Must-Try Foods and Restaurants in Seoul

Seoul, the capital of South Korea, is not just famous for its fashion and K-pop but also a paradise for food lovers. The city offers a wide variety of delicious dishes, including traditional Korean cuisine, street food, and trendy cafes worth exploring. Today, let’s dive into some must-try foods and recommended restaurants in Seoul!

1. Samgyetang – Ginseng Chicken Soup
A classic dish Koreans love for its health benefits.
Recommended Restaurant: Tosokchon Samgyetang (토속촌 삼계탕)
Located near Gyeongbokgung Palace, this restaurant features a traditional Korean ambiance and serves aromatic, flavorful ginseng chicken soup with a full set of side dishes.

2. Gimbap – Seaweed Rice Rolls
A popular snack that’s portable and comes with various fillings.
Recommended Restaurant: Gimbap Cheonguk (김밥천국)
This famous franchise has multiple branches across Seoul, offering affordable prices and a wide menu selection, including gimbap, bibimbap, and ramyeon.

3. Tteokbokki – Spicy Stir-Fried Rice Cakes
A beloved street food with a sweet and spicy flavor.
Recommended Spot: Sindangdong Tteokbokki Town (신당동떡볶이타운)
This area is home to many old-school tteokbokki restaurants. Try Ma Bok Lim Halmeoni Tteokbokki, a shop with over 60 years of history and a uniquely rich taste.

4. Samgyeopsal – Korean Grilled Pork Belly
Grilled pork belly served with kimchi, fresh vegetables, and dipping sauces.
Recommended Restaurants: Maple Tree House (단풍나무집)
A premium BBQ spot in Itaewon. Alternatively, try Palsaik Samgyeopsal, which offers pork belly in eight different flavors.

5. Gyeran-ppang – Egg Bread
A delicious street food featuring a soft bread base topped with baked egg.
Recommended Spot: Myeongdong
You’ll find numerous stalls selling this snack, filling the air with its irresistible aroma. It’s tasty, convenient, and affordable.

6. Dessert Cafes
Korea is renowned for its charming cafes and beautifully crafted desserts.
Recommended Cafe: Cafe Onion (카페 어니언)
With branches in Anguk and Seongsu, this cafe is famous for its traditional bread and excellent coffee, paired with a relaxing atmosphere.

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Tips for Dining in Seoul
• Don’t miss out on street food at night markets like Gwangjang Market or Hongdae.
• Korean restaurants often serve free side dishes, which you can refill as you like.
• Some restaurants require you to remove your shoes and sit on the floor, so check beforehand.

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If you’re a food enthusiast, Seoul will not disappoint. From main dishes to snacks and desserts, everything is unique and packed with unforgettable flavors.