Exploring North Korean cuisine is an adventure filled with unique flavors and textures. Here’s a countdown of 15 delicious dishes that every food lover should experience when visiting the Hermit Kingdom.
To read about street food in Rason click here.
15. Kimchi
No North Korean meal is complete without kimchi, a fermented vegetable side dish, typically made with napa cabbage and radishes. In the North, it’s less spicy than its Southern counterpart, offering a tangy crunch that pairs well with any meal.
14. Pansangi
This traditional set meal features a variety of small side dishes, often served in a beautiful wooden tray. Expect a mix of pickled vegetables, meats, and rice, showcasing the diversity of flavors that North Korean cuisine has to offer.
13. Tteok (Rice Cakes)
Tteok are steamed rice cakes made from glutinous rice flour, often filled with sweet or savory ingredients. They come in various shapes and sizes, and are enjoyed during festivals and special occasions.
12. Banchan
These small side dishes accompany most meals and can include a range of items such as pickled vegetables, sautéed greens, and tofu. They’re perfect for sharing and provide a wonderful way to sample different flavors.
11. Mandu (Dumplings)
North Korean mandu are typically filled with a mixture of meat and vegetables, then boiled or pan-fried to create a crispy exterior. These dumplings are hearty and satisfying, often served with a dipping sauce.
10. Gyeran-jjim (Steamed Egg Custard)
A comforting dish made with beaten eggs and water, gyeran-jjim is steamed to create a fluffy, delicate custard. It’s often seasoned with scallions and served as a side dish.
9. Samgyeopsal (Grilled Pork Belly)
While popular in both North and South Korea, samgyeopsal takes on a unique twist in North Korea. Thick slices of pork belly are grilled at the table and typically served with garlic, sesame oil, and lettuce for wrapping.
8. Naengmyeon (Cold Noodles)
Originating from Pyongyang, these chewy buckwheat noodles are served in a cold broth, often garnished with sliced beef, cucumbers, and a boiled egg. It’s a refreshing dish, especially during the hot summer months.
You can read my cold noodles article here.
7. Bulgogi (Marinated Beef)
This dish features thinly sliced marinated beef, which is grilled or stir-fried. North Korean bulgogi is known for its sweet and savory flavor, often served with rice and banchan.
6. Kimchi Jjigae (Kimchi Stew)
A warming and hearty stew made with aged kimchi, tofu, and pork or tuna. It’s a favorite comfort food that embodies the spirit of North Korean home cooking.
5. Daeji Gukbap (Pork Soup with Rice)
This comforting soup consists of tender pork cooked in a savory broth with rice. It’s a filling dish, often garnished with scallions and served hot.
4. Sundae (Blood Sausage)
Sundae is made from pig’s intestines stuffed with a mixture of rice, blood, and various spices. This dish is a delicacy in North Korea, often enjoyed as a street food snack.
3. Guk (Soups)
Soups play a vital role in North Korean cuisine. Variants like miyeok guk (seaweed soup) and doenjang guk (soybean paste soup) are common, providing warmth and nourishment.
2. Jajangmyeon (Black Bean Noodles)
A noodle dish with a savory black bean sauce, jajangmyeon is enjoyed as a hearty meal, often topped with diced vegetables and pork. It’s a testament to the culinary influences from neighboring China.
1. Koryo Insam (Ginseng)
While technically not a dish, North Korean ginseng is a prized ingredient known for its health benefits. Often included in soups and stews, it’s a symbol of Korean pride and is believed to promote vitality and strength.
Click the link for YPT’s North Korea Tours.