When visiting Seoul, there are numerous snacks and fruits to try that are unique to Korean cuisine and culture. Here are some popular options to consider:
Snacks:
- Tteokbokki (Spicy Rice Cakes): A popular street food made from chewy rice cakes cooked in a spicy gochujang (red chili paste) sauce.
- Kimchi: Korea’s famous fermented vegetable dish, typically made with cabbage and radishes, known for its spicy and tangy flavor.
- Hotteok: Sweet Korean pancakes filled with a mixture of brown sugar, honey, cinnamon, and nuts.
- Bungeoppang (Fish-Shaped Pastry): A fish-shaped pastry filled with sweet red bean paste or other fillings like custard or chocolate.
- Kimbap: Similar to sushi, kimbap is a seaweed-wrapped roll filled with rice, vegetables, and sometimes meat or seafood.
- Japchae: Stir-fried glass noodles made from sweet potato starch, mixed with vegetables, and sometimes beef or mushrooms.
- Gimbap: Rice and vegetable rolls similar to sushi rolls but often with different fillings like pickled radish, spinach, and egg.
- Hoddeok: Sweet pancakes filled with brown sugar, honey, peanuts, and cinnamon, often enjoyed during the winter months.
- Banchan: Various side dishes served with Korean meals, including items like kimchi, pickled vegetables, and seasoned tofu.
- Yangnyeom Chicken (Spicy Korean Fried Chicken): Crispy fried chicken coated in a spicy and sweet sauce, a popular late-night snack.
Fruits:
- Korean Melon (Chamoe): A sweet and juicy melon with a refreshing flavor, commonly enjoyed in Korea during the summer.
- Asian Pear (Bae): Crisp and juicy with a slightly grainy texture, Asian pears are a popular fruit in Korea and are often enjoyed fresh or used in salads.
- Peaches (Bokbunja): Korean peaches are known for their sweet and fragrant flavor and are often eaten fresh or used in desserts and beverages.
- Strawberries (Dalgi): Korea is known for its delicious strawberries, which are often large, sweet, and juicy.
- Pineapple (Painae): While not native to Korea, pineapples are commonly available and are often enjoyed fresh or used in fruit salads and desserts.
- Grapes (Podae): Korean grapes are known for their sweetness and are often enjoyed as a snack or used to make grape juice or wine.
- Persimmons (Gam): Sweet and slightly tangy, persimmons are a popular fruit in Korea and are often enjoyed fresh or dried.
These are just a few examples of the many delicious snacks and fruits to try while visiting Seoul. Exploring local markets, street food stalls, and grocery stores will offer even more opportunities to discover new and delicious Korean treats.