North Korean cuisine is practically indistinguishable from South Korean cuisine, and is a reflection of the gastronomic elements of neighboring countries.
National cuisine of North Korea
Rice is central to Korean cooking: it is cooked crumbly, viscous and liquid, and other foods may be added to it during cooking. In addition to rice, legumes (soybeans, mung beans, adzyki beans) are widespread in North Korea. So, soy comes in handy for making tofu cheese, its sprouts are often fried in oil, and fermented spices and various sauces are prepared on the basis of soy milk. It is worth noting that panchang is often served with rice and main courses - a variety of salads and snacks in small plates (mostly salted, boiled, pickled or fried vegetables with spices).
Not a single meal is complete without putting kimchi on the table (they are based on pickled cabbage): kimchi are served with garlic, onions, peppers and edible herbs, with radishes, fruits and even salted shellfish. To add flavor to some bland dishes, in North Korea they are supplemented with soy sauce or meat broth based on spices, herbs, herbs and vegetables.
Popular Korean dishes:
- “Kuksu” (a dish in the form of cold noodles made from buckwheat flour, seasoned with broth based on meat, vegetables and herbs);
- “Khemul-than” (spicy soup with seafood);
- Luotal (soup with meat and rice);
- “Hwe” (a dish of meat marinated in soy sauce or vinegar, with vegetables, fish or seafood);
- “Kadi-cha” (eggplant-based salad);
- Tokhorimuk (acorn jelly).
Where to try Korean food?
By going to a local restaurant, you can be sure that you will be served something of a set lunch - i.e. in addition to the main course, you will have soup, rice and kimchi on your table.
Tipping is common everywhere, although officially it is not encouraged, but if you wish, you can thank the service personnel with a small monetary reward (5-10% of the invoice amount).
In Pyongyang, to satisfy your hunger, you can visit the National Restaurant, where guests are treated to Korean food and local beer (the entertainment program is presented by evening performances of traditional music groups).
Cooking classes in North Korea
You will be offered to start your gastronomic journey in North Korea by visiting restaurants in Pyongyang - for those who wish, master classes on cooking Korean dishes are held, followed by an independent repetition of the actions by the chef and tasting of the cooked in a friendly company.
An exciting occasion to visit North Korea is taking part in the Culinary Arts Festival (April, Pyongyang).
