If you are a fan of intense heat, Korea is your ultimate playground. Specifically, Spicy Korean Food is famous for its unique blend of red chili pepper flakes (Gochugaru) and fermented paste (Gochujang). However, it is not just about the pain; the balance of sweetness and savory “Umami” is what makes it addictive.
Therefore, if you want to explore the red side of Korean cuisine, here are 5 must-try dishes. Additionally, I have included difficulty levels to help you choose the right challenge.
Welcome to Level 1. Let me tell you how I learned that “red” doesn’t always mean the same level of fire.
Level 1: Understanding the Red Spectrum
Flashback: My dinner with Ssam in Seoul.
Initially, I thought all red dishes would burn my tongue equally. Nevertheless, I soon discovered that some are mild and sweet, while others feel like a volcanic eruption. For instance, I once ate a spicy stew that felt like a warm hug. But later that night, I tried a stir-fry that made me drink a whole gallon of water.
Consequently, I realized that knowing the dish before you bite is essential. For this reason, Ssam helped me curate this list for adventurous eaters.
Level 2: 5 Must-Try Spicy Korean Food Items
Instead of a ranking, here are 5 diverse recommendations for your spicy journey.
1. Jjambbong (Spicy Seafood Noodles)
- Heat Level: ★★☆☆☆
- The Dish: A hearty noodle soup loaded with mussels, squid, and vegetables.
- Why try it: It has a deep, smoky seafood broth. Furthermore, it is the perfect “entry-level” dish for those who enjoy a spicy kick without the tears.
2. Dak-bokkeum-tang (Spicy Braised Chicken)
- Heat Level: ★★★☆☆
- The Dish: Bone-in chicken pieces braised with potatoes and carrots in a thick, spicy sauce.
- Why try it: It is a classic comfort food. Indeed, mixing the savory sauce with steamed rice is a ritual every visitor should experience.
3. Buldak (Fire Chicken)
- Heat Level: ★★★★☆
- The Dish: Charbroiled chicken pieces marinated in an extremely spicy glaze.
- Why try it: This is the origin of the “Fire Noodles.” Specifically, it often comes with melted cheese on top to help balance the intense heat.
4. Dakbal (Spicy Chicken Feet)
- Heat Level: ★★★★☆
- The Dish: Chewy chicken feet coated in a concentrated, fiery sauce.
- Why try it: It is the ultimate challenge for texture and heat. In addition, it is best enjoyed with a side of steamed egg (Gyeran-jjim) to cool your mouth.
5. Nakji-bokkeum (Spicy Stir-fried Octopus)
- Heat Level: ★★★★★
- The Dish: Tender octopus stir-fried with onions and cabbage in a lethal chili sauce.
- Why try it: This is for the true heat-seekers. Consequently, you will likely sweat and cry, but the sweet aftertaste of the octopus is worth the struggle.
Level 3: Ssam’s Survival Secrets (How to Survive)
(Tips for the brave)
Don’t panic if your mouth is on fire. Instead, follow these local survival tips:
- Drink Milk or “Coolpis” (peach milk drink). Water usually spreads the oil and makes it worse.
- Eat Bean sprouts or Rice. They act as “buffers” for your tongue.
- Never wipe your eyes after touching these dishes. Otherwise, you will experience a pain you never imagined.
Level 4: Ssam’s Secret Map (Where to Go)
- For Seafood Heat: Visit [Gunsan-Ojing-eo] for their famous spicy squid and octopus.
- For Traditional Heat: Explore [Mugyo-dong Nakji Alley] for authentic Nakji-bokkeum.
- For Global Info: Read about [Korean Chili Culture] on Wikipedia.
Alice’s Bottom Line: The Heat is Worth It
Trying Spicy Korean Food is an unforgettable part of the Korean experience. Rather than playing it safe, take a chance on one of these red delights. If you survive the Nakji-bokkeum, you are ready for anything in Seoul!
Survival Hangul: Spicy Edition
- “진짜 매워요!”
- Pronunciation: (Jin-jja mae-wo-yo!)
- Meaning: It’s really spicy!
- “덜 맵게 해주세요.”
- Pronunciation: (Deol maep-ge hae-ju-se-yo)
- Meaning: Please make it less spicy.
- “물 좀 더 주세요.”
- Pronunciation: (Mul jom deo ju-se-yo)
- Meaning: Please give me some more water.