Robert Evans/Eater
Barbecue has long been an integral aspect of Korean delicacies. Dishes like bulgogi date again centuries, although depictions present noblemen gathering outdoor in the 18th century to grill meat over an open fireplace whilst ingesting and reciting poetry. Currently there is no lack of barbecue dining places in the state, primarily Seoul — however there is loads of mediocre barbecue way too, so it’s superior to know what to seem for.
Just about any product can acquire center stage in Korean barbecue: Pork, beef, and hen are all common, and organ meats are broadly well known as perfectly. The most coveted are cuts of hanwoo, Korea’s beloved indigenous cow breed regarded for its flavorful, fatty marbling (there are around 120 words in the Korean dictionary to explain particular beef pieces, if you want to get technical). Sourcing great components is essential while sometimes intense marination can mask the taste of inferior items, on the whole, preparation for Korean barbecue is comparatively easy, making it possible for all-natural high-quality to exhibit through. Mouthwatering property-made banchan is also a very good indicator of a standout cafe. So is siksa (actually “meal”), a carb-dependent dish that could stand alone as a meal but performs even greater immediately after a round of barbecue, with well-known decisions like naengmyeon (cold noodles), fried rice, and kimchi jjigae, as well as additional unconventional requires that new dining establishments use to distinguish themselves.
Take into consideration this information a starting off point as you try to eat your way about Seoul. The list contains some timeless classics blended with some hotshot newcomers everybody is conversing about. No issue in which you decide, be well prepared to wait in line, as most restaurants really don’t just take reservations. As extensive as you make your mind up on the proper restaurant, the wait around is always really worth it.
Matty Yangwoo Kim is a previous Eater intern and a photographer of A Extremely Major Cookbook. Outside his working day work, he eats his way close to Seoul, often documenting places to eat and cooks through the lens.
Observe: Restaurants on this map are mentioned geographically.
