You have successfully downloaded the delivery app (Coupang Eats or Baemin). But now, you face the biggest challenge: “What should I eat?”
The menu is endless. To help you choose, I have selected the Best Delivery Food in Korea. These are the Top 5 menus that foreigners love the most. If you order these, you will never fail.
1. Korean Fried Chicken (Chimaek) 🍗
Korea is the “Republic of Chicken.” It is completely different from KFC. It is crispier, juicier, and comes in amazing sauces.
💡 What to Order:
– Ban-Ban (Half & Half): Get half Original Fried and half Yangnyeom (Sweet & Spicy sauce). It is the golden rule.
– Don’t forget to order Draft Beer (Saeng-maekju) to complete the “Chimaek” experience.
2. Jajangmyeon (Black Bean Noodles) 🍜
Have you seen people eating black noodles in K-Dramas? That is Jajangmyeon. It is savory, sweet, and incredibly addictive.
💡 Pro Tip:
Jajangmyeon always goes with Tangsuyuk (Sweet and Sour Pork). Look for a “Set Menu” (Jajang + Tangsuyuk) on the app. It is usually cheaper.
3. Tteokbokki (Spicy Rice Cakes) 🌶️
If you want to try spicy Korean soul food, order Tteokbokki. But be careful, it can be very spicy!
💡 For Beginners:
If you are not good with spicy food, search for “Rose Tteokbokki” (로제 떡볶이). It is mixed with cream, so it is mild, creamy, and delicious. Adding “Cheese Topping” is mandatory.
4. Jokbal & Bossam (Braised Pork) 🍖
Want something healthy and filling? Try Jokbal (Pig’s Trotters) or Bossam (Boiled Pork Belly).
It comes with mountain of fresh vegetables. Put a piece of meat on a lettuce leaf, add garlic and sauce (Ssamjang), and wrap it up. It is the best late-night snack (Yasik) in Korea.
5. Korean Pizza (Topping Monster) 🍕
“Why eat Pizza in Korea?” You might ask. Because Korean Pizza is different. We put EVERYTHING on it.
💡 Must-Try:
Look for “Sweet Potato Pizza” (Goguma Pizza) with a “Gold Crust” (sweet potato mousse in the crust). The combination of sweet mousse and savory cheese is a flavor explosion you can’t find in Italy or the US.
Editor’s Pick: How to Enjoy Like a Local 🥢
Ordering the Best Delivery Food in Korea is only step one. To experience the culture fully, you need to know two things: Perfect Pairings and Recycling Rules.
1. Best Drink Pairings (Gung-hap) 🍺
In Korea, specific foods have specific drink partners. We call this “Gung-hap” (Chemistry).
- Chicken + Beer: This combination is famous worldwide as Chimaek. The carbonation cuts through the grease perfectly.
- Jokbal/Bossam + Soju: The clean, bitter taste of Soju balances the rich pork fat. It is the adult’s choice.
- Spicy Tteokbokki + Coolpis: “Coolpis” is a sweet peach-flavored drink. It is the only fire extinguisher when your tongue is burning from the spicy sauce.
2. How to Trash (Recycling is Mandatory) ♻️
After enjoying the Best Delivery Food in Korea, you will have many plastic containers. Korea is very strict about recycling, even for tourists.
- Rinse: You must wash away the red pepper paste stains with water.
- Separate: Remove any vinyl labels or stickers from the plastic containers.
- Disposal: Put them in the designated “Plastic” bin in your hotel or building. Do not put food waste in the general trash!
FAQ: Ordering Tips
Q: What are the side dishes (Yellow Radish)?
A: Chicken comes with white radish cubes. Jajangmyeon comes with yellow radish (Danmuji). They cleanse your palate. Don’t throw them away!
Q: Are wooden chopsticks included?
A: Yes, but sometimes you need to check a box saying “Please give me disposable spoons/chopsticks.”
Q: How big are the portions?
A: Korean delivery portions are huge. Usually, one serving of Chicken or Pizza is enough for 2-3 people.
Conclusion: Diet Starts Tomorrow
Traveling is all about eating. Don’t worry about calories. Just enjoy the Best Delivery Food in Korea.
Now, open your app and make your first order. Bon Appétit (Jal-meok-get-seum-ni-da)!
Read Next: How to Order? 📱
Don’t know how to use the apps yet? Check my guide below!