Food Guide
Heat Seekers Rejoice: The Top 5 Spiciest Foods to Try in Korea
Jonathan
June 2, 2023
Calling all spicy food enthusiasts! If you're embarking on a journey to Korea and seeking to put your taste buds to the ultimate test, get ready for an adventure! Korea is renowned for its blazing cuisine, and its fearless locals embrace the challenge with open arms. If you're prepared to ignite your senses, allow us to present a comprehensive guide to the spiciest foods you'll encounter in Korea.
Our first contender is the infamous "Bul-dak," or "fire chicken." This fiery dish features boneless chicken marinated in a tongue-tingling sauce crafted from gochujang (red pepper paste), gochugaru (red pepper flakes), and Korean-grown cheongyang peppers. The chicken is then stir-fried, further doused in the spicy sauce, and topped with a generous layer of melted cheese. But beware, the cheese may deceive you—this dish is not for the faint of heart. If you dare, summon your courage and take on the Buldak challenge!
Next on our list is "Jjambbong," a scorching seafood noodle soup. While this dish has its roots in Chinese cuisine, it has been artfully adapted to cater to the Korean palate. Jjambbong consists of an assortment of seafood delights such as shrimp, squid, and mussels, harmoniously mingling with a medley of vegetables like onions, cabbage, and carrots. The soup is then skillfully seasoned with gochugaru and an assortment of other spicy ingredients, resulting in a fiery, lip-smacking sensation. For lovers of spicy seafood, Jjambbong is an absolute must-try!
Prepare yourself for a unique culinary adventure as we explore "Dakbal," the Korean-style chicken feet. Before you dismiss this dish out of hand, let's delve into its exquisite flavors. The chicken feet are carefully boiled until tender, then coated in a zesty sauce crafted from gochujang, garlic, and an assortment of spices. Admittedly, the texture may take some getting used to, but if you're seeking an adventurous gastronomic experience, Dakbal awaits your taste buds. You might be pleasantly surprised by the burst of flavors!
As we near the end of our spicy journey, we encounter "Bibim Guksu," a tantalizing dish of spicy cold noodles. This delectable creation provides the perfect respite on sweltering summer days when your cravings yearn for something both spicy and refreshing. The noodles, crafted from buckwheat, form the foundation for a vibrant sauce infused with gochujang, vinegar, and a touch of sweetness from sugar. The dish is then adorned with fresh cucumber, succulent slices of beef, and a perfectly boiled egg. With its harmonious blend of flavors, Bibim Guksu offers a lip-smacking spicy treat that effortlessly cools you down on a scorching day.
Order it on Shuttle from The Good Pork Cutlet (Pyeongtaek Station) - 더착한돈까스
A fiery addition to our list is the notorious "Buldak Bokkeum Myeon," or spicy stir-fried instant noodles. This dish gained immense popularity due to its intense spiciness, captivating the taste buds of spice aficionados around the globe. The instant noodles are cooked to perfection, then stir-fried with a blistering sauce concocted from gochujang, gochugaru, and an assortment of fiery spices. The result is a mouthwatering fusion of heat, flavor, and satisfying chewiness. Brace yourself for an explosion of spice and indulge in this notorious Korean favorite—if you dare!
You can order it from Shuttle as a side dish here at Ddaddi Pork Belly (Mangwon) - 따띠 삼겹 (망원점).
And there you have it, fellow spice enthusiasts—a comprehensive guide to Korea's spiciest culinary treasures. Whether you're a seasoned spice lover seeking the ultimate challenge or an adventurous eater searching for new gustatory horizons, these fiery dishes are sure to leave an indelible impression. Just remember to keep a carton of refreshing Korean strawberry milk nearby to extinguish the flames when the heat becomes too overwhelming.
Korean cuisine is known for its spicy dishes that can challenge even the bravest of taste buds. After indulging in these fiery flavors, it's essential to find ways to cool off and find relief. Let’s explore some classic Korean ways to beat the heat.
Coolpis is a Korean beverage specifically designed to cool off after eating spicy food. It is a probiotic fruit drink that comes in various flavors such as grape, peach, and lemon. Coolpis is widely available in convenience stores throughout Korea, and it’s frequently paired with spicy delivery dishes such as tteokbokki or dalkbal.
Sikhye, a traditional rice drink, offers a smooth and sweet taste that balances out the spiciness. You can find sikhye at Korean restaurants, convenience stores, and even some cafes. Its refreshing nature and palate-cleansing properties make it a fantastic choice for cooling down after a spicy meal.
Yogurt, with its creamy and tangy nature, provides relief from spicy foods. You can find a variety of yogurt drinks, including popular brands like Yakult, at convenience stores throughout Korea. Enjoy it on its own or as a complement to your spicy meal for a soothing and refreshing experience.
Bori cha, or barley tea, can be enjoyed hot or cold and has a natural cooling effect on the body. You can find it in Korean restaurants, where it is often served as a complimentary drink, or purchase ready-to-drink bottles at convenience stores. Its mild flavor and comforting properties make it a popular choice for cooling off.
Strawberry milk's sweetness and creaminess coat the mouth, offering instant relief from the burning sensation caused by spicy dishes. You can find strawberry milk in various brands at any convenience store in Korea. Grab a carton to cool down after a fiery dish!
Omija cha, or five-flavored tea, provides a unique taste experience with its blend of sweetness, sourness, bitterness, saltiness, and mild spiciness. You can find omija cha at Korean restaurants, tea houses, and some specialty cafes. Its complexity of flavors adds depth and refreshment after a spicy meal.
Korea's fiery cuisine presents a thrilling adventure for spice enthusiasts, but finding relief from the heat is equally important. Luckily, Korean cuisine offers a variety of cooling treats to soothe the palate and balance the spice. Whether you opt for the sweet sikhye, the creamy yogurt, the comforting bori cha, the classic strawberry milk, or the unique flavor experience of omija cha, there's a refreshing option for every preference. So, as you embark on your next spicy culinary journey in Korea, remember to savor the heat and embrace the cooling delights that await.
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