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Seoul is a food lover’s paradise, offering a diverse and tantalizing array of flavors. From iconic street food to refined dining, the city has something to satisfy every palate. Let’s dive into some must try foods in Seoul that will leave you craving more.
Must Try Foods in Seoul for Vegetarians
There are so many options in Seoul for carnivores and pescatarians, but what about Vegetarians?
Fear not! This guide is your cheat sheet on What to Eat in Seoul for Vegetarians.
Food Tours I Recommend for Vegetarians in Seoul
Gwangjang Market for Vegetarians and Vegans
Vegan and Vegetarian Cooking Class
Small Group City Tour
Walking Tour
Seoul for Vegetarians
Let’s dive into some must-try vegetarian dishes:
Japchae: This colorful stir-fry is a feast for the senses. Glass noodles dance with a medley of crisp vegetables, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.
Kimchi Jeon: A delightful twist on the beloved kimchi, this savory pancake is a crispy, golden delight. The tangy, spicy kimchi filling is perfectly complemented by the light batter.
Bibimbap: While the classic version often includes meat, it can easily be made vegetarian by omitting the meat and adding extra vegetables.
Mayak Gimbap: This vegetarian sushi roll is filled with pickled vegetables and is a popular street food.
Kongguksu: Perfect for beating the summer heat, kongguksu is a chilled noodle soup made with a creamy soybean milk broth. Its light and refreshing flavors are a welcome respite from the city’s hustle and bustle.
Vegan Kimchi: A variety of kimchi made without fish sauce.
Tteokbokki: Spicy rice cakes often served with vegetables and a sweet and spicy sauce. Many places offer vegetarian versions.
Mandu: These versatile dumplings come in an array of vegetarian fillings, from savory kimchi to fragrant vegetables.
Don’t miss the opportunity to try the kimchi mandu at Gwangjang Market – a spicy adventure awaits!
Mung Bean Pancakes: These crispy pancakes are a delightful appetizer or light meal.
Temple Food: Many Buddhist temples in Seoul offer vegetarian meals that are both delicious and healthy.
Tips for Vegetarian Dining in Seoul
Communicate Your Dietary Needs: While many restaurants offer vegetarian options, it’s always helpful to clearly communicate your preferences.
Explore Local Markets: Markets are a vegetarian’s paradise, offering fresh produce, delicious side dishes, and an authentic taste of Korean cuisine.
Be Adventurous: Don’t be afraid to try new dishes and ingredients. Seoul’s culinary scene is full of surprises!
Restaurant Recommendations for Vegetarians in Seoul
Must Try Foods in Seoul for Non Vegetarian’s
Below is an overview of popular Korean dishes that highlight the rich flavors and traditions of Korean cuisine.
From the savory comfort of bibimbap to the spicy kick of tteokbokki, this guide will introduce you to the must-try dishes and their Korean names
Best Food Tours in Seoul
Award Winning Ten Tasting Tour- Click Here
Drinking and Eating Through the Alleys of Seoul- Click Here
Secret Food Tours – Click Here
Iconic Korean Flavors
Bibimbap: This colorful rice bowl topped with an assortment of vegetables, meat, and a fried egg is a Korean classic.
Bulgogi: Tender marinated beef grilled to perfection is a Korean barbecue staple. Enjoy it with lettuce wraps and a variety of side dishes.
Kimchi: This fermented cabbage dish is a cornerstone of Korean cuisine. It comes in various flavors and textures, from spicy to mild.
Jjajangmyeon: Thick, savory black bean sauce noodles topped with pork and vegetables is a popular comfort food.
Tteokbokki (Spicy Rice Cakes): A fiery and affordable street food classic.
Kimbap (Korean Seaweed Rice Rolls): A delicious and filling grab-and-go snack, customizable with various fillings.
Pajeon (Scallion Pancakes): Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, these savory pancakes are addictive. Enjoy them with a dipping sauce for an extra burst of flavor.
Korean Fried Chicken: Seoul’s take on fried chicken is legendary. Juicy, crispy, and exploding with flavor variations, from sweet and spicy to fiery wings.
For a Hearty Meal:
Galbi Jjim (Braised Short Ribs): Melt-in-your-mouth comfort food with a rich, savory sauce
Haemul Pajeon (Seafood Pancake): Packed with fresh seafood, perfect for a taste of the Korean sea
Dakgalbi (Spicy Stir-Fried Chicken): A must-try for spice lovers, featuring chicken, vegetables, and tteokbokki.
Bibimbap (Mixed Rice Bowl): A colorful and interactive dish with rice, vegetables, meat, and a fried egg.
Kimchi Jjigae (Spicy Kimchi Stew): A classic Korean stew bursting with the flavors of kimchi.
Soondubu (Soft Tofu Stew): A lighter and smoother alternative to Sundubu Jjigae.
Soups & Stews:
Sundubu Jjigae (Spicy Soft Tofu Stew): A flavorful and comforting stew with soft tofu and seafood
Budae Jjigae (Army Stew): A unique post-war creation featuring a mix of ingredients in a spicy kimchi broth.
Samgyetang (Ginseng Chicken Soup): A nourishing and healthy soup with a whole young chicken.
Dumplings & More:
Mandu (Korean Dumplings): Delicious dumplings with various fillings, steamed, boiled, or pan-fried.
Agujjim (Seafood Porridge): A hearty and flavorful porridge with various seafood and rice.
Sweet Treats:
Bingsu (Shaved Ice Dessert): Fluffy shaved ice topped with sweet ingredients like condensed milk, chopped fruit, or red beans, perfect for a hot summer day.
Hotteok (Sweet Korean Pancakes): Crispy on the outside, chewy on the inside, filled with a sweet brown sugar syrup. TIP: Give it a minute or two before you take a bite to avoid burning yourself
Drinks
Soju: Korea’s national alcoholic beverage, often enjoyed with food.
Makgeolli: A cloudy rice wine with a slightly sweet and tangy taste.
Where to Eat: Food Markets and Restaurant
To truly experience Seoul’s culinary scene, explore its vibrant food markets.
Gwangjang Market is a must-visit for a wide range of street food options, including the famous bindaeteok (mung bean pancakes). Namdaemun Market is another popular choice for traditional Korean delicacies.
For a more upscale dining experience, consider trying Korean BBQ at a restaurant like Kang Ho Dong Baekjeong. If you’re craving seafood, head to Noryangjin Fish Market where you can choose your own fresh catch to be cooked on the spot.
Restaurant Recommendations in Seoul
Solsot
Amazing Hot Pot Stone Rice Bowl. Check out the menu
huihuikatsu
Delicious Katsu
South Korea, Seoul, Jung District, Pildong 2(i)-ga, 81-11번지 1층
Boseung Hall
Try one of the stews! Open 24 hours
164-6 Donggyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Born and Bread
Splurge and make a reservation. The must do Hanwoo experience.
