a unique story and flavor that contributes to the vibrant tapestry of K-food.
1. **Kimchi**
Korea’s quintessential fermented dish—made with napa cabbage (or radish), red pepper flakes, garlic, ginger, and salted seafood—is celebrated for its tangy, spicy flavor and health benefits.
2. **Bibimbap**
A colorful mixed rice bowl topped with assorted vegetables, meat (or tofu), and a fried egg, all stirred together with gochujang (red chili paste).
3. **Bulgogi**
Thinly sliced marinated beef grilled to perfection, known for its savory-sweet flavor and tender texture.
4. **Tteokbokki**
Chewy rice cakes simmered in a spicy-sweet gochujang-based sauce, a beloved street food favorite.
5. **Korean BBQ (Samgyeopsal/Galbi)**
Grilled pork belly (samgyeopsal) or marinated short ribs (galbi) enjoyed at the table with various side dishes and dipping sauces.
6. **Instant Ramyun**
Boldly flavored instant noodles, such as Nongshim’s Shin Ramyun or Samyang’s spicy variants, which have gained international cult status.
7. **Gochujang**
A staple red chili paste that adds depth, heat, and a hint of sweetness to countless dishes.
8. **Doenjang**
A fermented soybean paste used in stews and sauces, prized for its rich, umami flavor.
9. **Kimbap**
Seaweed rice rolls filled with a variety of ingredients like vegetables, egg, and ham—perfect for on‑the‑go meals.
10. **Jjajangmyeon**
Wheat noodles served in a savory black bean sauce with vegetables and pork, reflecting a Korean-Chinese culinary fusion.
11. **Soondubu Jjigae**
A spicy soft tofu stew loaded with seafood or meat, vegetables, and a rich broth.
12. **Jjamppong**
A fiery seafood noodle soup featuring an assortment of fresh seafood, vegetables, and chewy noodles.
13. **Naengmyeon**
Chilled buckwheat noodles served in a tangy, icy broth—ideal for hot summer days.
14. **Bossam**
Tender boiled pork slices served with kimchi and fresh greens, typically wrapped together for a burst of flavor.
15. **Hotteok**
Sweet, syrup-filled pancakes that are a popular winter street snack.
16. **Patbingsu**
A refreshing shaved ice dessert topped with sweet red beans, fruits, condensed milk, and sometimes ice cream.
17. **Mandu**
Korean dumplings that come steamed, fried, or in soup, often filled with a mix of meat and vegetables.
18. **Dolsot Bibimbap**
Bibimbap served in a hot stone bowl that crisps the rice and intensifies the flavors as you mix it.
19. **Seolleongtang**
A milky beef bone soup simmered for hours, known for its subtle, savory taste and nourishing qualities.
20. **Yukgaejang**
A hearty, spicy beef soup with shredded beef, vegetables, and glass noodles—often enjoyed as a restorative meal.
21. **Gamjatang**
A spicy pork bone soup enriched with potatoes, vegetables, and hearty spices, perfect for cold weather.
22. **Dak Galbi**
Stir-fried spicy chicken mixed with vegetables and rice cakes, often cooked right at your table.
23. **Haemul Pajeon**
A savory seafood and scallion pancake that’s crispy on the outside and soft inside.
24. **Ganjang Gejang**
Fresh raw crabs marinated in soy sauce, offering a unique combination of sweet, salty, and umami flavors.
25. **Soybean Sprout Salad (Kongnamul Muchim)**
A simple yet flavorful side dish of blanched soybean sprouts seasoned with sesame oil, garlic, and green onions.
26. **Spinach Salad (Sigeumchi Namul)**
Lightly seasoned spinach with sesame oil and garlic, serving as a refreshing banchan (side dish).
27. **Tteokguk**
A traditional rice cake soup, especially popular during Korean New Year, symbolizing longevity and prosperity.
28. **Miyeok-guk**
Seaweed soup, cherished for its nutritional benefits and traditionally eaten on birthdays and by new mothers.
29. **Sundubu Jjigae (Soft Tofu Stew)**
Similar to Soondubu Jjigae, this dish emphasizes the delicate texture of uncurdled tofu in a spicy broth.
30. **Banchan Assortment**
An array of small side dishes—including pickled vegetables, seasoned greens, and fermented foods—that accompany most Korean meals.
31. **Korean Fried Chicken**
Crispy, double-fried chicken coated in a sweet, spicy, or soy-based sauce—a modern favorite at casual dining spots.
32. **Juk (Rice Porridge)**
A comforting, warm porridge that can be made plain or with various ingredients like chicken, abalone, or vegetables.
33. **Gopchang**
Grilled or stewed beef tripe, appreciated for its unique texture and rich, savory flavor.
34. **Bossam Kimchi**
A special type of kimchi that’s served with boiled pork, where the tangy, fermented flavors perfectly complement the tender meat.
35. **Dakjjim (Braised Chicken)**
A flavorful braised chicken dish often cooked with vegetables, soy sauce, and a hint of sweetness.
36. **Jokbal**
Braised pig’s trotters simmered in soy sauce and spices until tender—a delicacy enjoyed with a side of fermented shrimp sauce.
37. **Sundae (Korean Blood Sausage)**
A type of sausage made from pig’s intestines stuffed with noodles, barley, and pig’s blood, often enjoyed as a snack or in a hot broth.
38. **Bibim Naengmyeon**
A variation of cold noodles, mixed with a spicy, tangy sauce and often garnished with cucumber, pear, and boiled egg.
39. **Hoddeok**
Sweet Korean pancakes filled with brown sugar, nuts, and cinnamon, a popular treat during cold weather.
40. **Oksusu (Corn Snacks)**
Various corn-based snacks, including crunchy chips and puffed corn treats, that are beloved across all age groups.
41. **Bungeoppang**
Fish-shaped pastries typically filled with sweet red bean paste—an iconic winter street food.
42. **Gyeranppang (Egg Bread)**
A warm, sweet bread with a whole egg baked inside, popular for its comforting taste and portable convenience.
43. **Milkis**
A carbonated, milk-based soft drink that offers a unique, creamy twist on traditional sodas.
44. **Soju**
Although an alcoholic beverage, soju is a staple in Korean dining, prized for its smooth, clean taste and versatile pairing with food.
45. **Makgeolli**
A traditional rice wine with a milky appearance, slightly sweet and tangy, often served in rustic bowls.
46. **Bokbunja Ju**
A fruit wine made from Korean black raspberries, appreciated for its rich flavor and smooth finish.
47. **Choco Pie**
A soft, chocolate-coated cake sandwich that has become an iconic snack both in Korea and abroad.
48. **Honey Butter Chips**
A wildly popular flavored chip that blends sweet honey and savory butter—representing the innovative spirit of Korean snack food.
49. **Pepero**
Thin biscuit sticks dipped in chocolate and assorted coatings, enjoyed as a snack and popularized through annual gift-giving traditions.
50. **Yakult (Korea Yakult)**
A probiotic dairy drink known for its tangy flavor and digestive health benefits, completing the list with a nod to Korea’s emphasis on wellness.
---
### Final Thoughts
This list captures the breadth and diversity of Korean food—from time-honored traditional dishes and fermented staples to modern snacks and innovative beverages. These 50 items not only illustrate the rich culinary heritage of Korea but also demonstrate how the Korean food industry continues to evolve and influence global food trends. Whether enjoyed in Korea or abroad, each product carries a unique story and flavor that contributes to the vibrant tapestry of K-food.