Taste of North Korea: Local Dishes, Restaurants & Recipes

Welcome to North Korea, a country known for its unique culinary traditions and flavors. The local cuisine in North Korea offers a diverse and delicious array of dishes that reflect the country's history, culture, and resources.

North Korean Cuisine

North Korean cuisine is largely influenced by the country's climatic conditions and agricultural practices. Rice, corn, potatoes, and wheat are staple crops, and they form the basis of many dishes. The cuisine emphasizes simple yet flavorful preparations, with a focus on preserving the natural taste of ingredients.

Some signature ingredients in North Korean cuisine include kimchi (a fermented vegetable dish), Korean chili paste, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Seafood, pork, and chicken are commonly consumed meats, while tofu and vegetables play a substantial role in vegetarian dishes.

Local Dishes

When in North Korea, you should definitely try these local dishes:

• Bibimbap: A popular dish made with rice, mixed vegetables, and often topped with a fried egg. It is typically served with a spicy chili paste called gochujang.
• Jjajangmyeon: A noodle dish with a black bean sauce, often accompanied by pork or seafood. It has a rich and savory flavor.
• Naengmyeon: Cold buckwheat noodles served in a tangy broth, often garnished with cucumbers, sliced beef, and a boiled egg.
• Pyeongyang-style Cold Noodles: Another variation of cold noodles, but thinner and chewier, served with slices of beef, pickled radish, and Asian pear.
• Kimchi: A spicy fermented cabbage dish. There are various types of kimchi, with napa cabbage kimchi being the most common.
• Samgyeopsal: Grilled pork belly served with various condiments and wrapped in lettuce leaves. It is a popular dish for social gatherings.

Notable Restaurants

Here are some notable restaurants in North Korea where you can explore the local cuisine:

• Ryongyang Myeonok: Located in Pyongyang, this restaurant specializes in cold noodles and offers a unique dining experience with traditional Korean music performances.
• Sasijang: Situated in Hamhung, this restaurant is known for its seafood dishes and stunning ocean views.
• Koryo Hotel Restaurant: Located in Pyongyang's Koryo Hotel, this restaurant offers a wide variety of North Korean dishes in a stylish setting.

Local Kitchens

North Korean cuisine is not just limited to restaurants. If you have the opportunity, it is worth experiencing local kitchens, where you can witness the authentic preparation techniques and enjoy home-cooked meals. It is a great way to interact with locals and gain a deeper understanding of the food culture.

Recipes

Here are a few recipes to recreate the flavors of North Korea at home:

Bibimbap

Ingredients:

• Cooked rice
• Mixed vegetables (spinach, sprouts, carrots, mushrooms)
• Fried egg
• Gochujang (Korean chili paste)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the cooked rice and the assorted vegetables.
2. Saute the vegetables separately in sesame oil.
3. Place the cooked rice in a bowl and arrange the sauteed vegetables on top.
4. Top with a fried egg and serve with gochujang.

Naengmyeon

Ingredients:

• Cold buckwheat noodles
• Sliced beef
• Cucumbers
• Boiled egg

Instructions:

1. Cook the buckwheat noodles according to the package instructions, then rinse with cold water.
2. Prepare a tangy broth by combining vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, and mustard. Chill in the refrigerator.
3. Thinly slice the beef and cucumber.
4. Place the chilled noodles in a bowl, top with the sliced beef, cucumber, and a boiled egg.
5. Pour the tangy broth over the noodles and serve.

Experience North Korean Cuisine

Visiting North Korea offers a unique opportunity to experience its local cuisine firsthand. From the diverse flavors to the traditional preparation methods, there is so much to explore and taste. Don't miss the chance to savor the authentic flavors of North Korean dishes during your visit!