Are you worried about the food for your upcoming trip to Korea?
If you have seen K-pop idols or YouTubers crying and sweating over spicy ramen challenges,
it is easy to feel a bit intimidated.
But rest assured! Not all Korean food is fiery hot. In fact, one of the true secrets of Korean cuisine is
its mastery of the 'Sweet & Savory' flavor profile, created using perfect blends of soy sauce,
fruit juice, and sugar.
We guarantee a 0% spice level with these top picks.
Here are 5 fail-proof, non-spicy Korean dishes that
will have anyone falling in love at the very first bite.
1. The Ultimate Classic: Bulgogi (Marinated BBQ Beef)
If you cannot handle spicy food, Bulgogi is the very first dish you should look for.
It is the iconic symbol of non-spicy Korean cuisine.
Thinly sliced beef is marinated in a sweet and savory sauce made from soy sauce,
pear juice, and sugar, then grilled to perfection.
The tender texture of the meat and the sweet, flavorful broth are universally loved by people of all ages.
It is absolutely perfect when eaten with a bowl of warm white rice.
2. Premium Charcoal BBQ: Yangnyeom Galbi (Marinated Ribs)
If you want an upgraded BBQ experience from Bulgogi, Yangnyeom Galbi is the answer.
Thick cuts of beef or pork ribs are marinated in a sweet soy-based glaze and
grilled directly over charcoal. The subtle smoky flavor, the juicy meat, and
the caramelized sweet sauce create a mouth-watering experience that
easily rivals the best Western BBQ ribs.
3. The Savory Chicken Stew: Ganjang Jjimdak (Braised Chicken)
If bright red, spicy Korean fried chicken is too intimidating, this is your perfect alternative. Ganjang Jjimdak features chunks of chicken, various vegetables, and chewy glass noodles, all slowly simmered in a rich, sweet, and savory soy sauce broth.
💡 Local Tip: When ordering at a restaurant, simply say, "No spicy, please," or "An-maep-ge hae-ju-se-yo." The kitchen will make sure to remove even the dried red peppers used for the broth, making it 100% mild and safe.
4. The Korean Hamburger Steak: Tteok-galbi (Grilled Short Rib Patties)
Often referred to as the 'Korean Hamburger Steak' by foreigners,
Tteok-galbi is made by finely mincing rib meat, mixing it with a sweet marinade,
and grilling it into thick patties. Since there are no bones to deal with, the meat literally melts in your mouth. Thanks to its tender texture and sweet charcoal flavor,
this is a highly recommended meat dish that both kids and adults will devour.
5. The Sweet Black Noodle from K-Dramas: Jajangmyeon
Now that you have had enough meat, it is time to try some noodles.
Jajangmyeon is the famous black noodle dish you have probably seen actors
happily eating in countless Korean dramas and movies. It is completely non-spicy,
featuring thick, chewy noodles mixed with a rich, sweet, and savory black bean paste
(Chunjang) stir-fried with onions and pork. It is a hidden gem that leaves
every foreigner amazed once they take their first bite.
Complete Your Korea Trip with TripKorea
Now that you don't have to worry about spicy food, let TripKorea's verified accommodations and tours complete the rest of your journey!
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