Top Recommendations with Absolute Confidence from Thousands of European Guests in a Korean Restaurant

One of the questions I get asked most often by people planning a trip to Korea is this:

„What are the absolute must-eat foods when I go to Korea?“

In truth, there are simply too many delicious foods in Korea. However, travel time is short, and the number of meals you can eat in a day is limited. Therefore, based on my long experience working in a Korean restaurant and interacting with thousands of European guests, I want to recommend the dishes that consistently received the absolute best responses.

These are menu items that almost anyone visiting Korea for the first time can enjoy without failure.

1. Samgyeopsal (Korean Pork Belly)

This is one of the foods that best represents Korea. Good Samgyeopsal is delicious even without fancy seasonings. Grilling the meat yourself, wrapping it in lettuce with Ssamjang, garlic, and kimchi, and eating it in one bite is not just about eating food—it is an experience of culture.

Ah, there is also a seasoning made of sesame oil mixed with salt. If you dip the grilled Samgyeopsal into the sesame oil sauce once before placing it on your lettuce wrap, it adds a nutty aroma and a sweet-and-salty flavor boost! If you travel to Korea, make sure to experience this at least once.

2. Bulgogi

This is a dish you can recommend to literally anyone. Thanks to its soy-sauce-based marinade, which gives it a sweet and tender flavor, most people from children to adults love it. If you struggle with spicy food, Bulgogi is the safest choice. Beyond just being safe, I would call it one of Korea’s signature national dishes.

3. Bibimbap

At first, many people react with, „You mix all of this together?“ But after just one bite, most of them change their minds. The true charm of Bibimbap comes alive when all these diverse ingredients harmonize into one. I remember BTS member RM saying in a recent interview, „This album is like Bibimbap music.“ Seeing how a combination of various artistic genres creates a new musical concept that is loved by the masses, you should definitely keep in mind that you cannot experience a „new world“ of taste without trying Bibimbap, too! Haha.

4. Chimaek (Chicken and Beer)

To Korean people, Chimaek is a complete cultural institution. If you visit Seoul, for instance, I highly recommend heading over to Jongno 3-ga to experience the Chimaek culture firsthand. The combination of crispy fried chicken and ice-cold beer needs no explanation.

Oh, aside from Jongno 3-ga, eating Chimaek by the Han River can become an unforgettable memory of your trip. Plus, a little open secret—Korean food delivery is available anytime, anywhere!

5. Kimchi Jjigae (Kimchi Stew)

This is one of the dishes Korean people eat most frequently. It may not look flashy, but the deep flavor that comes from kimchi boiled for a long time is hard to find in other countries. At first, it might feel a bit intense, but once you eat it together with rice, you’ll completely understand why Koreans love Kimchi Jjigae.

Also, a fun fact: kimchi can be stored in the refrigerator for over half a month, which is totally fine because it is already fermented~

6. Sundubu Jjigae (Soft Tofu Stew)

Characterized by soft tofu and a spicy, bracing broth, Sundubu Jjigae served boiling hot in a traditional stone pot (ttukbaegi) tastes especially amazing on a cold day. In many restaurants, you can even adjust the level of spiciness to your preference.

7. Tteokbokki

This is the undisputed king of street food. Chewy rice cakes combined with a sweet and spicy sauce make it the quintessential Korean street snack. The texture might feel a little unfamiliar at first, but many people quickly find themselves addicted.

8. Japchae

Surprisingly, this is a dish that receives a lot of popularity among foreign guests. Glass noodles made from sweet potato starch are chewy yet tender, and thanks to the soy-sauce-based sweet seasoning, anyone can enjoy it comfortably without any burden.

From my childhood memories, if you add a bit of Cho-gochujang (sweet and spicy chili sauce) on top, it becomes a special treat for those who love spicy food!

9. Galbi (Grilled Short Ribs)

If you liked Bulgogi, there is a high chance you will love Galbi, too. Actually, even if you don’t like Bulgogi, you will automatically love Galbi. Working in a restaurant, I have never met a single person who disliked Galbi. It is an addictive flavor, so consider yourself warned! Haha.

When the sweet marinade meets the smoky charcoal grill, it creates an incredible taste. It’s also a great food to eat on special occasions—it almost always shows up at wedding family meetings, for instance. Not that I’m speaking from personal experience. Hahaha.

10. Naengmyeon (Cold Noodles)

At first, cold noodles might feel a bit unusual. But the moment you take a bite of refreshing Naengmyeon right after eating Samgyeopsal, you instantly realize why Koreans love this combination. Its unique savory flavor and icy chill wash away the summer heat in one shot. Older folks recommend bringing your tongue close to it first when you eat—otherwise, your teeth might hurt from the cold… yes… haha.

One Thing Worth Keeping in Mind

When traveling to Korea, you don’t necessarily have to chase down only the ultra-famous, trendy restaurants.

Instead, if you step into a neighborhood restaurant where local people are standing in line, you will often encounter flavors that go far beyond your expectations. Korea is a country with an overall high standard of food, meaning you can easily enjoy a fantastic meal even at a restaurant that isn’t famous online.