Korean Food Beyond Kimchi and BBQ: Hidden Culinary Gems You Need to Try

When people think of Korean cuisine,

kimchi and Korean BBQ are usually the first things that come to mind. While they are undeniably delicious, Korea’s food culture is incredibly diverse, with a rich variety of flavors and textures waiting to be explored. If you’re a food lover looking to expand your palate, here are some amazing Korean dishes that go beyond the usual kimchi and BBQ experience.


1. Andong Jjimdak (Braised Soy Sauce Chicken)

Hailing from Andong, a historic city in Korea, Andong Jjimdak is a savory braised chicken dish cooked with soy sauce, potatoes, carrots, glass noodles, and a touch of sweetness from jujube. It’s a perfect balance of salty, sweet, and umami flavors, making it a must-try for anyone who loves hearty, comforting meals.

soysauce based chicken soup

2. Gamjatang (Pork Bone Soup)

If you enjoy rich, meaty flavors, Gamjatang is the dish for you. This spicy pork bone soup is slow-cooked with potatoes, perilla seeds, and vegetables, creating a deep, hearty broth. It’s commonly enjoyed as a hangover cure and a warming dish during cold weather.

spicy pork bone soup


3. Nakji Bokkeum (Spicy Stir-Fried Octopus)

For those who love seafood with a kick, Nakji Bokkeum is a fiery dish made with octopus stir-fried in a bold, spicy gochujang-based sauce. Served with rice or noodles, this dish delivers a satisfying combination of heat and umami that will leave you craving more.

spicy stir-fried with Octopus


4. Sundubu Jjigae (Soft Tofu Stew)

One of Korea’s most comforting stews, Sundubu Jjigae is made with silky soft tofu, vegetables, and your choice of seafood, beef, or pork, all simmered in a spicy broth. Served with a raw egg on top and a bowl of rice, this dish is a favorite for its soothing texture and rich flavors.

silky soft Tofu spicy soup

5. Bibim Naengmyeon (Spicy Cold Noodles)

Unlike the well-known Japchae (stir-fried glass noodles), Bibim Naengmyeon is a refreshing dish made with chewy buckwheat noodles mixed with a spicy, tangy sauce. Topped with sliced cucumber, pickled radish, and a boiled egg, it’s the perfect meal for hot summer days.

a refreshing dish made with chewy buckwheat noodles mixed with a spicy, tangy sauce.


6. Ganjang Gejang (Soy Sauce Marinated Crab)

Ganjang Gejang is often referred to as the “rice thief” because its rich, umami-packed flavors make you want to eat endless bowls of rice. Raw crab is marinated in a soy sauce-based mixture for days, resulting in a briny, creamy texture that seafood lovers will find irresistible.

marinated raw crab


7. Bungeoppang (Fish-Shaped Pastry)

A beloved street snack, Bungeoppang is a crispy, fish-shaped pastry filled with sweet red bean paste, custard, or even cheese. It’s a popular treat during winter and pairs perfectly with a cup of hot tea or coffee.

a crispy, fish-shaped pastry filled with sweet red bean paste, custard, or even cheese.


8. Makguksu (Cold Buckwheat Noodles)

A specialty of the Gangwon province, Makguksu is a cold noodle dish served in a light, tangy broth or mixed with spicy sauce. The addition of fresh vegetables and sesame seeds makes it a refreshing yet flavorful meal.

a cold noodle dish served in a light, tangy broth or mixed with spicy sauce.


9. Tteokgalbi (Grilled Short Rib Patties)

If you love Korean BBQ but want to try something different, Tteokgalbi is a fantastic alternative. These grilled short rib patties are made from finely minced beef or pork, seasoned with a sweet and savory marinade, and then grilled to perfection. They are juicy, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying.

grilled short rib patties are made from finely minced beef or pork, seasoned with a sweet and savory marinade


10. Dakgalbi (Spicy Stir-Fried Chicken)

Originating from Chuncheon, Dakgalbi is a stir-fried dish made with marinated chicken, cabbage, rice cakes, and sweet potatoes, all cooked together in a fiery red pepper sauce. Often eaten with friends, this dish is interactive and fun, as it's cooked at the table and shared among diners.

a stir-fried dish made with marinated chicken, cabbage, rice cakes, and sweet potatoes, all cooked together in a fiery red pepper sauce.



Korean cuisine is a treasure trove of bold flavors, diverse textures, and comforting dishes that go beyond the well-known staples of kimchi and BBQ. Whether you’re a fan of spicy, savory, or sweet flavors, there’s a hidden gem in Korean food waiting for you to discover. So next time you explore Korean cuisine, step outside your comfort zone and try one of these incredible dishes!


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