Top 7 delicious dishes not to be missed on Christmas day in Korea

You may not know, but most of the traditional Christmas dishes such as turkey, stuffing, egg tarts, etc. are not available or are very difficult to find on the list of Christmas dishes in Korea . Although there are no Christmas dishes like other countries, there are special dishes for winter here. Therefore, instead of trying to find the Christmas experience like in your hometown or Western countries, try enjoying the differences with the following Korean winter dishes !

1. Korean BBQ – A heartwarming winter dish in Korea with friends

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Korean BBQ (Samgyeopsal) is one of the typical dishes that you cannot miss when coming to Korea in winter . Pork or beef is sliced thickly, then grilled right on the dining table, and you can eat it with raw vegetables such as lettuce, perilla leaves, or roasted garlic. Especially, in the cold winter air, sitting around the grill with friends and enjoying delicious pieces of meat will bring a feeling of warmth and joy.

What is special about Korean BBQ is the variety of side dishes, from kimchi, chili sauce, to hot soups or stews. Each piece of grilled meat, when rolled with vegetables and dipped in special sauce, creates an interesting and unforgettable culinary experience. Therefore, Korean BBQ has become one of the indispensable dishes in winter parties in the land of Kim Chi.

2. Jjolmyeon (쫄면) – A deliciously challenging spicy noodle dish

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If you are a fan of noodles, then you definitely cannot miss Jjolmyeon (쫄면) – a delicious, chewy noodle dish typical of Korea. Although Jjolmyeon is often eaten all year round, in winter, this noodle dish becomes especially attractive when prepared with fresh ingredients and spicy spices, helping to warm the body on cold days.

Jjolmyeon has chewy noodles, served with spicy sauce and some fresh vegetables such as cucumbers and carrots. Jjolmyeon's sauce is made from a special spice, combining sour, spicy and sweet flavors, creating a very unique flavor. Korean winter dish - Jjolmyeon is usually served in a large bowl, so you will feel the "strange" and "delicious" taste right from the first time you enjoy it.

3. Tteokbokki (떡볶이) – Famous spicy rice cake dish

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Tteokbokki is a familiar dish of Korean people , especially in winter. Chewy rice cakes are cooked with a rich sweet and spicy sauce and are often served with boiled eggs or fish cakes. Tteokbokki is not only easy to eat but also brings a warm feeling, very suitable for cold days.

This dish is often sold in sidewalk stalls or night markets, becoming a favorite snack of locals as well as tourists. When enjoying Tteokbokki, you will not be able to resist the hot, spicy, delicious feeling from each piece of rice cake, which will surely make you addicted.

4. Kimchi Jjigae (김치찌개) – Hot kimchi soup

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An indispensable part of Korean meals is Kimchi Jjigae - kimchi soup with spicy spices, pork, tofu, and especially fermented kimchi. Kimchi Jjigae is an extremely popular dish in winter, because it not only helps you keep warm but also brings a very unique flavor, helping you feel the traditional culinary culture of the land of Kim Chi.

This soup can be served with white rice, or as a main dish on its own. Each spoonful of the soup is rich in kimchi flavor, spicy, will make you feel extremely comfortable and pleasant on cold days. Kimchi Jjigae can also be combined with other dishes such as beef, seafood, creating many rich versions for diners to enjoy.

5. Hotteok (호떡) – Sweet and rich toast for a warmer Christmas day

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During the winter, Korean street foods like Hotteok are also very popular. Hotteok is a type of baked cake filled with sugar, honey, melon seeds and sesame seeds, giving it a very distinctive sweet taste. When enjoying Hotteok, you will feel the sweet taste of the cake filling, mixed with the crispy, hot cake crust.

This cake is widely sold in night markets or small shops on the streets of Korea, a favorite snack of not only locals but also tourists. Especially in winter, a hot Hotteok cake will be the ideal dish to dispel the cold on Christmas day in Korea .

6. Banchan (반찬) – Traditional side dishes

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Winter in Korea is also a great time to enjoy traditional side dishes (Banchan), such as kimchi, stir-fried vegetables, shrimp paste, or meat dishes. These Banchan are often prepared with special seasonings such as garlic, chili, and soybeans, which help to enhance the flavor of the meal and keep the body warm.

These side dishes will be served on the table and served with rice, providing a meal full of nutrients and rich flavors. You will be fascinated by the taste of each dish, and if you have the chance, try all the Banchan dishes in one meal to feel the diversity of Korean winter cuisine .

7. Soondubu Jjigae (순두부찌개) – Delicious Spicy Soft Tofu Soup

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Another soup that you must try in winter is Soondubu Jjigae – soft tofu soup. This is a familiar dish in Korean families , especially in winter. The soup is made from soft tofu, seafood or beef, and spicy spices to create a hot, nutritious dish. Soondubu Jjigae can be eaten with white rice and some side dishes such as kimchi.

Christmas in Korea not only makes the hearts of many travelers flutter with the snowy scenery and sparkling lights, but also attracts with its attractive winter dishes. From warm dishes like Korean BBQ, Jjolmyeon to spicy soups like Kimchi Jjigae or Soondubu Jjigae, all bring a unique flavor that you cannot find elsewhere. Traveling to Korea this Christmas , don't forget to enjoy the 7 winter dishes above to feel the warmth and richness in the cuisine of the land of Kim Chi!

Source : https://www.vietravel.com/vn/am-thuc-kham-pha/mon-an-ngon-ngay-giang-sinh-o-han-quoc-v16174.aspx