Korean cuisine is increasingly popular in Vietnam because of its unique flavors, diversity in processing methods and sophistication in dining culture. From traditional dishes to famous street foods, Korean dishes not only conquer the locals but also captivate tourists everywhere. Let’s discover the top 5 popular Korean dishes that you should not miss, as well as learn about the culture and culinary characteristics of the kimchi country!
Mục Lục
Why are Korean dishes so popular?
In recent years, Korean cuisine has crossed national boundaries to become a part of the “world culinary map”. In Vietnam, Korean food is becoming more and more familiar and loved by all ages. It is not simply the influence of the Hallyu wave (K-wave) with Kpop, Korean movies, but the taste and Korean culinary culture itself has naturally conquered the hearts of Vietnamese people.
The balance between flavor, color and nutritional value
A special feature in the characteristics of Korean cuisine is balance and harmony. On a traditional Korean dining table, you will see all 5 colors (white, red, green, yellow, black) symbolizing the 5 elements in Eastern philosophy. Each dish also usually has all 5 basic flavors: sour, spicy, salty, sweet and bitter – creating richness and stimulating the taste buds.
Not only focusing on aesthetics and taste, Korean dishes also pay special attention to nutritional value. The skillful combination of vegetables, meat, fish and fermented foods such as kimchi, doenjang (soybean paste), gochujang (fermented chili paste) … helps the body absorb nutrients better, aids digestion and improves health.
Dining culture emphasizes connection and sharing
Unlike many cultures where each person has their own portion, Korean culinary culture emphasizes sharing. Each meal is often presented with many small dishes (banchan) for everyone to share. This not only makes the meal more diverse but also helps increase the connection between family members or friends.
The atmosphere during a Korean meal is always cozy and cheerful. Koreans consider eating not only to fill their stomachs, but also an opportunity to chat, relax and enjoy moments together. It is this closeness that creates the unique appeal that Korean cuisine brings to international diners.
Easy to eat, tasty and “addictive” dishes
An important reason why Korean food is loved by Vietnamese people is its easy-to-eat, familiar taste but still has its own unique color. Spicy and sour kimchi, chewy tteokbokki, rich bibimbap or fragrant and fatty grilled samgyeopsal – all bring a vivid taste experience, easy to “addict” from the first time enjoying.
In particular, the mild spicy taste and harmonious sweet and salty taste in Korean dishes are very suitable for the taste of Vietnamese people, especially young people. In addition, the beautiful presentation and attractive colors also make Korean dishes become “stars” on social networks, attracting young people to check-in and share.
Top 5 Korean dishes you should try right now
If you are a “hardcore fan” of Korean cuisine, you definitely cannot miss the classic dishes that have made the name of Korean culinary culture. Not only delicious, each dish contains its own story about culture, history and how Koreans cherish each meal. Below are the 5 most popular Korean dishes that you should try right away if you have the chance.
Kimchi (김치)
Kimchi is the “soul” of Korean cuisine. It is not only the most popular side dish in every meal, but also a symbol associated with the Korean national identity.
Kimchi is made from cabbage or radish, fermented with Korean chili powder, garlic, ginger, green onions and many other traditional spices. Thanks to the natural fermentation process, kimchi has a slightly sour, spicy taste and a characteristic aroma. Each piece of kimchi is crispy, delicious and full of “vitality”.
In addition to its unique flavor, kimchi is also known as a “superfood” thanks to its high probiotic content, which helps support digestion and strengthens the immune system. It is no surprise that kimchi is ranked among the healthiest foods in the world.
Bulgogi (불고기)
In the list of prominent meat dishes of Korean cuisine, bulgogi is a must-mention. The name “bulgogi” means “fire-grilled meat”, and as the name suggests, this is a grilled meat dish that is marinated and grilled directly on hot coals or a grill pan.
Bulgogi is usually made from thinly sliced beef or pork, marinated with soy sauce, sugar, garlic, onion, sesame oil and pepper. When grilled, the meat becomes soft, fragrant and has a slightly sweet, rich taste, very suitable for Vietnamese taste.
The way to eat bulgogi also clearly shows Korean culinary culture: each piece of meat is wrapped in raw leaves, added with garlic, kimchi, green pepper and dipped in ssamjang (spicy bean paste). Both delicious and healthy – bulgogi is a dish you cannot miss.
Bibimbap (비빔밥)
Bibimbap – also known as Korean mixed rice – is a dish rich in both presentation and flavor. Each portion of bibimbap consists of white rice topped with stir-fried vegetables (bean sprouts, spinach, carrots, mushrooms, etc.), stir-fried beef, soft-boiled eggs and mildly spicy gochujang sauce.
When eaten, all the ingredients are mixed together, creating an attractive blend. Not only delicious, bibimbap also provides all the necessary nutritional groups: fiber, protein, vitamins and starch. This is also a dish especially favored by those pursuing a healthy lifestyle.
Bibimbap is not only a dish, but also a typical representative of balance – a core value in Korean cuisine.
Samgyeopsal (삼겹살)
When it comes to Korean food, especially during meetings and gatherings with friends, Koreans often think of samgyeopsal – grilled pork belly.
Fresh pork belly is sliced thickly and grilled directly on the grill without marinating to preserve its natural sweetness. When eating, Koreans often roll the meat with lettuce, perilla, grilled garlic, chili and ssamjang dipping sauce. The fatty taste of the meat combined with raw vegetables and spices has created a “national” dish that is loved both domestically and internationally.
Samgyeopsal represents the spirit of collective eating – an indispensable part of Korean culinary culture. It is the connection and sharing in each piece of grilled meat that makes this dish a memorable experience for tourists.
Tteokbokki (떡볶이)
Tteokbokki is the most famous street food in Korea. This dish often appears at markets, carts or restaurants serving traditional dishes.
Tteokbokki is made from cut glutinous rice cakes, cooked with sweet and spicy gochujang sauce, green onions, fish cakes and sometimes boiled eggs or cheese. The characteristic spicy taste combined with the stickiness of the rice cakes makes people “addicted” from the first time.
Tteokbokki is not only a childhood dish of Koreans but also very popular in Vietnam, especially among young people. This is a clear demonstration of the strong spread of Korean cuisine in modern life.
Suggested places to try Korean dishes in Da Nang
No need to go all the way to Seoul, you can still enjoy the full flavor of Korean cuisine right in Da Nang. This vibrant coastal city is not only famous for its Central specialties but also gathers many quality Korean restaurants, bringing authentic Korean culinary experiences. Below are 5 ideal places for Korean food lovers.
Koko House – Authentic Korean BBQ Restaurant
Koko House is a favorite destination for those who are passionate about Korean BBQ in Da Nang. With a cozy space, bold Korean design and diverse menu, Koko House brings a culinary experience as close as dining at a restaurant in Seoul.
The meat dishes here are marinated with the right flavor, grilled directly at the table and served with a variety of kimchi, raw vegetables and typical ssamjang dipping sauce. Affordable prices, attentive service – Koko House is the ideal choice for cozy gatherings with friends or family.
Korea BBQ House – A Place Where the Quintessence of Korean BBQ Dishes Converge
Korea BBQ House scores with a rich menu of Korean-style grilled dishes such as bulgogi, samgyeopsal, galbi… carefully selected from ingredients to preparation methods. The space is spacious and modern but still retains traditional Korean features, suitable for both large groups and small families.
The special feature of Korea BBQ House is the meticulousness in each dish – from the meat marinating stage, the presentation to the quality of side dishes such as kimchi, seaweed soup, mixed noodles. This is definitely the place where you can fully experience the characteristics of Korean cuisine in the heart of Da Nang.
Gogi House – Rich in the taste of Korean BBQ
A famous restaurant chain belonging to Golden Gate Group, Gogi House offers a high-class and consistent Korean culinary experience. Modern space, professional service style and a menu imbued with Korean identity have made Gogi a familiar meeting place for young people in Da Nang.
Coming to Gogi, you will enjoy premium grilled dishes such as American beef ribs, pork belly, ribs… marinated with rich flavors. In addition, don’t forget to order kimchi, bibimbap mixed rice or hot kimchi soup to make your meal more complete.
Don Chicken – The world of crispy Korean fried chicken
If you are a fan of Korean fried chicken, Don Chicken is definitely a place not to be missed. Here, you will enjoy crispy chicken pieces, rich sauces such as honey chicken, Korean spicy chicken, cheese chicken … that make anyone who eats it once “addicted”.
A youthful, dynamic space, very suitable for meeting friends or dating on the weekend. Don Chicken not only brings authentic Korean flavors, but is also an ideal place for you to experience a part of the kimchi country’s street food culture right in the heart of Da Nang.
Conclusion
Korean food is not only a part of Korean cuisine, but also a way for Koreans to express their feelings, lifestyle and unique culture. From traditional kimchi to spicy rice cakes full of emotions, each dish is a memorable culinary experience.
If you love exploring world cuisine, don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy Korean dishes right in Vietnam, especially in vibrant cities like Da Nang. Surely the unique flavors and cozy atmosphere of Korean dishes will make you “fall in love” at first sight!
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Contact information
Address: 268 Vo Nguyen Giap, My An Ward, Ngu Hanh Son District, Da Nang
Phone: 094 114 19 44
Email: kokohousedanang@gmail.com
Fanpage: https://www.facebook.com/kokohousenhahangthitnuong
Website: https://kokohouse.vn/
